Two outstanding young scholars from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Prof. Tsz-woon Benedict LO, Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Chemistry, and Dr Jiaxin LV, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, have been named on the 2025 “MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 China” (TR35 China) list in the “Visionaries” and “Inventors” categories, respectively. They are recognised for their pioneering research achievements in catalytic science and advanced manufacturing technologies, honouring their excellence in transforming classic technologies into novel applications and developing new cutting-edge technologies. Securing two of the five spots awarded to Hong Kong university scholars this year, PolyU further demonstrates its exceptional research strength and unwavering commitment to fostering young research talent and driving frontier innovation.
Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, congratulated the two scholars on receiving the prestigious honour, stating, “We are thrilled to see PolyU’s young talents demonstrating exceptional strength on the international research stage and addressing global challenges through pioneering achievements. PolyU has long been committed to supporting young scientists in advancing frontier research and technology transfer. Since launching the ‘Young Innovative Researcher Award’ in 2022, PolyU has sought to recognise young innovators with originality and breakthrough potential. PolyU will continue to provide robust support for young scholars and nurture a new generation of research leaders who will help shape the future.”
Prof. Lo developed the synchrotron resonant soft X-ray diffraction (RSXRD) technique, achieving a major breakthrough beyond the limits of conventional methods. In an international first, his work enables, the three-dimensional atomic-resolution mapping of framework aluminium (Al) in industrial-grade zeolite catalysts. This landmark achievement, published in Science in 2025, provides atomic-level evidence for the rational design of zeolites, definitively resolving the decades-long “black box” surrounding the precise spatial arrangement of active sites.
Delivering high precision, selectivity and energy efficiency in catalytic processes without requiring modifications to existing factory reactor hardware, the industrial value of this technique has been validated through collaborative projects. It offers significant scientific and practical benefits for improving carbon-resource conversion efficiency and helping address global climate challenges.
Dr Lv developed the Multi-container Extrusion (MCE) technology, which enables the integrated, seamless manufacturing of ultra-wide, thin-walled light alloy components that previously required segmented welding. This innovation increases profile width to more than three times that of traditional methods while reducing extrusion pressure by 70% to 90%. By establishing multi-scale material models and integrating artificial intelligence-assisted optimisation, she has significantly shortened product development cycles, holding four cross-border core patents as the primary inventor and patentee.
This original technology was successfully commercialised in 2024, driving the establishment of a 6,500-ton industrial production line. When applied to passenger vehicles, these structural components achieve a potential weight reduction of up to 50% and carbon emission reductions of approximately 30%, comprehensively rewriting the manufacturing standards for large-scale lightweight components.
Established by the MIT Technology Review, the annual TR35 global list recognises outstanding young technological innovators across multiple frontier tech and industrial fields. The TR35 China regional selection was established in 2017 to recognise exceptional and internationally influential young scientific and technological leaders in China.
