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PolyU project on HFpEF therapy supported by Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to pioneering healthcare innovation and medical advancement. A PolyU project aimed at improving treatment outcomes for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) through the development of a novel nanoparticle-based delivery platform, has been honoured with the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) 2025 (HLCA (HK) 2025). Led by Prof. CAI Yin, Assistant Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, the project titled “Targeting the Heart: Nanoparticle Drug Carriers for Innovative HFpEF Therapy” has received the HLCA (HK) 2025, with funding support of HK$389,000 for a duration of 12 months. HFpEF has become a serious health issue, especially among older adults. This condition is characterised by a stiffened heart that cannot properly fill with blood, and current treatment options are severely limited. Although certain natural cofactors can help regulate the underlying biological pathways, their clinical use has been hindered by instability and unintended effects. To overcome these challenges, Prof. CAI and his research team have developed a novel nanoparticle-based delivery platform. This system utilises a naturally derived, FDA-approved ingredient to transport a therapeutic agent specifically to the heart. This design protects the cargo from degradation, enhances its bioavailability, and concentrates its action precisely within cardiac tissue. The result is a targeted therapy that maximises therapeutic potential while reducing side effects. Prof. CAI expressed gratitude for the award and said, “Our compelling pre-clinical data demonstrates a significant reversal of key HFpEF symptoms. This project will now advance to comprehensive efficacy and safety testing. Our long-term goal is to translate this targeted nanotherapy through larger animal studies and into human trials, ultimately offering a transformative strategy to improve the quality of life and healthy longevity for patients suffering from HFpEF.” The Research Grants Council has collaborated with the National Academy of Medicine of the United States for the HLCA (HK) since 2022. Being part of the Healthy Longevity Global Competition at its Catalyst Phase, HLCA (HK) aims to call for bold and innovative ideas from any discipline that have the potential to extend the human healthspan. Each award includes a US$50,000 (approx. HK$389,000) cash prize at a maximum for a period of 12 months.

