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PolyU PhD student named Schmidt Science Fellow, the sole recipient from Hong Kong

Mr. Qing XIA, a PhD student from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been selected as a 2026 Schmidt Science Fellow. This achievement marks a historic milestone as Mr. Xia is the first-ever PolyU student to receive this prestigious honour and also the sole recipient from Hong Kong this year. This success underscores PolyU’s steadfast commitment to research excellence and nurturing world-class talent, dedicated to addressing global challenges with innovation. The Schmidt Science Fellows programme is globally recognised as one of the most prestigious opportunities for early-career scientists. With only 32 fellows selected worldwide this year, the programme identifies emerging research leaders poised to pursue an ambitious “interdisciplinary pivot” by embarking on postdoctoral research in a new field of study from their PhD. Under the supervision of Prof. Xiao ZHANG, Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mr. Xia has demonstrated exceptional talent and interdisciplinary vision that the Schmidt Science Fellows programme seeks to cultivate.  Mr. Xia will pivot from Electrocatalysis to Physical Engineering. His research aims to transform nitrogen-based production by moving away from the high-energy, high-pollution traditional methods. By harnessing physical forces such as vibration, light, and sound, Mr. Xia seeks to create highly reactive particles capable of breaking apart nitrogen from the air and converting it into useful forms. His goal is to design a small, efficient, modular nitrogen-fixation system that works under normal conditions, supports low-carbon agriculture, and helps reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based fertilisers worldwide. The approach aims to reduce global emissions and to support more sustainable, accessible food production.

Media report: PolyU unveils inaugural Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories: AI and healthcare take center stage

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the results of its inaugural “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year” selection and voting campaign, recognising research achievements with far‑reaching local and global impact. From 20 outstanding research and technology stories published in 2025, the campaign attracted participation from over 7,700 members of the public and the PolyU community. Combined with assessments by a professional judging panel, 10 stories were selected as the final awardees, highlighting PolyU’s strong research excellence and significant societal contributions. Notably, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and healthcare emerged as prominent areas among the winning stories. PolyU’s AI‑driven innovations and healthcare breakthroughs demonstrated how advanced data analytics, intelligent systems and interdisciplinary research are transforming medical diagnostics, patient care and public health, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub. The award‑winning stories span five strategic research areas identified by PolyU, including AI and data science, life sciences and healthcare, environment and sustainability, materials science, and smart cities, injecting strong innovation momentum into Hong Kong’s high‑quality development.  

Safeguarding public health: PolyU pioneers multi-tiered AI model for more cost-effective and smarter sewer system management

