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PolyU Joined EmTech Hong Kong 2017 as Host Innovation Partner

PolyU joined the second edition of EmTech Hong Kong (EmTech HK) as Host Innovation Partner. Co-organised by MIT Technology Review and Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, EmTech HK concluded on a high note after two days of thought-provoking discussions on the latest breakthroughs in science and technology. Held from 6 – 7 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, EmTech HK was attended by close to 400 C-level executives from 13 countries, to glimpse breakthrough research and discoveries around the world introduced by speakers who feature cutting-edge technologies in the areas of Personalised Medicine, New Materials, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Virtual Reality, FinTech, Cybersecurity and Future Cities. Professor Alexander Wai, Vice President (Research Development) and Chair Professor of Optical Communications of PolyU, delivered the opening address highlighting PolyU’s mission on continuously pushing the frontiers of knowledge through ground-breaking research with practical applications. “As the university celebrates its 80th anniversary, it can look fondly on a wealth of prominent achievements from lunar exploration projects and aviation services, to railway monitoring technologies, new drug developments and food safety,” said Professor Wai. “MIT Technology Review is the world's oldest and most respected technology publication since 1899, and EmTech is a very unique emerging technologies conference hosted by MIT Technology Review. As a curation of the world’s leading scientists, technology executives and investors, EmTech has grown into a global community in the United States, Europe, South America, India, Singapore, and now in Hong Kong,” he added. Professor Hwa-yaw Tam, Head of Department of Electrical Engineering of PolyU, in his speech entitled “Pulse Diagnosis from Human Beings to Railways”, shared his insights on PolyU’s proprietary optical fibre sensing technology in monitoring railway, how the successful extension of optical fibre sensors to measure rails’ "pulses" provides vital information of the health condition of railways in Hong Kong and Singapore. Some technological showcases are introduced at PolyU’s booth including a UAV and VR Headset for a Virtual PolyU Tour, Smart Fetal Monitoring Belt and a Distributed Intelligent Multi-Robot System. Click here for event snapshots. For the conference details, please visit http://www.emtechhk.com