PolyU reshapes AI training paradigm, significantly reducing costs and democratising AI research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) has announced achieving several milestones in Generative AI (GenAI) research. The PAAI team is pushing the boundaries of AI with a novel collaborative GenAI paradigm known as Co-GenAI, which has the potential to transform frontier model training from a centralised, monolithic approach into a decentralised one. Significantly lowering training resource requirements, protecting data privacy and removing resource barriers such as graphics processing unit (GPU) monopolies paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible environment for global institutions to participate in AI research. Advances in GenAI research are presently constrained by three major barriers: training foundation models being so computationally prohibitive that only a few organisations can afford it, effectively excluding global academia from frontier model development; domain knowledge and data remaining siloed due to privacy and copyright concerns, particularly for sensitive information in healthcare and finance; and foundation models being static and unable to evolve with emerging knowledge, while retraining each frontier model ab initio consumes an enormous amount of resources and makes rapid iteration impossible. To tackle these challenges, the PAAI team has developed a novel model training framework that enables ultra-low-resource training and decentralised model fusion. The framework is theoretically grounded and has been validated through extensive real-world applications. PolyU is the first academic institution to open-source an end-to-end FP8 low-bit training solution that covers both continual pre-training (CPT) and post-training stages. This approach will set a new standard for training models with FP8 ultra-low resources while maintaining BF16 precision, in turn revolutionising the practice of model training and positioning PolyU among the few institutions worldwide to master this advanced training technique. Compared with BF16, FP8 delivers over 20% faster training, reduces peak memory by over 10% and dramatically lowers training overheads while maintaining performance. The pipeline integrates CPT, supervised fine-tuning (SFT) and reinforcement learning (RL) to achieve BF16 quality while shortening training time and reducing memory footprint. The team has begun exploring even lower-cost FP4 precision training, with initial results reported in academic publications1. In medical applications, the models trained by these pipelines outperform all peer models on diagnosis and reasoning across all key areas2. In research agent application, the models also demonstrate exceptional performance in complex task handling, generalisation and report quality3. Until now, foundation model training has followed scaling laws: more parameters yield broader knowledge and stronger performance. However, centralised training typically requires millions of GPU hours—a resource available to only a few organisations. The PolyU InfiFusion model fusion achieves a key milestone in model fusion research: it uses only hundreds of GPU hours to fuse large models that would otherwise require 1–2 million GPU hours to train from scratch. The team has merged four state-of-the-art models in 160 GPU hours4-5, avoiding million-scale training budgets while delivering fused models that significantly outperform the originals across multiple key benchmarks. The team has published the first theoretical validation of model fusion—a concept championed by Thinking Machines Lab. Through rigorous mathematical derivation, they proposed the “Model Merging Scaling Law,” suggesting there is another viable pathway to artificial general intelligence (AGI)6. Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of PolyU PAAI, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Professor of the Department of Computing, stated, “Ultra-low-resource foundation model training, combined with efficient model fusion, enables academic researchers worldwide to advance GenAI research through collaborative innovation.” The team has also demonstrated the potential of its training pipelines through applications across specific domains, including state-of-the-art medical foundation and cancer AI models that achieve best-in-class performance. With the integration of high-quality domain-specific data, these models can adapt to medical devices for different scenarios, including personalised treatment and AI-based radiotherapy for oncology. In this context, the team is now collaborating with Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong. PAAI has also introduced a leading agentic AI application in deep search and academic paper assistance—a graduate-level academic paper writer with agentic capability that supports a multimodal patent-search engine for end-to-end research and manuscript drafting. