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PolyU-Shenzhen Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Futian) unveiled, powering High-Quality Development in the GBA through Shenzhen-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation

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PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute unveiled, partnering with Jiangxi to propel innovation and high-quality development in the textiles and fashion industry

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Tesla delegation visited PolyU

A delegation from Tesla visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 17 March for academic and technology exchange. Prof Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU, warmly welcomed the delegation, which was led by Mr Wang Wenjia, Senior Engineering Director of Tesla. The visit brought together Tesla’s senior R&D and recruitment leaders with PolyU scholars from computing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and building environment and energy engineering. Driven by a shared vision to cultivate innovative talent and advance technology such as sustainable energy and autonomous driving, both parties laid a strong foundation for long-term collaboration. Through project presentation and strategic discussions, both sides identified promising synergies between PolyU’s interdisciplinary research strengths and Tesla’s advancements in vehicle control software and powertrain engineering. The exchange highlighted a mutual commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineering talent. By connecting Tesla's R&D leadership with PolyU's high-calibrate talents, the visit also fostered a fertile ground for knowledge transfer and talent development. During the visit, the delegation toured PolyU's cutting-edge research facilities, including the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles and the Industrial Center. This visit sparked enthusiastic dialogues on translating academic breakthroughs into real-world industrial applications. PolyU remains deeply committed to partnering with global technology leaders to drive impactful innovation. We look forward to transforming these shared visions into concrete, long-term research collaborations that will help shape the future of electric vehicles and sustainable mobility.

PolyU all-acoustics brain-computer interface system forges new paths for Parkinson’s disease therapy through precise ultrasound neuromodulation

An ageing population is often accompanied by an increase in age‑related disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that impairs body movement and which is mainly alleviated by medicines or surgical procedures. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed the next‑generation “All‑Acoustics Brain‑Computer Interface (BCI) System”, leveraging “transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation” to deliver fully non‑invasive, deep‑brain and high‑precision neural modulation with ultrasound. The system presents a promising new therapeutic approach for treating Parkinson’s disease, as well as other neurological and psychiatric disorders. The team has begun clinical research in collaboration with Huashan Hospital in Shanghai and Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University. Developed by Prof. SUN Lei, Director of the Research Centre for Non-invasive Brain Computer Interface and Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, Prof. QIU Zhihai, a PhD graduate of the same department, and their research team, the system harnesses the physical properties of ultrasound to penetrate the skull and precisely target deep brain regions. Featuring a transcranial sparse ultrasound array comprising more than 128 individual transducer elements, it is paired with a custom driving system capable of independently controlling each channel for precise manipulation of the acoustic field. Through advanced dynamic focusing and beam steering techniques, the system achieves spatial resolution finer than 4 mm, enabling highly targeted modulation of deep brain regions to alleviate Parkinsonian symptoms. Prof. Sun explained that each of the two existing BCI technologies has its own constraints. Invasive approaches require craniotomy to implant electrodes into the brain, posing higher risks and irreversible consequences; while traditional non-invasive techniques, such as electrical stimulation, are limited by inadequate spatiotemporal resolution or insufficient penetration depth, making it difficult to precisely modulate deep brain regions. “Our BCI system can communicate with the brain to modulate its functions. With our PolyU-developed helmet-shaped gear, we can modulate brain cells by utilising ultrasound to achieve non‑invasive treatment for relieving Parkinsonian symptoms,” he elucidated. Building on ultrasound neuromodulation, the team has further developed sonogenetics technology to significantly enhance precision. “Different types of cells in the brain are intermingled, making it challenging to selectively modulate a specific cell type. Our sonogenetics technology can precisely identify and modulate targeted cell types—it is currently the only technique of its kind to be successfully validated by multiple independent laboratories, demonstrating its scientific significance,” Prof. Sun noted. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “The draft outline of the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan has identified brain-computer interfaces as one of the fresh growth drivers for the economy. Committed to supporting the Nation’s strategic development, PolyU has developed the All-Acoustics BCI System, representing a significant breakthrough in the field of biomedical engineering. Leveraging the University’s robust network in the Chinese Mainland, the research team has collaborated with leading hospitals to translate PolyU’s impactful research into applications, contributing to medical technology innovation and the wellbeing of our Nation.” The team has validated the technology’s efficacy through animal studies. “The mice with Parkinson’s disease exhibited significant improvement in motor function after receiving ultrasound modulation. Although Parkinson’s disease is primarily caused by excessive loss of certain brain cells during ageing, a process that is irreversible, we can significantly improve the symptoms by modulating the function of existing cells through ultrasound,” Prof. Sun added. In the next stage, Prof. Sun will expand the scale of clinical validation. He plans to collaborate with five leading medical centres to conduct a clinical study involving 100 Parkinson’s disease patients and systematically assess the ultrasound technique’s safety and efficacy, paving the way for regulatory approval and commercialisation. Looking ahead, the team also aims to partner with Hong Kong hospitals for clinical study and develop a more portable household version of the system, enabling patients to receive continuous treatment at home. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, the team is testing transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation for treating depression, weight control and sleep regulation. Devoted to the study of sonogenetics for a decade, Prof. Sun’s team has achieved remarkable results, filing more than ten patents for various technical approaches while receiving total research funding of over HK$76 million from the Innovation and Technology Fund, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other sources. Prof. Sun has also been named a Senior Research Fellow in 2025/26 by the Research Grants Council for his research in sonogenetics. The team’s research findings have been published in leading international journals, including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Communications and Cell Reports. 