Climate change has been driving the rise of extreme weather conditions in recent years, placing immense strain on urban infrastructure such as sewer systems. Compromised sewer systems can lead to leakage, overflow and even flash flooding, threatening public health and safety. To address these vulnerabilities, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a multi-tiered model integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), facilitating more cost-effective and intelligent sewer system management, ranging from predicting exfiltration severity and pinpointing leakage-prone zones to monitoring and forecasting overflow occurrences in high-risk areas.  Currently, closed-circuit television (CCTV) is widely used to assess pipeline conditions, but this method relies heavily on the expertise of trained inspectors; applying it to the entire sewer network is costly and time-consuming. Prof. Tarek ZAYED, Professor of the PolyU Department of Building and Real Estate, led his team in developing a smart management model that leverages deep learning algorithms to analyse sewer pipeline conditions with high accuracy. Utilising these algorithms helps in spotting ageing and defective parts to prioritise locations for CCTV inspections. “In addition to extreme weather, population growth and structural ageing exert pressure on urban drainage,” Prof. Zayed explained. “By adopting a risk-based inspection and maintenance strategy, our AI model is expected to reduce the overall time spent on sewer inspection and maintenance activities by about 25% to 30%. This is primarily achieved by deploying CCTV more precisely and reducing redundant site visits.” A core component of the system is the team’s pioneering Exfiltration Severity Index (ESI) to quantify and model pipe-level exfiltration severity, allowing users to identify leakage-prone segments beforehand. “Sewer exfiltration occurs when sewage escapes from a defective sewer system into the surrounding environment. This can contaminate soil or groundwater with pollutants, such as pathogens and toxic compounds, harming both ecosystems and public health,” he added. The AI model incorporates an array of factors, including pipe characteristics, climatic conditions and environmental impacts, to predict the likelihood and severity of exfiltration, providing insights for prioritising more urgent maintenance activities. The team’s research showed that the system achieved an 85% accuracy rate in severity assessment, significantly mitigating the risk of groundwater contamination. Furthermore, through optimised maintenance scheduling, the predictive model improved operational efficiency by 50% to 60% and reduced emergency repairs by 30% to 40%. The team’s findings have been published in a paper, “Proactive Exfiltration Severity Management in Sewer Networks: A Hyperparameter Optimization for Two-tiered Machine Learning Prediction”, in the journal Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. In addition to leakage, blockage is another cause of operational failure of sewer systems and even flooding in more severe cases. To tackle this problem, Prof. Zayed’s team applies IoT-based technologies to simulate the performance of sewer networks and overflow occurrences under various blockage scenarios. In collaboration with the Drainage Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the team installed water-level sensors across drainage networks in Kowloon district, collecting real-world data with various data mining techniques for case study simulations as well as for model calibration and validation. The IoT-based monitoring system yielded remarkable results, where sewer segments found with blockage issues saw an 85% improvement in their overall performance following targeted cleaning procedures. “Utilising AI and IoT technologies, our multi-tier approach provides a reliable decision-making tool to predict the location and timing of potential sewer failures. It offers valuable insights for effective actions to reduce the number, magnitude and severity of sewer overflow events,” Prof. Zayed concluded. “Overall, our innovative system successfully reduced emergency overflow incidents by 70% to 75% in the monitored areas, thanks to the rapid response enabled by timely and effective monitoring.” A related study, “Performance Assessment of Sewer Networks under Different Blockage Situations Using Internet-of-things-based Technologies”, is published in the journal Sustainability. The research was supported by the Research Grants Council’s General Research Fund, as well as the Environment and Conservation Fund.

PolyU project awarded Smart Traffic Fund on enhancing vehicular positioning and navigation using low earth orbit satellites

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing innovation and technology that drive smart mobility and sustainable urban development. In recognition of this effort, PolyU has been awarded funding under the Smart Traffic Fund for the project titled “Enhancing Vehicular Positioning and Navigation Precision in Urban Environments Using Low Earth Orbit Satellites.” This project has secured a total approved funding of HK$4.19 million. Led by Prof. Bing XU, Assistant Professor of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, this two-year project aims to explore the feasibility of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite navigation technology to assess its potential in providing positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services for vehicles. Through the integration of LEO satellites technology with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), the project aims to enhance the precision and reliability of vehicle positioning and navigation in Hong Kong’s urban environments. PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with 32 projects supported by the Smart Traffic Fund to-date. This achievement underscores the University’s contribution to advancing innovation in transportation technology. The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations or enterprises for conducting research and application of innovation and technology with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety. 