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, stated, “AI is a key driver in accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. The newly established PAAI is dedicated to expediting AI integration across key sectors and developing domain-specific models for diverse industries. These initiatives will not only solidify the leading position of PolyU in related fields, but also help position Hong Kong as a global hub for GenAI.” The research project led by Prof. Yang Hongxia is supported and funded by the Theme-based Research Scheme 2025/26 under the Research Grants Council, the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government, and the Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme under Cyberport. It marks a significant step forward for Hong Kong in global AI innovation and accelerating the democratisation and industrial implementation of AI technology.   1InfiR2: A Comprehensive FP8 Training Recipe for Reasoning-Enhanced Language Models,  https://arxiv.org/html/2509.22536v3 2InfiMed: Low-Resource Medical MLLMs with Advancing Understanding and Reasoning, https://arxiv.org/html/2505.23867 3InfiAgent: Self-Evolving Pyramid Agent Framework for Infinite Scenarios, https://arxiv.org/html/2509.22502 4InfiGFusion: Graph-on-Logits Distillation via Efficient Gromov-Wasserstein for Model Fusion, https://arxiv.org/html/2505.13893 5InfiFPO: Implicit Model Fusion via Preference Optimization in Large Language Models, https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.13878 6Model Merging Scaling Laws in Large Language Models, https://arxiv.org/html/2509.24244

PolyU research achieves record efficiency in semi-transparent solar cells, advancing the development of building-integrated photovoltaics

Transparent solar cells can be integrated into windows, screens and other surfaces, with immense potential for them to revolutionise the renewable energy sector. However, there are challenges to overcome, one of which is balancing transparency with power conversion efficiency. Semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) that offer the dual advantages of efficient energy generation and visually appealing design are thus attracting significant research interest. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have recently developed an innovative parameter to evaluate the potential of photoactive materials for ST-OPVs. By screening for the most promising materials and their combinations, the research has advanced the development of high-performance ST-OPVs and paved the way for their widespread applications in smart windows and sustainable buildings. With their unique discrete absorption, low-cost production and environmental sustainability, ST-OPVs have very significant development potential in the field of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). To fully realise their potential in the BIPV market and beyond, scientists have combined different materials and leveraged advanced device engineering technologies to enhance the efficiency and stability of ST-OPVs, while ensuring that the colour of the product appears natural under sunlight so that the photovoltaic system does not compromise the building’s visual appeal. Prof. LI Gang, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology and Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, together with Research Fellow Dr YU Jiangsheng, introduced a dimensionless parameter, FoMLUE, to screen a series of classic photoactive materials. It takes into account the materials’ average visual transmittance, bandgap and current density by investigating their normalised absorbance. The researchers found that ST-OPVs based on the ternary materials with the highest FoMLUE values demonstrated enhanced thermal insulation and operational stability compared with their counterparts, and achieved record light utilisation efficiency of 6.05% - the highest figure of merit reported for any semi-transparent solar cell. Their research additionally revealed the influence of geographical factors on ST-OPV performance. To explore the power generation and energy-saving performance of ST-OPV glazed windows, the research team developed a transient model to simulate power output and assess its impact on building space cooling and heating loads. The model, applied in 371 cities across China, has shown that over 90% achieved annual load reductions. Geographical analysis has further indicated that regions with hot summers and warm winters are the most suitable for the installation of ST-OPV glazed windows, with the annual total energy saving in these regions reaching up to 1.43 GJ m ⁻². A paper reporting the research, “Semitransparent organic photovoltaics with wide geographical adaptability as sustainable smart windows,” has been published in Nature Communications. Prof. Li said, “As an emerging solar photovoltaic technology, solar windows offer new possibilities for practical deployment in BIPV, renewable energy vehicles and agricultural greenhouses. Our findings highlight the multifunctionality and geographical adaptability of high-performance ST-OPVs in the construction of sustainable and energy-saving smart windows without compromising the integrity of architectural design, showcasing their highly promising commercial prospects.” Moving forward, the research team will continue to enhance the long-term stability of ST-OPVs and scale up development to large-area solar modules, both of which are essential for achieving commercialisation.