PolyU research unveils mechanoelectrical perception in sea urchin spines, empowering next-generation biomimetic sensors

Sea urchin spines are not only for defence—they also act as natural sensors. A research team led by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with scholars from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), has discovered the mechanoelectrical perception in sea urchin spines, originating in their gradient porous structure, that allows the spines to instantly detect water flow. Using 3D printing, the team has replicated this structure and developed a bionic metamaterial sensor, which holds promise for breakthroughs in sensing technology. This innovation will drive the advancement of deep-sea technology such as marine monitoring and underwater infrastructure management, and can be extended to other emerging fields like brain-computer interfacing and aerospace. The research team found that, in the long-spined sea urchin (Diadema setosum), when a seawater droplet strikes the tip of a spine, the spine rotates rapidly within a second. Electrical measurements revealed that the droplet simulation produced a voltage of about 100 millivolts inside the spine; when the spine is immersed in water, water flow stimulation triggers a voltage of several tens of millivolts. This mechanoelectrical perception was observed even in dead spines, indicating that the mechanism is unrelated to biological cells. This response originates from the stereom structure of the spine—the porous internal skeleton composed of pores with varying sizes and distributions. These pores exhibit a gradual gradient along the spine from the base to the tip: larger pores and lower solid density at the base, and smaller pores and higher solid density at the tip, forming a bicontinuous gradient porous structure. As water flows through the porous structure, solid-liquid interfacial interaction occurs and the flow exerts shear force on the electric double layer, inducing the separation and redistribution of interfacial charge, which generates a voltage difference. The gradient structure intensifies the interaction between water flow and pore surfaces, resulting in a stronger voltage difference and enhancing the spine’s sensing capabilities. Inspired by these findings, the researchers used vat photopolymerisation 3D printing to create artificial samples from polymer and ceramic materials that resemble the spine’s stereom. Experiments showed that the spine-mimicking design produce a voltage output about three times higher and an amplitude about eight times greater than non-gradient designs under water flow stimulation, demonstrating that the key to the mechanoelectrical perception lies in the structure rather than the material. They also constructed a bionic 3D metamaterial mechanoreceptor that is designed in a 3 × 3 array with each unit made of gradient porous material. This mechanoreceptor can record electrical signals in real time underwater and precisely locate the position of water flow impact, without the need for additional electricity. The team’s bionic 3D metamaterial mechanoreceptor is designed in a 3 × 3 array, with each unit made of gradient porous material. It can record voltage signals in real time underwater and precisely locate the position of water flow impact, without the need for additional electricity. The research team points out that the gradient porous structure in sea urchin spines enhances signal transmission, thereby improving the precision and sensitivity of the mechanoreceptor. By replicating this structure in different materials, it is possible to extend its application beyond water flow sensing to various types of signals, including those measuring pressure, vibration and electromagnetic waves. This will inspire sensing technologies in multiple fields, such as in relation to its use in brain-computer interfaces to enhance the sensing of brainwaves and neural signals, with tremendous application potential. Prof. Wang Zuankai said, “Compared to traditional mechanoreceptors, our design excels in manufacturability, structural design flexibility, material versatility, geometric and performance control, and real-time underwater self-sensing. Leveraging gradients of porous materials and 3D printing technologies, we aspire to produce more nature-inspired metamaterial sensors with a range of materials, pore sizes and surface features that support potential applications in many fields.” At the forefront of nature-inspired science and engineering research, Prof. Wang’s team has also invented various new materials, including lotus leaf-inspired self-cleaning surfaces capable of rapid water repellency, Araucaria leaves-inspired surfaces that enable self-propelled liquid transport, and anti-icing structures that achieve spontaneous ejection of freezing droplets by replicating the biological mechanism of spore shooting in fungi. He envisions that their research will open up new avenues for the development of nature-inspired materials. “For natural porous materials, mechanical properties such as strength may not be the primary function, but rather a by-product of complex biomineralisation. Uncovering previously unknown mechanisms that lie beyond a material’s traditionally recognised function helps us to more comprehensively understand and fully utilise these natural resources. This is crucial for advancing biomimetic research,” he added. This joint research was co-led by Prof. LU Jian from CityU, and Prof. YAN Chunze and Prof. SU Bin from HUST. The study findings have been published in the international journal Nature.

