The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has made a historic debut at MWC Barcelona 2026, becoming the first higher education institution from Hong Kong to exhibit at the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event.
Led by Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), the PolyU delegation showcased a diverse portfolio of research innovations. The exhibition highlighted the University’s interdisciplinary strength in AI for healthcare and education, next-generation connectivity and security, as well as smart city infrastructure, demonstrating how PolyU’s research is being transformed into real-world solutions that benefit the global community.
Global Recognition and Strategic Partnerships
In a testament to the University’s impact on the global mobile industry, the Virtual Patient Simulation System was shortlisted for the prestigious Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards of MWC in the Best Mobile Innovation for Connected Health and Wellbeing category. The shortlisting places PolyU among the world’s top tech innovators, recognising the project’s innovation and advancement in the development of mobile connectivity to support the healthcare and wellness ecosystem.
Beyond the exhibition, the event served as a strategic platform for strengthening international collaboration. Prof. Chao and the delegation 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. PolyU researcher also actively participated in pivotal roundtable discussion focused on optical fibre technology enabling the future development of AI.
Prof. Chao said, "PolyU is honoured to be the pioneering university from Hong Kong to participate in MWC Barcelona. This platform allows us to demonstrate our capabilities in deep-tech and interdisciplinary research to global audience. By bringing our innovations in 6G, AI, and smart city to this international stage, we are not only showcasing PolyU’s research excellence but also reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading international innovation and technology hub."
Pioneering Innovations in Connectivity and AI
The University’s booth attracted significant attention 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. The showcase focused on key pillars of technology:
1. AI for Healthcare and Education
• Virtual Patient Simulation System: Shortlisted for the prestigious GLOMO Awards (Best Mobile Innovation for Connected Health and Wellbeing), this AI platform helps medical professionals make better decisions through simulated cases and predictions. It supports early detection and personalised treatment, delivering precise, data-driven care for hospitals and insurers.
• DocsDocs: LexiCare Companion: A mobile dialogue-practice platform designed to enhance pragmatic competence and spoken English for non-native nursing professionals and students.
• NeuroVoice (神語) – Full-Stack Verbal Brain-Computer Interface (BCI): A non-invasive system designed for psycholinguistic research that also serves as a vital assisted communication tool for individuals with communication disorders.
2. Next-Generation Connectivity and Security
• TruTru – An Embodied Tactile Companion: this interactive companion replicates sensations through precise control of friction, temperature, and texture. It shows promise in therapeutic contexts, emotional regulation, and immersive communication.
• AI-Driven Third-Generation Semiconductor RF Integrated Circuit Design: This platform revolutionizes the creation of wide-bandgap semiconductor circuits (e.g., Gallium Nitride) for 5G and IoT industries. By applying advanced AI algorithms, it can reduce circuit area by up to 50% and cut design time by 30%, significantly accelerating product iteration.
• Private Call Guard: A privacy-first, AI-driven phone scam detection platform. It sanitizes conversations on-device before cloud-based Large Language Model (LLM) analysis, targeting telecom operators and financial institutions who prioritize user privacy.
3. Smart City Infrastructure
• Blockchain-Enabled Cyber-Physical System for City-Wide Parking: A flexible solution designed for heterogeneous infrastructure, allowing for rapid, secure, and transparent management of city-wide parking resources.
Through participating in MWC Barcelona, PolyU continues to expand its global footprint, fostering partnerships that accelerate the transfer of knowledge from campus laboratories to the global market.