6 Jun, 2017

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PolyU wins three “TechConnect Global Innovation Awards” ‧ The first and the only university awardee from Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has brought glory to Hong Kong by winning three Global Innovation Awards at the TechConnect World Conference and Expo 2017 (TechConnect World). It is the first time for a Hong Kong higher education institution to receive the award. PolyU is also the only awardee from Hong Kong. The annual TechConnect World held in the US aims for supporting the development and commercialization of innovations. For years, it has been providing an international platform for research laboratories and universities to exchange and collaborate with the industry sector, and has become the largest multi-sector signature event of its kind in the world. This year, the event gathers more than 4,000 technology innovators, ventures, industrial partners and investors from over 70 countries. TechConnect World only grants awards to the top 20% of innovations submitted, with assessment based on the potential positive impact the submitted technology will have on a specific industry sector. This year, 26 global awards are presented to non-US-federal-funded innovations across the world. Another 60 national awards are granted to innovations with US federal funding. The awardees include a number of global-renowned research institutes, such as NASA, US Department of Energy, National Labs, Berkeley National Lab, Princeton Lab, UCLA, Georgia Tech, University of Melbourne, etc. For details of TechConnect World, please visit its official website: http://www.techconnectworld.com/World2017/ The three winning innovations of PolyU are (please refer to Annex for project brief): • Multi-functional nano-coating for glass — Dr Lin LU, Associate Professor, Department of Building Services Engineering • Passive anti-vibration structures — Dr JING Xingjian, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering • Personalised energy saving thermal-comfort platform — Dr WANG Dan, Associate Professor, Department of Computing    Dr Terence LAU, Director of Innovation and Technology Development of PolyU, said the University has been putting great efforts in developing high-impact research for coping with the changing and unmet needs of the society. "We aim at applying our research findings, through knowledge transfer, to make the world a better place for mankind and to benefit our society. The TechConnect Innovation Awards are certainly a recognition for our research efforts and achievements, and serve as a shot in the arm for our research faculty members." PolyU researchers exchange on product development in international arena The PolyU delegation received the awards at the TechConnect World event held in Washington, D.C. from 15 to 17 May. They also showcased 11 innovation projects at the PolyU booth at the expo. Besides attending various exchange sessions with members from the industry, government and academia sectors around the world, PolyU delegates also explored product development and cooperation opportunities with executives from Fortune Listed top multinational corporations, including Eastman, Henkel, Ingersoll Rand, Saint Gobain, etc. The "multi-functional nano-coating for glass" project conducted by Dr Lin LU has received keen responses from renowned multinational companies which indicated intention for collaborating with PolyU in further research and project development. In their meeting with PolyU delegates, many corporation leaders indicated that collaborating with institutions that develop cutting-edge technologies is an integral part of their innovation strategy. They believed that combining PolyU's unique technologies with corporations' global market access would help generate mutual benefits in the future. The Three PolyU Projects with 2017 TechConnect Global Innovation Awards Multi-functional Nano-coating for Glass: Self-cleaning, Heat-insulation, Energy-saving —  Dr Lin LU, Associate Professor, Department of Building Services Engineering With large amount of outdoor near-infrared light transmitting through windows, drawing indoor temperature rise, many buildings in Hong Kong suffer from high-cost air-conditioning. In recent years, there were also repeated fatal accidents arising from cleaning windows in high-rises. The novel multi-functional transparent nano-coating for glass developed by PolyU researchers can help address the two problems at the same time. The super-hydrophilic self-cleaning coating has thermal insulation and photocatalysis properties. Besides blocking over 90% of near-infrared light and 99% ultra-violet light, the coating can also break down organic pollutants. The highly cost-efficient coating can be widely used in building glass curtains (including shopping malls, offices), smart homes, aircrafts, etc. It is developed mainly with nanoscale TiO2 and Cesium Tungsten Bronze mixture particles. The two materials are synthesized respectively by low-cost hydrothermal method and high-temperature calcination technique. Bio-inspired Anti-vibration Structures: Enhancing Health Protection for Workers —  Dr JING Xingjian, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering Inspired by the limb structures of birds and insects in motion vibration control, the novel nonlinear X-shaped anti-vibration system developed by PolyU researchers has three unique advantages: nearly "zero response" to any vibration; high loading capacity; automatic high damping for strong vibration, yet low damping for small vibration. The technology can significantly reduce vibration in various engineering practices. It can thus be widely applied in railways, vehicles, marine and aeronautic engineering, mechanic and precise machines, robotics, and various civil structures like bridges, buildings, etc. The innovation has obtained patents of Mainland China, Hong Kong and the US. The research team has applied the technology in developing an assistive anti-vibration exoskeleton for hand-held drilling devices. The low-cost exoskeleton can significantly suppress vibration, and can therefore markedly help prevent hand-arm occupation diseases among construction workers.  For details:- https://www.polyu.edu.hk/archive/media-releases/en/index_id_6416.html Personalised Thermal-Comfort Platform for Green Smart Living —  Dr WANG Dan, Associate Professor, Department of Computing Offices with centralised air-conditioning are often being complained of having temperature set too low, leading to energy wastage, and adversely affecting the comfort, work efficiency and even health of the occupants. The novel scalable personalized thermal-comfort platform developed by PolyU researchers can automatically adjust the temperature to a level comfortable for occupants (individuals or groups) based on estimations deprived from their daily operations. The model can help improve thermal comfort, and greatly save energy consumption and expenses.

15 May, 2017

Awards and Achievements

Finland 100 – PolyU Innovation and Technology Development Lecture

Initiated by Innovation and Technology Development Office (ITDO), PolyU will cooperate with Consulate General of Finland to organize The Finland 100 – PolyU Innovation and Technology Development Lecture Series, aiming to promote technology innovation and mutual collaboration in various areas with Finland. Jointly organized by ITDO and the Tekes (the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation), experts from Finland will share the country’s funding scheme for innovation and technology support; their latest innovation and technology development on healthcare and health tech, start-up in gaming and digital innovation and food safety in the lecture series.   The Finland 100 –PolyU lecture series will include February 16: Change – Boosting Innovation in the Digital Era Mr. Pekka Soini, Director General of TEKES March 9: Finnish Innovations in Healthcare and Health Technologies Mr. Anssi Pulkkinen, Director of Wellbeing and Health, TEKES April 21: Finnish Start-up Ecosystem, Digital and Gaming Innovations Mr. Peter Vesterbacka former Chairman of Rovio; Mr. Antti Saarnio, Chairman of Jolla May 9: Finland Innovation for Food and Food Safety Technology Ms. Jaana Husu-Kallio, The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland

16 Feb, 2017

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Meeting with delegates from the School of Food Science and Technology at Jiangnan University

Innovation and Technology Development Office (ITDO) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) received an official delegation from the Jiangnan University, and coordinated a meeting with representatives from the Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology of the PolyU. The School of Food Science and Technology at Jiangnan University is the leading food science & technology program in Mainland China; while the PolyU is the leading research institute in food science and safety in Hong Kong. Both universities expressed a devoted enthusiasm in further exploring collaboration opportunities on food-related research, as well as to explore opportunities to facilitate knowledge transfer to the Mainland China.   To view the snapshots of the Meeting, please visit here.

10 Dec, 2016

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PolyU and Huawei jointly set up the first laboratory in optical communications and advanced computing systems in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to unveil the plaque today (30 November) for the "PolyU-Huawei Joint Laboratory for Optical Interconnection Network and Advanced Computing System" (Joint Lab). This is the first joint laboratory of high-capacity optical communications and advanced computing systems in Hong Kong, fostering PolyU's continuous partnership with Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. (Huawei).   The plaque unveiling ceremony was officiated by Ir Professor Alex Wai, Vice President (Research Development), PolyU and Mr. Jun Zha, President, Central Research Institute of Huawei.   Through the Joint Lab, PolyU and Huawei will work on researches relating to high-capacity optical communication systems including long-haul and short-reach data center transmission systems, computer networks and systems, and big data computing. It aims to pioneer the research in the field of optical communication systems and advanced computing systems by leveraging synergy of the industry and the university. It targets at bolstering significantly the capacity of internet systems through technological breakthroughs, as well as developing system infrastructure and algorithmic solutions for computing-driven innovation.   "The PolyU-Huawei Joint Lab for Optical Interconnection Network and Advanced Computing System was established to combine PolyU's strength in applying technological innovation and Huawei's leadership in the industry with an objective to develop high-capacity optical communication systems. It will enable a breakthrough in high-impact data technology to increase internet traffic significantly," said Professor Wai at the ceremony.   PolyU's collaboration with Huawei has commenced since 2007. Their joint efforts have contributed to the establishment of the first 100Gbit/s per wavelength optical communication system in China. Research experts from different PolyU academic and research units, including Department of Electronic and Information Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Computing, Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Applied Mathematics and Department of Applied Physics, are engaged in the numerous collaborative projects between PolyU and Huawei. The research areas include but are not limited to communication, big data, crowdsourcing platforms, mobile networks, wearable devices, algorithms as well as materials. It is hoped that with the establishment of the Joint Lab, the scope of collaboration could be further extended in both breadth and depth.   "The PolyU-Huawei Joint Lab will further integrate the advantages and strengths of the university and the enterprise in the area of innovative research and this collaboration will enhance our research ability. By building together a platform to share resources for innovation, the Joint Lab will enable our complementary development so as to achieve impactful R&D outputs and to jointly nurture talents of high caliber. This will result in increased global competitiveness and a win-win situation," said Mr Zha.   Through close collaboration, PolyU and Huawei will be able to further develop high-impact translational research and next-generation technological advances in the telecommunications and advanced computing industry. Please click here for event photos

30 Nov, 2016

Research and Innovation

Hong Kong and European Universities Working Together to Advance Global Food Safety