PolyU shines at MWC Barcelona 2026 as the sole university exhibitor from Hong Kong and recognised as GLOMO Award Finalist

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) made its debut at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026, the world’s largest and most influential event for the mobile and connectivity industry. The only higher education institution from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, PolyU showcased a range of pioneering research innovations spanning the interdisciplinary fields of artificial intelligence (AI) for healthcare and education, next-generation connectivity and security, as well as smart city infrastructure, demonstrating the University’s capability to translate research outcomes into real-world solutions that benefit the global community. Leading the delegation, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “PolyU is honoured to be the first university from Hong Kong to participate at MWC Barcelona. This major international event enables us to demonstrate our capabilities in advanced technologies and interdisciplinary research to global audience. By engaging with leading industry representatives and presenting our world-class 6G, AI, and smart city innovations, we are not only showcasing PolyU’s research excellence but also expanding our global footprint and fostering partnerships that accelerate the transfer of knowledge from laboratories to the global market.” The PolyU booth attracted strong interest from industry leaders and international delegates such as the 6G France and French delegation. They interacted with PolyU researchers, exchanging insights on the technological landscape and potential cross-border research synergies. Among the PolyU innovations was the Virtual Patient Simulation System, which was shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards in the category of Best Mobile Innovation for Connected Health and Wellbeing. This places PolyU among the top tech innovators, alongside China Mobile, China Telecom, and Huawei, while also highlighting the University’s innovation and advancement in leveraging mobile connectivity to support the healthcare and wellness ecosystem. Developed by Prof. CHAN Wing Chi Lawrence, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics, the System is an AI platform designed to support medical professionals in making improved clinical decisions through simulated cases and predictive analysis. It facilitates early detection and personalised treatment, enabling hospitals and medical professionals to deliver precise, data-driven care. During the Congress, the PolyU delegation also engaged in high-level dialogues with key ecosystem partners, including senior representatives from world-leading technology giants, major telecommunications operators and smartphone manufacturers. These meetings explored avenues for joint research initiatives, standardisation efforts, and the commercialisation of mobile technologies. Additionally, one PolyU researcher participated in a pivotal roundtable discussion focusing on how optical fibre technology enables the future development of AI. The PolyU innovations showcased at the MWC Barcelona 2026: AI for Healthcare and Education Virtual Patient Simulation System: This AI platform uses simulation and predictive analytics to support early detection and personalised care. DocsDocs: LexiCare Companion: A mobile dialogue-practice platform designed for non-native nursing professionals. NeuroVoice – Full-Stack Verbal Brain-Computer Interface (BCI): A non-invasive system designed for psycholinguistic research. Next-Generation Connectivity and Security TruTru–An Embodied Tactile Companion: An interactive companion that replicates sensations. AI-Driven Third-Generation Semiconductor RF Integrated Circuit Design: This platform revolutionises the creation of wide-bandgap semiconductor circuits. Private Call Guard: A privacy-first, AI-driven phone scam detection platform. Smart City Infrastructure Blockchain-Enabled Cyber-Physical System for City-Wide Parking: A flexible solution designed for heterogeneous infrastructure Held from 2 to 5 March, MWC Barcelona 2026 has attracted over 100,000 attendees from 207 countries and territories. In addition to the exhibition, the event also featured keynote speeches, thematic summits, roundtable discussions and networking sessions—serving as a strategic platform for strengthening international collaboration.  