PolyU announces “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year”; Showcasing impactful research driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to spearheading world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. To recognise outstanding achievements with far-reaching impact locally and globally, PolyU has launched the inaugural “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year” selection and voting campaign. From 20 remarkable research and technology translation stories announced in 2025, more than 7,700 members of the public and the PolyU community cast their votes. Combined with the scores of a professional judging panel, ten stories were selected as the final awardees. The winning stories span five PolyU strategic areas – artificial intelligence and data science, life sciences and healthcare, environment and sustainability, materials science, and smart cities – injecting powerful innovation momentum into Hong Kong’s high‑quality development. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, remarked: “These outstanding research stories affirm PolyU’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation that address societal needs. Each achievement also reflects our researchers’ rigorous, truth-seeking spirit and courage to break new ground. By bridging original discoveries with real‑world applications, these projects improve lives, enable industrial upgrading and contribute to the global innovation landscape. PolyU will continue to pursue its mission of delivering world-leading research and innovation for the benefit of society, fostering a dynamic research ecosystem and transforming bold ideas into impactful solutions. In doing so, we will support Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub and help shape a better future for the world.” Prof. Chao also expressed his appreciation for the strong support from different sectors: “We would like to thank all the staff, students, alumni, partners and members of the public who voted and shared their views. Your support is not only a vote of confidence in PolyU’s research strengths, but also a clear reflection of society’s keen interest in innovation and its positive impact. This expectation is a key driving force that inspires our research teams to pursue excellence and keep pushing the frontiers of knowledge.” As PolyU’s first large‑scale public voting campaign dedicated to research, the initiative received an enthusiastic response, attracting more than 7,700 votes from members of the public, staff, students, alumni and partners. The campaign has deepened community understanding of PolyU’s research excellence and innovation capabilities, while bringing well‑deserved recognition to the University’s dedicated researchers. Based on the combined results of public voting and assessments by the professional judging panel, the following stories were selected as the “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year” (in chronological order of announcement in 2025, and not ranked): Principal Investigator Research Topic Research Focus Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor ofNature-Inspired Engineering of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. Haimin YAO, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Innovation for self-stimulated ejection of freezing droplets unlocks cost-effective applications in de-icing The research team has invented a self-powered mechanism for ejecting freezing droplets, enabling droplets to shoot themselves away. This innovation could catalyse the development of self-powered methods for a variety of purposes, including de-icing, energy harvesting, and soft robotic applications. Details Prof. Jianli CHEN, Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics Utilising satellite positioning data to track Greenland’s ice sheet melt behaviour and assess its impact on sea-level rise The global research team has integrated various modern space geodetic techniques, particularly satellite positioning data, to monitor the subsidence of vertical bedrock and quantify summer water storage in the Greenland ice sheet. This achievement offers new insights into ice sheets’ role in sea-level rise. Details Prof. Anqi QIU, Director of the Mental Health Research Centre, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar Sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing The team has unveiled research to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and cognitive health in adults. It highlights the dynamic relationship between obesity progression and brain-cognitive health. Details Prof. Larry CHOW Ming-cheung, Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory gives hope to spinal cord injury patients, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub The newly established PolyU Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory will promote precision and personalised medicine through the introduction of advanced therapy products. The team will collaborate with the biopharmaceutical industry to manufacture cell therapy products for spinal cord injuries, and utilise the expert knowledge from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a one-stop approach from precision medicine to rehabilitation. Details Prof. YIN Jun, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics Record 33.89% power-conversion efficiency achieved with novel bilayer passivation strategy in tandem solar cells The research team has pioneered a novel bilayer interface passivation strategy to develop tandem solar cells that achieve a record-high power-conversion efficiency of 33.89%. It unlocks the application potential of perovskite technologies in photovoltaics and renewable energy. Details Prof. Changwen CHEN, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Chair Professor of Visual Computing of the Department of Computing Novel multi-modal agent facilitates long video understanding by AI, accelerating the development of generative AI-assisted video analysis While AI technology is evolving rapidly, AI models still struggle with understanding long videos. The team has developed a novel video-language agent, VideoMind, that enables AI models to perform long video reasoning and question-answering tasks by emulating humans’ way of thinking. Details Prof. Ben KO Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Discovery of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine’s target and mechanism opens new avenues for treating viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease The research team has discovered that tetrandrine works by blocking the transport of sphingosine – a lipid molecule essential for cellular signalling – and inhibiting calcium channels. Their research has revealed the critical mechanism of tetrandrine for the first time, opening new avenues for drug discovery and disease treatment. Details Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Chair Professor of Generative Artificial Intelligence of the Department of Computing PolyU reshapes AI training paradigm, significantly reducing costs and democratising AI 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. Details Prof. LI Gang, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Renewable EnergyandChair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Prof. YANG Guang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Driving the commercialisation of energy-efficient solar cell technology towards a 40% efficiency milestone Third-generation solar cell technology is advancing rapidly. The research team has reported a breakthrough in their review of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, addressing challenges in efficiency, stability and scalability. Their study aims to raise the energy conversion efficiency from the current maximum of about 34% to 40%. Details Prof. Ai-Qun LIU, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT), Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Global STEM Scholar PolyU successfully completes Hong Kong's first chip-based quantum network and test The research team has successfully developed a quantum communication chip to establish Hong Kong’s first quantum communication network. The team has achieved a breakthrough by successfully conducting a cybersecurity test on the world’s longest optical fibre quantum network, built utilising a quantum chip platform. Details   PolyU also announced the three stories that garnered the highest number of public votes, reflecting the community’s strong recognition of their significance and societal relevance. These projects are listed below. Two of these projects are also among the Top 10 stories: Principal Investigator Research Topic Research Focus Prof. Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies, Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles Innovative sustainable personal cooling technologies combat global extreme heat Global warming poses a growing threat to human health and work performance. The research team have been creating intelligent, superhero‑like garments that provide on‑demand adaptive cooling and clinician‑like health monitoring to help address the challenges of extreme heat. Details Prof. Ben KO Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Discovery of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine’s target and mechanism opens new avenues for treating viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease (This project has been selected as one of the Top 10 stories. For details, please refer to the table above.) Prof. Larry CHOW Ming-cheung, Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory gives hope to spinal cord injury patients, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub (This project has been selected as one of the Top 10 stories. For details, please refer to the table above.) Download photos here.   ***END***