Location: Brussels, Belgium   Lund University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University clinch collaborative agreements with Technical University of Denmark and University of Bologna on mission to advance global food safety   Lund University (LU), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the University of Bologna (Unibo) jointly announce the addition of DTU and Unibo as new partners in the establishment of a Joint Centre of Excellence in Food Safety (Joint Centre). The four parties will achieve greater synergy in advancing global food safety with this exciting alliance.   The Joint Centre was conceived by LU and PolyU in February 2016. In September 2016 representatives of the four universities met to kick-start this exciting platform, which will gather the expertise and resources of the four universities in fostering industry-academic-government collaborations towards safer food. Antimicrobial resistance, food authenticity, and safe food packaging are among the imminent food safety challenges. The collaborating universities will tackle through world-class innovative science and technology that can be translated into applications aimed at enhancing food safety. Exchanges between academics and students as well as expansion of partnerships with other stakeholders are also on the radar.   The Joint Centre partners have also agreed to follow up on the success of the first Global Food Safety and Technology Conference, which was held in February 2016. The second conference will be named GoFood, which will be organized by LU and DTU, and co-organized by PolyU and Unibo in late May, 2017. The conference aims to enhance food safety enabled by new scientific advancements and technologies.   All collaborating parties share the same vision and commitment in addressing the most imminent global food safety challenges. Setting up the Joint Centre is a key milestone in the Europe-Hong Kong collaboration in food safety. With effective technology development and the provision of various communication and educational channels, the universities will see this international collaboration come to fruition.   More about • Lund University http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/home > • Technical University of Denmark http://www.food.dtu.dk/english > • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University http://www.polyu.edu.hk/> • University of Bologna http://www.unibo.it/en >   Relevant collaboration announcement could also be found on FoodNexus, a European innovation alliance of industry and academia for better food, better innovations and a better world: http://www.foodnexus.eu/foodnexus-partners-join-forces-hong-kong-polyu-global-food-safety/ Click here for the press release. To view the snapshots of this event, please visit here.  

2 Nov, 2016

Research and Innovation

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Collaborative Meeting with Swarovski Group delegates

Swarovski Group visited the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 2nd September 2016, and carried out a collaborative meeting with the School of Design (SD) and Innovation and Technology Development Office (ITDO) of the PolyU.   Swarovski Group is a worldwide crystal cutting and polishing business of Austrian origin, which specialized in fashion and jewelry, optical instruments, abrasives tools, etc.   During the meeting, Prof. Tak-chi LEE, and his team from the SD shared their latest research and development on color trend forecasting, 3D design and printing, Asian ergonomics and lifestyles with Swarovski delegates; while Swarovski also introduced their major business development focus and future development in innovation. Both sides explored potential collaboration research opportunities aiming to address consumer needs through innovative product designs.   The delegates also visited the PolyU’s Material Resource Centre, SD design studios and workshops on the same day. They were impressed with PolyU’s research and development achievements as well as the extensive collection at the Material Resource Centre.    To view the snapshots of the Meeting, please visit here.

2 Sep, 2016

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Meeting with Thales Group delegates

Innovation and Technology Development Office (ITDO) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) received an official delegation from the Thales Group (Thales) and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau (French Consulate), and coordinated the technology seminar together with representatives from PolyU Department of Electrical Engineering and Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering.   Thales is one of the global leading high technology companies that specialized in defence, security, aerospace, space and ground transportation. Sharing on PolyU’s latest aviation and transportation technology research development, research facilities, and teaching programmes, as well as Thales’ major research and development focus were made. Both Thales and PolyU expressed a devoted enthusiasm in further exploring common interests on transportation, cyber security, etc., in terms of carrying out seminars, workshops, and collaborative research projects. The delegates visited PolyU’s Power Electronics Research Centre after the meeting.   To view the snapshots of the Meeting, please visit here.   