PolyU launches next-generation ophthalmic AI clinical co-pilot system, driving innovation in clinical-grade intelligent decision support platforms

With the accelerating trend of population ageing and a growing shortage of specialist doctors, enhancing the efficiency and consistency of ophthalmic diagnosis has become a critical challenge for global healthcare systems. A research team of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has launched the development of a next-generation clinical-grade ophthalmic artificial intelligence (AI) co-pilot system “EyeAgent 2.0”, aiming to construct an intelligent decision support platform with advanced clinical reasoning capabilities to assist doctors in disease diagnostic analysis, treatment planning and follow-up management, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of clinical judgments. The PolyU team previously developed the “EyeAgent 1.0” prototype system, capable of integrating multimodal medical data including clinical text and images, to provide diagnostic assistance. Pilot testing in hospitals across Hong Kong and Chinese mainland yielded positive clinical feedback. Leveraging this, the team is now developing “EyeAgent 2.0”. The new system is being developed around a domain-specific foundation model trained on large-scale, real-world multimodal electronic medical data from leading ophthalmic centres across different regions. It will integrate fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, angiography and clinical text data. The system will also simulate actual clinical workflows, including data integration, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and disease progression prediction through a multi-agent collaborative framework, realising the goal of upgrading from one-time image analysis towards continuous decision support throughout the course of disease. Based on current model validation and prototype testing results, the team anticipates that when fully developed the system, will significantly enhance diagnostic consistency and efficiency, while reducing the time doctors spend on case organisation and documentation. This will help alleviate work pressure in high-load clinical environments. The system’s design emphasises human-AI collaboration, with AI serving as an auxiliary tool for enhancing data integration and analytical capabilities while all final clinical decisions remain doctor-led. Prof. HE Mingguang, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology and Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health of the School of Optometry, and Director of Research Centre for SHARP Vision, who leads the research, said, “We will continue to incorporate into the system real-world clinical data from diverse regions for training and validation, further optimising reasoning performance and stability. Our goal is to develop the system into a ‘Software as a Medical Device’ compliant with regulatory standards, with plans to progressively advance registration and deployment efforts following completion of clinical validation.” He added that the project had applied for relevant government innovation and technology funding. The team plans to complete system development and validation within the next two years, followed by productisation and commercialisation. The system will pilot first in the Hong Kong market before expanding to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Chinese mainland and overseas markets. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, stated, “PolyU is actively promoting interdisciplinary innovation in AI and healthcare, striving to translate research outcomes into applications with social value. The development of ‘EyeAgent 2.0’ demonstrates the University’s substantial expertise in integrating AI, data science and clinical specialities. It also serves to enhance Hong Kong’s international competitiveness in medical AI.” The system is intended to adopt a hybrid business model combining annual subscriptions with usage-based charges and will enable flexible deployment tailored to diverse hospital information system architectures. The team aims to foster a trustworthy, standardised and sustainable medical AI ecosystem through continuous technological refinement and clinical collaboration, thereby enhancing regional and global ophthalmic healthcare standards. Looking ahead, PolyU will remain guided by societal needs, deepening the integration of AI with clinical medicine and delivering more efficient, higher quality and more sustainable solutions for healthcare systems through sustained research and development alongside institutional capacity building.

Innovating for the future: Advancing toxicity testing technologies for urban health

Air pollution is a leading global health risk, with PM₂.₅ fine particulate matter posing a particularly severe threat to public health. Prof. LI Xiangdong, Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) leads a team focused on identifying the key toxic components and emission sources of PM₂.₅. These fine particles are known to contribute to both acute and chronic health conditions, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease, and pose long-term risks to vulnerable populations. To foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, the team regularly organises workshops, bringing together local and international experts to discuss health issues related to PM₂.₅ and share the latest scientific findings and policy perspectives. Leveraging a global monitoring network and advanced analytical technologies, the team investigates the chemical composition, toxicity, formation, and emission pathways of PM₂.₅ in urban settings. In terms of methodology, the PolyU researchers have developed a range of innovative toxicity testing techniques, including the use of cell lines, animal models, and epidemiological data from human populations. These approaches enable multi-scale assessments of health risks associated with PM₂.₅. This integrated research framework not only informs future directions of PM₂.₅ studies but also offers evidence-based recommendations to governments and international organisations to develop more effective air quality policies to safeguard public health.  