PolyU researchers pioneer novel multi-energy field-assisted diamond cutting technology, enabling ultra-precision manufacturing for high-performance materials

Machining, involving the precise cutting and shaping of materials, is a key manufacturing process. As industries increasingly adopt the use of high-performance materials with high strength and hardness, traditional machining methods often fall short in delivering the required precision. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a ground-breaking machining technology that combines laser and magnetic fields during diamond cutting, enhancing cutting smoothness and surface quality while reducing a material’s subsurface damage and tool wear. This dual-field approach demonstrates exceptional manufacturing capabilities that surpass existing field-assisting cutting techniques, making possible ultra-precision machining of a range of challenging advanced materials. The innovative and unique multi-energy field-assisted ultra-precision machining technology, known as in-situ laser-magnetic dual-field assisted diamond cutting (LMDFDC), has been developed by Prof. Sandy TO Suet, Professor of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Associate Director of the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology, and her research team. Relevant research findings are published in International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing. Site field machining refers to the application of external energy fields, such as laser and magnetic fields, at the cutting site during the machining process. Existing field-assisting cutting techniques have certain limitations. For example, a laser field helps soften hard-brittle materials and makes them easier to cut, but often causes melting or craters due to overheating; a magnetic field can diminish cutting force and enhance heat dissipation to ease cutting process, but its effect is unstable across different materials and surface scratches caused by the exfoliation of hard particles in high-performance materials like high-entropy alloys (HEAs) cannot be avoided. By combining laser and magnetic fields, LMDFDC synergises strengths of both fields and mitigates their respective drawbacks. The researchers compared this new approach with three other machining methods for HEA workpieces: laser-only, magnetic-only and cutting without any external field. Using a suite of advanced tools, they observed changes of the workpiece at multiple levels—from surface appearance to subsurface features and atomic-scale structures. Results showed that, through thermo-magneto-mechanical multi-physical synergistic interactions, LMDFDC improves machinability to a degree not achievable with either field alone. In particular, the technology produces finished pieces with smoother surface and less damaged subsurface by using a magnetic field to enhance heat transfer and suppress laser-induced thermal damage, while the laser softens hard particles to avoid scratches and improve cutting stability. The dual-field coupling effect also prevents the formation of build-up on tool edges caused by severe friction, and rapid tool degradation from heat, significantly reducing tool wear and extending their lifespan. In 2017, at the forefront of advanced manufacturing technology research, Prof. To led her team to propose the world’s first magnetic field-assisted diamond cutting technique that enhances manufacturability of difficult-to-machine materials. She said, “As time progresses, single-field assisted machining technologies are proving increasingly inadequate for the precision manufacturing of new high-performance materials, especially the emerging HEAs with their excellent strength and stability that are highly desirable for advanced engineering applications in high-ends fields like aerospace and energy. LMDFDC marks a technological breakthrough in machining these new materials, opening up new avenues of ultra-precision manufacturing technology.” In addition to introducing a transformative dual-field assisted machining technology, the research also investigated what occurs, what changes and what improves in the materials when dual fields are applied. This deepens scientific understanding of material transformations during field-assisted processes and their underlying mechanisms, bridging a critical knowledge gap for designing future multi-field machining methods for various advanced materials. “The research is among the first to thoroughly examine how laser and magnetic fields work together during ultra-precision machining, and how this combined action differs from using either field alone,” Prof. To added. “The significance of the findings resides in propelling frontier academic developments in multi-physics coupled manufacturing theories while discovering innovative machining approaches. Currently in the process of patenting the innovative LMDFDC technology, the research team plans to explore additional combinations of energy fields to support the development of more versatile and reliable multi-physics machining approaches. The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China’s General Program, as well as the General Research Fund of the Research Grants Council and the Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