25 Jul, 2016

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PolyU hosted the first Alibaba Technology Forum in Hong Kong on Big Data and Cloud Computing Technologies

Alibaba Technology Forum is an annual event organized by Alibaba Group to share their latest innovation and technology development. Initiated by Innovation and Technology Development Office (ITDO) and co-organized with Department of Computing (COMP) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the first Alibaba Technology Forum (ATF) in Hong Kong on Big Data and Cloud Computing Technologies was successfully held on 17 June 2016 at PolyU. Over 250 local students, researchers, and industry professionals attended the Forum. Keynote speaker, Dr Jingren Zhou, Vice President of Alibaba Group, presented an overview of Alibaba’s innovative Big Data Computing Platform, which consisted of a wide range of products and services enabling fast and efficient big data development, while three Alibaba technology leaders also shared with us innovations in elastic computing, machine learning and large-scale real-time computing, as well as their applications in different business sectors.   Prof. Alex Wai, Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU addressed at the Forum, “PolyU has been contributing significant impact to tackle the challenges from big data development, and our big data and cloud computing domains including big data analytics, human-centered computing, cyber security, inter-cloud security and cloud resource management which  are indicated through our research outcome and strong industrial collaborations”. In order to provide a platform with advanced infrastructure that facilitates multidisciplinary research in big data, PolyU is establishing  a University Central Facility in Big Data Analytics. Prof. Jiannong Cao, Head of COMP said, “The initiative will enable PolyU to take a leading role in developing framework and methodology with models, techniques and applications of big data processing and analytics.”   Technology seminar with demonstration showcasing  PolyU’s research excellence was also arranged for Alibaba Group during their visit at PolyU.Various research teams from COMP , Department of Applied Mathematics (AMA) and Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics (LSGI) exchanged views for further collaboration with Alibaba Group in big data and cloud computing areas.  ITDO will coordinate the follow-up collaborative research projects and visiting-scholar program  with Alibaba Group accordingly.  

17 Jun, 2016

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Global Food Safety and Technology Forum (GFSTF) 2016

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosts the Global Food Safety and Technology Forum (GFSTF) on February 4-5, 2016 in Hong Kong to enhance synergy among all food safety stakeholders to embark on science-and-technology driven collaborative initiatives. GFSTF invigorates interactive and pragmatic exchanges among the industry, government and academia on how to enhance global readiness and technical competence in tackling food safety problems.    Corporations in the food and beverage as well as catering related industries convene at GFSTF to look into the most staggering food safety challenges in the industry sharing session. The academic sharing session that followed engages research experts to explore how scientific and evidence-based innovations could help address the most imminent challenges faced by the industry. Topics including "Advancing Food Safety - Chemicals and Biological", "Food Fraud, Security and Catering", "Risk Assessment, Communications and Management" and "Technical Workshops and Demonstrations" from a technical perspective will be discussed in the breakout sessions to be held on February 5.The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosts the Global Food Safety and Technology Forum (GFSTF) on February 4-5, 2016 in Hong Kong to enhance synergy among all food safety stakeholders to embark on science-and-technology driven collaborative initiatives. GFSTF invigorates interactive and pragmatic exchanges among the industry, government and academia on how to enhance global readiness and technical competence in tackling food safety problems.    "The academia possesses technical expertise to effectively explore solutions with the industry. Without understanding what is required by the industry, it would be difficult for us to ensure what we develop could be of real application and value," Co-Chair of GFSTF 2016 Professor Wing-tak Wong says.    "We believe that through pragmatic communications and exchange, all stakeholders will be able to share and construct a roadmap towards safer foods for the community. After this forum, we will compile with the experts a food safety technology needs assessment report, which will hopefully shape food safety research and development in the upcoming 3 - 5 years. These will be ideas and innovations translated into real actions," Professor Terence Lok-ting Lau, Chair of the Organizing & Program Committee of the Forum and Convener of PolyU's Food Safety Consortium (FSC) says.   The main program on February 4 concluded with a letter of intent signing ceremony between PolyU and Lund University to foster collaborations in technology development in food safety and food security, with potential extension to including other partners from the European, Asian, and other networks.   Joined by over 40 speakers and over 250 attendees from worldwide, this first edition of GFSTF sees active participation from the government, industry and academia in the presence of Mrs. Cherry Tse, Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Food), Prof. Sophia Chan, Under Secretary for Food and Health, and Dr. Constance Chan, Director of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong SAR, and representatives of consulate generals. The forum is poised to become a sustainable channel in fostering global food safety advancement.   More about GFSTF • GFSTF 2016 Event Report • Snapshots at GFSTF 2016  

3 Feb, 2016

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