Six PolyU projects receive support from Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macau Technology Research Programme (Type C)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research and contributing to the development of a vibrant and sustainable innovation ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Six projects led by PolyU, spanning new energy, advanced materials, aerospace, electronic information, intelligent manufacturing, and high-tech services, have received support from the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macau Technology Research Programme (Type C) 2025. PolyU has emerged as the top performer in the 2025 funding exercise, securing the highest number of awarded projects among institutions in Hong Kong and Macau. Six PolyU projects were granted, each receiving close to the maximum funding of RMB 3 million, for a total of RMB 17.79 million.  This outstanding result underscores PolyU’s leadership in research transfer and collaborative innovation across the GBA. These projects are dedicated to delivering impactful innovations that drive the development of high-tech industries, including novel battery technology, coating materials for offshore engineering, aero-engine maintenance, AI-driven sensing, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopes, and construction safety in the low-altitude economy. Funded by the Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality (深圳市科技創新局), the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao Technology Research Programme (Type C) is a flagship initiative designed to foster innovation-driven collaboration across the GBA. It encourages universities, research institutions, and enterprises in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macao to harness their complementary strengths, catalyse globally impactful scientific breakthroughs, and drive industrial transformation. PolyU 6 projects supported by the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macau Technology Research Programme (Type C) Principal Inverstigator Project Title (Chinese Only) Funding Amount (RMB) Prof. NI Meng Associate Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, Head of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology 面向載具及便攜設備的增材製造輕質高性能質子導體燃料電池或電解池關鍵技術開發 3,000,000 Prof. WANG Zuankai Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering   高端海工裝備關鍵運動部件多功能塗層材料開發 3,000,000 Prof. H.C. MAN Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering, Chair Professor of Materials Engineering 數據驅動的航空發動機葉片多態協同激光熔絲修復技術 3,000,000 Prof. YU Changyuan Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering 基於AI驅動的用於機器人的柔性光纖多參量觸覺傳感的研究 2,990,000 Prof. WEN Xiewen Presidential Young Scholar, Assistant Professor of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering 面向診療一體內窺鏡的跨尺度玻璃增材製造技術與裝備研發 3,000,000 Prof. YI Wen Associate Professor of Department 低空經濟背景下面向智慧城市的高空施工安全巡檢研究 2,800,000      

Media interview: PolyU applies groundbreaking body measurement technology to develop compression garments

Prof. Joanne Yip, Associate Dean and Professor at the School of Fashion and Textiles at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been featured on RTHK’s TV programme “Hong Kong United” to present her team’s pioneering research in body measurement technology. In the interview, Prof. Yip introduced a groundbreaking anthropometric method capable of precisely measuring tissue deformation during movement, opening up new possibilities for functional apparel design. This research employs an innovative image recognition algorithm that enables precise body measurement by capturing 3D tissue deformation with an accuracy of under 2.36 millimetres in real-time. This dynamic approach tackles a critical issue in sportswear design, such as ill‑fitting garments that can restrict movement and increase the risk of injury, and significantly differs from traditional static scanning methods. The dynamic technology tracks actual tissue deformation, facilitating the creation of athletic apparel with zoned elasticity for optimal muscle support and the development of medical compression garments with personalised gradient pressure. These features enhance both comfort and therapeutic effectiveness. Such advancements demonstrate how the technology can improve performance, safety, and well‑being across multiple sectors. In addition, this research contributes to sustainable innovation within the fashion industry. By enabling the design of personalised functional clothing, the technology supports small and medium‑sized enterprises in developing high‑value apparel that meets specific needs while reducing material waste, aligning with broader sustainability goals. Prof. Yip highlights the transformative potential of advanced measurement technologies in apparel design. Her research not only addresses long‑standing challenges in fit and function but also opens new avenues for personalised, high‑performance clothing.  