PolyU and Ethereum Foundation sign MoU to advance blockchain research and nurture blockchain talent

The Research Centre for Blockchain Technology (RCBT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ethereum Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 10 February, marking a new chapter in their collaboration. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both parties in nurturing blockchain talent, deepening research and supporting development of the sector. The signing ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Ethereum Community Hub. Witnessed by Prof. Daniel LUO, Professor and Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Co-Director of RCBT of PolyU; Mr Victor ZHAO, Associate Director of the Research and Innovation Office of PolyU; Mr Shyam SRIDHAR, Team Lead of the Academic Secretariat of the Ethereum Foundation; and Mr Gilles SHI, Director of the Hong Kong Ethereum Community Hub, the MoU was signed by Prof. Allen AU, Professor and Associate Head (Research and Development) of the Department of Computing and Director of RCBT of PolyU and Ms Hsiao-Wei WANG, Co-Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation. Prof. Allen Au highlighted the importance of close collaboration between academia and the Web3 ecosystem. He remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing a new generation of blockchain research talents, enabling them not only to understand the fundamental principles of blockchain, but also to ensure its trustworthiness, usability and societal value. We believe that collaborating with leading institutions in the Web3 ecosystem is of great significance for advancing related research and talent development.” Ms Hsiao-Wei Wang shared the Foundation’s vision of Ethereum providing for the long-term public good, while also emphasising the crucial role universities play in advancing blockchain research and education. She expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Universities play a critical role in Ethereum's success as a long-term public good. They are where rigorous research happens, where talent is developed, and where difficult questions can be explored with depth and independence.” This collaboration demonstrates the shared commitment of PolyU and the Ethereum Foundation to academic and educational excellence. PolyU remains dedicated to advancing blockchain research, nurturing future talent, and contributing to a secure and trustworthy Web3 ecosystem through close cooperation with global leaders. The Ethereum Foundation will support PolyU in establishing scholarships to recognise outstanding students on the MSc in Blockchain Technology and MSc in Cybersecurity programmes, as well as PhD students engaged in pioneering blockchain research. In conjunction with the signing, RCBT co-organised the “Ethereum Hong Kong Meetup@Consensus 2026”. The event, hosted by the Hong Kong Ethereum Community Hub, Ethereum Foundation, SNZ Holding and ETHTAO, brought together representatives from academia, research, and Web3 communities to engage in discussions on the future development and real-world adoption of blockchain technologies.  

PolyU scholar won the 2025 Northern Kun Young Scientist Finalist Award

Prof Zijian ZHENG, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has won the prestigious 2025 “Northern Kun Young Scientist Finalist Award”. The honour recognizes his pioneering contributions in materials innovation, device engineering, and flexible energy solutions, particularly his breakthroughs in wearable electronics. Prof ZHENG’s research spans surface science, polymer science and materials, advanced micro/nano-fabrication technology, soft electronics and energy. His projects aim to develop next generation soft electronics for wearable skin-attached and implantable electronic applications. These innovations hold remarkable potential in healthcare, medicine, sports, and beyond, where flexible and curved substrates are increasingly vital. Prof ZHENG’s research team embraces interdisciplinary approaches, bringing together expertise in chemistry, materials science, physics, electrical engineering, biochemistry, and textiles, with the mission to develop novel nanotechnologies and apply them to wearable electronic devices. Beyond his academic role, Prof ZHENG has served as Director of PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Associate Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, and Associate Director of University Research Facility in Materials Characterisation and Device Fabrication. These leadership positions reflect his commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research and nurturing innovation. The 2025 “Northern Kun Young Scientist Award” ceremony was held in Beijing on February 5, 2026. Funded by Befar Group and co-organised by the World Association of Young Scientists, this award is forward-looking and focuses on potential technology. It aims to nurture young scientists with innovative capabilities and create an environment that supports industrial development through science and technology.