PolyU to join Third InnoHK Research Cluster to advance sustainable development, energy and space technology with global top universities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) actively participates in the “InnoHK Clusters” initiative spearheaded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), driving impactful frontier research to support Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. With funding support from the InnoHK scheme, the University will establish one new research centre and serve as a key partner in another, under the third cluster, SEAM@InnoHK. The centres aim to advance cutting-edge research in sustainable development, energy and space technology. The new PolyU Research Centre for Intelligent GRID and Energy Technologies (I-GET), will be established at the Hong Kong Science Park, pioneering research on sustainability and energy in collaboration with world-leading institutions. Partner institutions include Université Gustave Eiffel, King’s College London, National Technical University of Athens, Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, University of Sheffield, Suzhou National Laboratory and Tsinghua University. Meanwhile, in partnership with the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PolyU will be a major local partner of the Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology (CSMT), contributing the University’s expertise in advanced manufacturing and materials technology to support breakthroughs in space technology. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, expressed gratitude for the HKSAR Government support for the University’s research. He remarked: “A core theme of the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan is accelerating a comprehensive green transition across economic and social development, alongside advancing high-tech innovation. As a global top 100 institution, PolyU is committed to leveraging its strengths in interdisciplinary research to drive frontier research in sustainable development, energy and space technology—bolstering the Nation’s technological prowess and high-quality development. We are grateful for the Government’s ongoing support, allowing us to utilise the InnoHK platform to harness our research excellence and robust global network, contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub.” PolyU has already established two world-class research centres under the first two InnoHK Clusters: the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab) under AIR@InnoHK, and the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) under Health@InnoHK. Within the InnoHK Clusters, PolyU will continue to push the boundaries of frontier research in artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainability, energy and space technology for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.

Professor Joanne Yip awarded “Citizenship and Philanthropy” medal for arts-based mental-health advocacy

Professor Joanne Yip, Associate Dean of the School of Fashion and Textiles and Professor at PolyU, was among 11 laureates of the outstanding young Chinese entrepreneurs and leaders honoured with the “Citizenship and Philanthropy” medal by the Ligue Universelle du Bien Public (Universal League for the Public Good) at a ceremony in Paris in February 2026. The award recognises distinguished leaders and citizens whose charitable endeavours benefit the wider community. Professor Yip received the medal in recognition of her longstanding commitment to community engagement through artistic education. A leading scholar in textile innovation, Professor Yip is a co‑founder of the Ah‑Ha Museum, an art space that combines art education with wellbeing practices. Under her leadership, the museum has developed a range of programmes encouraging the community to undertake journeys of self‑exploration using creative media, and to connect with art as a channel for personal growth and community connection. At the award ceremony in Paris, Professor Yip remarked that the honour reflected “the collective commitment of every member of the organisation who, through their passion, contribute to the growth and vision of the Ah Ha Museum.” She reaffirmed the museum’s mission to make art accessible to all, fostering a culture of empathy, creativity, and positive social change. Looking ahead, Professor Yip plans to broaden the museum’s outreach by introducing customised workshops on the PolyU campus to enhance student and staff wellbeing. Artworks created by past participants will also be curated and exhibited at PolyU, celebrating individual journeys while showcasing the transformative power of the Ah-Ha Museum’s work. The Universal League for the Public Good — one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of awarding medals of honour and an NGO affiliated with the United Nations founded in 1464 — commended Professor Yip for both her academic achievements and the social impact of her arts based initiatives. Her recognition exemplifies PolyU’s strong culture of contributing to societal betterment, upheld by the University’s members who apply their expertise and compassion to generate positive change both locally and globally.