PolyU student won Esri Young Scholars Award for advancing rooftop solar energy assessment

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to cultivating talent and fostering innovation to shape a brighter future. Mr TONG Lai-yiu Jimmy, a student from the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, has won the Esri Young Scholars Award 2025 (Individual Application) for his project titled “Assessing Rooftop Solar Energy Potentials in Hong Kong”. The awarded project aims to enhance rooftop solar energy assessment in Hong Kong by developing a GIS-based framework and algorithms to improve the accuracy of estimation models. It investigates the spatial-temporal patterns of solar energy potential across different districts and land-use and land-cover categories. This research provides novel insights for green building and sustainable development in Hong Kong. Mr. TONG expressed gratitude to his project supervisor, Dr Zhiwei Li, a former Research Assistant Professor at PolyU, and said, “Our ambition is to contribute to a sustainable future through innovative research.” Learn more: Assessing Rooftop Solar Energy Potentials in Hong Kong The Esri Young Scholars Award (YSA) is a competition aimed at recognising exemplary work in geospatial sciences and the creative use of applications for a smarter Hong Kong.

Let the city float: A hybrid floating structure solution for resilient, adaptable and sustainable urban development

Rising global sea levels, driven by the greenhouse effect, now pose an irreversible threat to coastal cities. Prof. Xiao Lin ZHAO, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and his research team have proposed a sustainable and smart floating structure solution, offering an affordable and eco-friendly approach to urban development in Hong Kong.  Floating structures—engineered platforms that rest on water bodies and support a variety of uses from housing to recreation—are no longer just futuristic visions. They are emerging as practical solutions to some of the most pressing urban challenges of our time, including rising sea levels, land scarcity and the need for climate-resilient infrastructure.   Globally, floating structures have been deployed in diverse contexts from floating runways in Japan and performance stages in Singapore, to residential communities in the Netherlands and floating offices in Rotterdam. These projects demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of floating platforms, especially in regions where traditional land reclamation is either too costly, environmentally damaging or simply unfeasible.   As a city renowned for its dense urban fabric and limited land supply, Hong Kong is at the forefront of this trend. With a projected land shortage of approximately 3,000 hectares over the next 30 years and a coastline vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea level due to climate change, the City faces mounting pressure to find innovative ways to expand its habitable space. Traditional land reclamation, while historically significant, is increasingly criticised for its environmental impacts—disrupting marine ecosystems, degrading water quality and requiring vast quantities of fill material.    Against this backdrop, floating structures offer a compelling alternative. They can be deployed in suitable water depths around Hong Kong, providing flexible, modular and environmentally sensitive solutions for a range of urban needs.  At the heart of Hong Kong’s exploration into floating urbanism is the Sustainable and Smart Floating Structure Solution (S²FS²), a visionary approach championed by Prof. ZHAO and his research team at PolyU, in collaboration with Prof. CM Wang and Dr. B Wang at The University of Queensland in Australia, and Dr. R. de Graaf-van Dinther at Blue21 in the Netherlands. The project vision was presented at the Third World Conference on Floating Solutions (WCFS 2023) and the conference paper published in WCFS 2023 Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering. S²FS² proposes a hybrid model that combines conventional land reclamation with advanced floating platforms, creating new urban spaces that are both adaptive and resilient.   The S²FS² concept envisions large-scale floating platforms, constructed from durable, lightweight and eco-friendly materials, supporting a variety of superstructures for recreation, community facilities and even housing. Unlike traditional land reclamation, S²FS² offers several distinct advantages: significantly shorter construction times, reduced environmental impact, flexibility in configuration and relocation, immunity to seismic activity, and resilience against flooding and sea level rise.   This hybrid approach is particularly well-suited to Hong Kong’s unique circumstances. For instance, the internal spaces of floating pontoons can be utilised for parking, storage or industrial activities, maximising the utility of every square metre. Floating structures can also serve as temporary disaster relief facilities, quarantine centres or emergency shelters, and can be relocated as needs evolve. Most importantly, by shifting non-essential functions onto water, S²FS² frees up precious land for high-rise residential development, directly addressing the City’s acute housing crisis. Despite its promise, the implementation of S²FS² is not without significant challenges. Hong Kong’s harsh marine environment demands construction materials that are strong, watertight and highly resistant to corrosion and fatigue. Traditional materials like steel-reinforced concrete are prone to deterioration, necessitating the development of new composites such as fibre-reinforced polymers and ultra-high-performance concrete.   Structurally, the modular nature of S²FS² requires innovative connector systems that can withstand dynamic loads from waves, wind and typhoons, while ensuring ease of assembly and long-term durability. When it comes to the shape of floating modules, although squares and pentagons are commonly adopted, 3D printing technology offers an opportunity for any shapes.    Construction logistics present another layer of complexity. Floating modules, often exceeding 50 metres in size, must be fabricated, transported and assembled with precision—often in challenging sea conditions. Automated construction technologies, drone-based photogrammetry and Building Information Modelling are essential tools for achieving the required accuracy and efficiency.   Stability and safety are paramount, especially in the face of extreme weather events. Floating breakwaters, both bottom-founded and floating, are critical for protecting assets from wave forces while minimising ecological disruption. Recent innovations include multi-use breakwaters that integrate renewable energy generation and green infrastructure.   Sustainability, including both environmental and social aspects, remains a central concern. The ecological impacts of large-scale floating developments—such as changes in water quality, light and noise pollution—must be carefully monitored and mitigated. At the same time, floating structures offer opportunities for green aquaculture, renewable energy integration and climate-resilient urbanism. Social acceptance, legal frameworks and governance models will play decisive roles in the successful adoption of floating communities.   From an economic perspective, S²FS² also shows promise. A preliminary cost analysis for the proposed Kau Yi Chau artificial island project suggests that a hybrid approach—combining 75% land reclamation with 25% floating structures—could yield cost savings of up to 16.5%, amounting to HK$27 billion for a 1,000-hectare development. These savings, coupled with the flexibility and resilience of floating solutions, make S²FS² an attractive proposition for policymakers and investors alike.   The momentum behind floating solutions in Hong Kong is further underscored by the recent success of the 4th International Conference on Floating Solutions (WCFS 2024) chaired by Prof. ZHAO. With the theme "Floating solutions for sustainable ocean development and blue economy", WCFS 2024 highlighted the strategic significance of developing sustainable floating structure technology—not only for Hong Kong but for coastal megacities worldwide facing the dual threats of sea level rise and overpopulation.   Source: Innovation Digest   

PolyU hosts International Low-Altitude Economy Summit, gathering global leaders from government, industry, academia and research to power development of low-altitude economy ecosystem

Organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA), the International Low-Altitude Economy Summit (the Summit) was held today at PolyU. The Summit brought together local, Chinese Mainland and overseas representatives from government, industry, academia and research sectors to share forward-looking insights into a range of key topics, that spanned low-altitude airspace management policies, research and development of innovative technologies, industry development models and urban applications, while also showcasing numerous innovations in related technologies. The full-day event attracted over 1,200 government and business leaders, scholars, industry experts and public, demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique strengths in standards, regulation, and alignment with international practices. The opening took place at the Jockey Club Auditorium on the PolyU campus, and was attended by Mr Michael WONG Wai-lun, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; The Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Legislative Council Member of the HKSAR and Founding President of LAEA, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Mr Kevin CHOI, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government; Mr Arthur LEE, Treasurer of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology of PolyU.  In his opening address, Mr Michael Wong said, “The development of the low-altitude economy requires not only government effort but also the support of partners from various sectors. I am very pleased that PolyU is a close collaborator in this regard. The government is rapidly advancing the development of the low-altitude economy. Among the first batch of 38 Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, 17 have already commenced, and another 11 are expected to be launched by the end of this month. In addition, next year, the advanced ‘Regulatory Sandbox X’ pilot projects will be introduced, covering more complex application scenarios such as cross-boundary routes and low-altitude passenger aircraft. The government will continue to refine the civil aviation legislation and regulatory framework while actively promoting the development of related infrastructure.” Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked, “PolyU has been working hand-in-hand with the government and industry to promote the development of the regional low-altitude economy and to accelerate the establishment of the Greater Bay Area as an aviation and logistics hub. This Summit provides an excellent opportunity for in-depth exchanges among experts from the government, industry and academia across different regions. As an emerging industry strongly promoted at the national level, the low-altitude economy is regarded as a key driver for developing new quality productive forces. In light of this, PolyU earlier submitted recommendations for the Policy Address which proposed advancing Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy through measures in areas such as infrastructure development, regional collaboration, and civil service training. Leveraging our strengths in interdisciplinary research and higher education, PolyU will continue to work collaboratively with various sectors to help Hong Kong and the entire Greater Bay Area seize the opportunities in this emerging field.” The Hon Elizabeth Quat said, “The low-altitude economy will bring revolutionary changes to transportation, logistics, public services, and different industries, creating numerous job opportunities and new direction for the younger generation. These changes will also bring the public an unprecedented level of convenience and efficiency. However, we still need joint efforts from the government and all sectors of society to safely develop the low-altitude economy. Collaboration among the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors is essential to drive breakthroughs and promote innovation in policies, systems, regulations, and technology. The LAEA will continue to work together with cities across the Greater Bay Area and different stakeholders to help the region become a global pioneer and demonstration zone for the low-altitude economy. It will also play the roles of both ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, supporting the nation’s low-altitude economy in reaching out to the world.” The first highlight of the Summit was a keynote speech by Dr BI Qi, Chief Scientist of China Telecom, with the theme “Building Intelligent Network for Flight Services to Release the Potential of Low Altitude Airspace Economy.” It was followed by two fireside chats. The first, moderated by Mr Kevin Choi, gathered officials from the Chinese Mainland, the European Union and Singapore, together with international enterprise representative to explore the policies and regulatory regime that support the low-altitude economy; the second, hosted by Prof. Christopher Chao and attended by scholars and industry leaders—including leading electric vertical take-off and landing and low-altitude systems developers—discussed how collaborative innovation across industry and academia can drive breakthroughs in and the translation of low-altitude flying and related technologies. Dr Bi Qi, Chief Scientist of China Telecom, delivered a keynote speech, “Building Intelligent Network for Flight Services to Release the Potential of Low Altitude Airspace Economy”. In the afternoon, the Summit featured four thematic parallel sessions. “Sandbox Project Progress Sharing” showcased the progress of ongoing Sandbox projects and highlighted the pilot outcomes, key challenges and policy recommendations. “UTM and UAV Technology” spotlighted research on infrastructure design for unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM), integration with manned airspace, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and related safety mechanisms in the Greater Bay Area. “Policy and Regulation” discussed policy frameworks that foster low-altitude economy development, covering public–private collaboration models and regional integration. “Industry Forum” presented UAV innovations in hardware, software and systems, with live demonstrations and video showcases of their applications in public services. Another highlight of the Summit, an Innovation and Technology Showcase was staged, where nearly 30 government departments, academic institutions and enterprises presented edge-cutting technology applications and the Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. These included a sentry drone system for early warning of GNSS interference, 5G-connected drone technology, a 5G drone integrated management cloud platform, an AI-powered aerial intelligence drone platform, an advanced wireless charger for drones, an integrated real-time precise point positioning-real-time kinematic infrastructure for cross-border low-altitude positioning and navigation in the Greater Bay Area, and drone-assisted urban logistics systems. An Innovation and Technology Showcase was staged during the Summit. Nearly 30 government departments, academic institutions and enterprises presented cutting-edge technology applications and the Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. Prof. Hailong HUANG, Assistant Professor of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and a core member Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy of PolyU, introduced some of the University’s innovations. Providing all-round support for Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy development  PolyU is committed to providing comprehensive support for low-altitude economy development in Hong Kong—from technology innovation, knowledge transfer and policy recommendations to talent cultivation. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The University last year established the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE) to advance interdisciplinary research that drives technological advancements in the field, while its Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology has made policy recommendations to the HKSAR Government on various topics related to low-altitude economy. Meanwhile, PolyU is actively expanding its industry collaboration network, driving innovation and knowledge transfer in the low-altitude economy. PolyU also this year launched a MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy to cultivate a variant talent pool for the sector.” Prof. Christopher Chao (centre), The Hon Elizabeth Quat (left) and Prof. CHEN Wen-hua, Interim Head of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, Chair Professor of Robotics and Autonomous System , and Director of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy of PolyU (right), attended the media briefing session. Prof. Christopher Chao shared key PolyU initiatives and plans to help promote the low-altitude economy. The International Low-Altitude Economy Summit demonstrated PolyU’s strong research capabilities, cross-sector collaboration network and advantages in knowledge transfer in the low-altitude economy field. It also showcased the thriving low-altitude economy ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, enhanced Hong Kong’s international influence in this field and gathered expert insights on multiple critical topics—making a significant step towards the vision of propelling Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications.   

PolyU researchers uncover target and mechanism of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine, paving the way for new treatments for viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease

Tetrandrine, a compound isolated from the root of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Stephania tetrandra, has shown promise in combating Ebola virus infection in previous studies. Its precise mechanism of action, however, had remained unclear. Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have discovered that tetrandrine works by blocking the transport of sphingosine – a lipid molecule essential for cellular signalling – and inhibiting the calcium channels. Their research has revealed the critical mechanism of tetrandrine for the first time, opening new avenues for drug discovery and disease treatment. Tetrandrine is known for its potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to inhibit nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP)-mediated calcium efflux, thereby suppressing the activity of the Ebola virus. Scientists have long believed that tetrandrine elicits its pharmacological activity by directly blocking calcium channels and their release of calcium, which is a key regulator of cellular function and physiology including immune response, metabolism, brain and neuron functions, and viral replication. Prof. Ben KO Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, has led his research team in using a specially designed photoaffinity probe alongside other advanced tools to visualise tetrandrine’s cellular target. They discovered that, instead of directly targeting the calcium channels, tetrandrine binds to the lysosomal integral membrane protein type-2 (LIMP-2) on the lysosome – the metabolic hub of the cell – and blocks the discharge of sphingosine from it. The team further found that it is the amount of cellular sphingosine that controls the activity of calcium channels: the less sphingosine released, the less calcium that can enter the cells. With this ground-breaking discovery, the researchers propose that tetrandrine can be used to disrupt processes critical to the survival and replication of viruses, such as Ebola and COVID-19, by targeting LIMP-2 to alter lysosomal calcium release. Importantly, these findings highlight lysosome-related mechanisms as a new frontier for drug discovery, offering novel strategies for treating diseases caused by calcium imbalance, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as certain metastatic cancers. Prof. Ko said, “This is the first time a function of LIMP-2 in calcium signalling has been uncovered. From a cell biology perspective, our study has revealed a completely new pathway for NAADP-regulated calcium signalling, through LIMP-2 and sphingosine. From an anti-viral treatment perspective, the study has identified LIMP-2 as a key target of tetrandrine for the treatment of Ebola virus infection, with broader applications in other antiviral therapies.” While illuminating tetrandrine’s biological mechanism, the research team has developed a technology platform that combines photoaffinity probe and multi-omics analysis. This platform not only facilitates studies of natural product biology, but also enables researchers to identify the molecular targets of other natural compounds, particularly those derived from TCM. By integrating modern analytical techniques with TCM, it modernises the use of natural products and expands their therapeutic potential in the fight against the most challenging diseases, supporting the development of innovative drugs. The research redefines how natural compounds, such as tetrandrine can be applied in modern therapeutic strategies. The findings have been published in Nature Communications, in a paper titled “Tetrandrine regulates NAADP-mediated calcium signaling through a LIMP-2-dependent and sphingosine-mediated mechanism.”  