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

Jointly established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Xingguo County Government in Jiangxi province, the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Institute) was officially inaugurated yesterday. This marks a significant milestone in their collaboration to promote research translation, talent development and industrial upgrading. The Institute will focus on driving joint innovation in fields such as textiles and clothing, advanced materials and smart manufacturing, supporting the high-quality development of the textile and fashion industry. Mr LIU Zhanghong, Deputy Secretary of the Xingguo County Party Committee, attached great importance to the collaboration and engaged in in-depth discussions with the PolyU delegation led by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, on the future development of the Institute. The inauguration ceremony took place in Xingguo, officiated by Dr Lam Tai-fai; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. FAN Jintu, Director of the Institute, together with Mr LI Jiangui, Secretary of the Xingguo County Party Committee; Mr LEI Ming, Vice Mayor of Ganzhou; and Miss YAN Yan, Vice President of the China National Textile and Apparel Council. Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked, “This year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which encourages universities to fully utilise their roles in technological innovation, talent development and research translation to meet national strategic needs. As a key high-quality garment manufacturing base, Xingguo is considerably responsible for promoting regional industrial upgrading. The PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute will leverage the University’s research strengths to align with Xingguo’s textile and fashion industry needs, facilitating the translation of research outcomes into innovative techniques and products to support industrial transformation and stimulate economic growth.” He stated that PolyU would work closely with Xingguo and the various partners to deepen collaborative innovation across government, industry, academia, research and application fields, making significant contributions to the goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan and promoting high-quality development. Mr Li Jiangui remarked, “Xingguo is endeavouring to develop the textile and fashion industry as its primary industry, with an urgent need for technological innovation to lead this transformation. The official launch of the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute is not only a concrete step in implementing policies for the revitalisation of the old revolutionary base areas and advancing industrial transfer, but also the pivot for Xingguo to connect with global innovation networks and seize new opportunities in the wave of industrial transformation.” The Institute has established four major research centres focusing on textile and apparel innovation, intelligent manufacturing and green sustainability. Leveraging PolyU’s world-class research strengths in fashion and textiles, intelligent manufacturing and materials science, together with the robust textile and fashion industry cluster in Xingguo, these centres aim to create a high-level innovation hub integrating technological research and development, knowledge transfer, talent development and industry incubation. During the ceremony, the Institute signed cooperation agreements with two renowned corporations and an academic institution — Jihua Group Corporation Limited, Changsheng Textile Technology Development (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, and Jiangxi Institute of Fashion Technology. These partnerships are aimed at advancing deep collaboration in functional materials development, intelligent manufacturing, textile technology innovation and talent nurturing, fostering a collaborative innovation ecosystem across industry, academic, research and application fields. In addition, students and faculty members from the PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles staged a special fashion show, presenting a collection of innovative designs that seamlessly integrate technology and fashion. On the same day, the Frontier Fashion and Textile Technology Conference was held, attracting leading scholars and industry leaders from China and overseas. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as technological empowerment of the traditional textile industry, smart wearables, new material applications and sustainable development, sharing valuable insights and practical solutions for the industry’s transformation towards higher-end, smarter and greener development. In March 2024, PolyU signed strategic collaborative framework agreements with the Ganzhou Municipal Government and Xingguo County Government. The unveiling of the Institute opens a new chapter in this tripartite collaboration, demonstrating PolyU’s commitment to harnessing its world‑class research and talent strengths to support technological breakthroughs, research translation and talent development across different sectors in the Nation. Looking ahead, the Institute will strive to become a key platform for upgrading the textile and fashion industries, acting as a regional innovation engine that serves the whole country while connecting with the world. The delegation visited the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute. Students and faculty members from the PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles staged a special fashion show, presenting a collection of innovative designs that seamlessly integrate technology and fashion. The Frontier Fashion and Textile Technology Conference attracted leading scholars and industry leaders from China and overseas, sharing valuable insights and practical solutions for the industry’s transformation towards higher-end, smarter and greener development.