Advanced cobalt-based catalysts boost efficiency in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and cut costs

With the rise of renewable energy and electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles have attracted growing interest. Prof. Molly Mengjung Li, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is dedicated to researching ammonia as a hydrogen carrier and has recently developed a highly efficient, low-cost catalyst, helping to advance the practical adoption of hydrogen vehicles.  The global transition towards sustainable energy has placed hydrogen-powered vehicles at the forefront of clean transportation solutions. As governments and industries strive to decarbonise mobility, the acceptance of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is gaining momentum due to their high energy efficiency and zero-emission credentials. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy vehicles hinges not only on the development of fuel cell technology but also on the safe, efficient, and cost-effective storage and release of hydrogen itself. Prof. Li, and her research team are investigating the possibility of using ammonia as a hydrogen fuel carrier and studying the stability of hydrogen energy storage in order to promote the popularisation of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Their study, published in Advanced Materials, introduces an efficient and cheap catalyst to facilitate the hydrogen energy generation reaction.  Hydrogen (H2), when used in fuel cells, reacts with oxygen (O2) to generate electricity, emitting only water (H2O) as a by-product. This reaction offers a compelling alternative to fossil fuel combustion, promising both environmental and operational advantages. However, hydrogen’s low volumetric density and the challenges associated with its storage and transport have long been recognised as significant barriers to its practical deployment. Among the various strategies proposed, chemical carriers such as ammonia (NH3) have emerged as promising solutions. NH3 boasts a well-established production and distribution infrastructure, a high hydrogen density and the ability to release hydrogen without generating carbon oxides. The decomposition of NH3 into N2 and H2 is thus a critical reaction for on-board hydrogen generation in fuel cell vehicles. Despite its promise, the practical implementation of NH3 cracking technology faces a major hurdle—the reliance on ruthenium (Ru)-based catalysts. Ru catalysts are highly effective for low-temperature NH3 decomposition but their scarcity and high cost impede large-scale adoption. This has spurred a global research effort to identify alternative catalysts based on earth-abundant, non-noble metals.  Cobalt (Co) has emerged as a particularly attractive candidate, given its favourable nitrogen binding energy and lower susceptibility to catalyst poisoning compared to other transition metals. However, conventional Co-based catalysts typically require high temperatures (600°C) to achieve satisfactory hydrogen yields, limiting their utility for mobile applications where energy efficiency and compact reactor design are paramount considerations. To address these challenges, recent research has focused on innovative catalyst design strategies that can enhance the low-temperature activity of Co-based systems. One such approach is the engineering of lattice strain at the catalyst-support interface, which can modulate the electronic structure of active sites and thereby optimise their interaction with reactants. Drawing inspiration from advances in strain engineering in other catalytic systems, Prof. Li’s research team has developed a new class of core@shell catalysts, exemplified by the Co@BaAl₂O₄₋ₓ heterostructure. Performance testing of the Co@BaAl₂O₄₋ₓ catalyst reveals remarkable activity for NH3 decomposition at moderate temperatures. Under high space velocity conditions, the catalyst achieves a hydrogen production rate of 64.6 mmol H₂ gcat-1 min-1 and maintains nearly complete NH3 conversion between 475°C and 575°C. These results are on par with, or even surpass, those of many Ru-based catalysts, but without the associated cost and supply constraints. Advanced characterisation techniques, including synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and electron microscopy, confirm the formation of a well-defined core@shell structure and the presence of nitrogen species at the interface after reaction, highlighting the critical role of the heterostructure in facilitating the catalytic process. To further elucidate the advantages of the core@shell design, a comparative study was conducted with a conventional supported catalyst, Co/BaAl₂O₄₋ₓ, which lacks the encapsulating shell. Both catalysts were prepared with similar cobalt nanoparticle sizes to ensure a fair comparison. The results are striking: while both systems exhibit increasing NH3 conversion with temperature, the core@shell Co@BaAl₂O₄₋ₓ catalyst demonstrates a significantly lower onset temperature for activity (200°C versus 250°C) and achieves near-complete conversion at 500°C, compared to even higher temperature for the supported analogue. Moreover, the core@shell structure exhibits superior stability under high flow rates, whereas the supported catalyst suffers from a sharp decline in performance.  The development of the Co@BaAl2O4-x core@shell catalyst represents a significant advance in the quest for efficient, Ru-free catalysts for ammonia cracking in hydrogen energy vehicles. By leveraging lattice strain engineering and strong metal-support interactions, this system achieves low-temperature activity and stability previously attainable only with precious metals. The mechanistic insights gained from this work not only inform the design of next-generation catalysts for clean energy applications but also underscore the transformative potential of interface engineering in heterogeneous catalysis. As the hydrogen economy continues to evolve, such innovations will be pivotal in realising the full potential of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel for the future of mobility. Source: Innovation Digest