Media Releases

Inauguration of Zhejiang University–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Joint Institute for Digital and Intelligent Innovation and launch of PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network

The Zhejiang University–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Joint Institute for Digital and Intelligent Innovation (the Institute), jointly established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Zhejiang University (ZJU), was officially inaugurated on 26 August. The Institute will further strengthen PolyU’s research presence in the Yangtze River Delta, open up channels for the flow of innovation between Zhejiang and Hong Kong, help align Hong Kong’s research strengths precisely with the rich industrial base of the Chinese Mainland, and promote multi-dimensional integration and collaborative development between Zhejiang and Hong Kong in education, technology and talent. Meanwhile, the PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network was also inaugurated in Hangzhou. The launch of the two initiatives — a research platform and an alumni organisation – marks a new milestone in PolyU’s deepening engagement in the Yangtze River Delta and its efforts to strengthen Zhejiang–Hong Kong collaboration in science and education. The inauguration ceremony, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang on 26 August, and was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Prof. REN Shaobo, Chairman of the Zhejiang University Council. Other PolyU representatives included Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. LU Haitian, Director of Mainland Development and Ms Dorothy TANG, Deputy Director of Finance of the Finance Office. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated that the establishment of the Institute marked a natural continuation and deepening of nearly 30 years of cooperation between the two universities, elevating their partnership to a new level. He expected the Institute to proactively align with national strategic development goals and pursue forward-looking, original and impactful research centred on digital and intelligent technologies and related frontiers. He also expected the Institute to leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world. The Institute would foster robust synergy among research communities in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and beyond, and contribute to the Nation’s high-level sci-tech self-reliance and high-quality development. Prof. Ren Shaobo said that, since 1997, the two universities had carried out fruitful cooperation in areas such as talent development, scholar and academic exchange, building deep mutual trust. He noted that digital and intelligent technologies are profoundly reshaping the global economic and social landscape, and that ZJU and PolyU each have their own strengths and are highly complementary in the field of digital and intelligent innovation. He looked forward to the Institute pooling the quality research capabilities of both universities to focus on frontier directions such as artificial intelligence, data science and intelligent computing, to drive internationally impactful original research outcomes, to nurture digital and intelligent innovation talent with a global vision, and to drive the translation and application of a range of technological achievements, thereby injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the digital economy in Zhejiang and across the country. The Institute will establish six interdisciplinary research centres in its first phase, focusing on: the digital and intelligent development of culture and tourism; digital and intelligent services; intelligent unmanned systems technology and governance; key technologies for the design, operation and maintenance of new marine energy; embodied intelligent robotics and the low-altitude economy; and “Digital and Intelligent Innovation + X” strategic industrial crossovers. The Institute hosts a Centre for Digital and Intelligent Education Research and Development, the “Zhejiang–Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Human–Machine Collaboration and Organisational Transformation” (a provincial-level international science and technology cooperation platform), and a team of high-calibre full-time researchers. It is committed to building an internationalised, interdisciplinary research platform and high-end think tank, a multi-tiered platform for industry–research–education integration and achievement translation, and a high-level platform for international exchange, cooperation and influence, thereby making positive contributions to building China’s autonomous knowledge system in the field of digital and intelligent innovation and to serving national strategies and major regional needs. The inauguration ceremony and celebration dinner of the PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network were held in Hangzhou on the same evening. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng extended warm congratulations on the establishment of the Network and expressed his hope that it would fully play its role as a bridge between Hong Kong and Zhejiang. Mr ZHOU Guohui, President of Zhejiang Provincial Federation for Science Popularization and a PolyU alumnus representative, said in his address that he hoped the Network would rally the strength of alumni and help build connections between their alma mater and the development of Zhejiang. In his inaugural address, Mr CAO Bin, the inaugural President of the PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network, said that the Network would focus on serving alumni, integrating Zhejiang and Hong Kong resources, and empowering university–enterprise collaborative development. A memorandum of understanding signing ceremony for the joint establishment of a Special Electromechanical Equipment Safety Technology Laboratory was also held, to empower university–locality collaborative innovation. Prof. Yi-Qing NI, Yim, Mak, Kwok & Chung Professor in Smart Structures, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) and Director of the PolyU Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute, signed the agreement with China Jiliang University and Sicher Elevator Co., Ltd on behalf of PolyU. Prof. Yi-Qing Ni, Director of the Hong Kong Branch of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre and Director of the PolyU Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute (centre); Prof. Dao-xin Dai, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President (in charge of daily administration work) of China Jiliang University (right); and Dr Dong-liu Li, Chairman of Sicher Elevator Co., Ltd and PolyU alumnus (left), signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of the three parties, to co-establish the Special Electromechanical Equipment Safety Technology Laboratory. ***END***

PolyU and Citybus sign MoU to promote simulated driving training, enhancing training effectiveness and road safety for Bus Captains

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Citybus Limited (Citybus) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Citybus will utilise the “Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System” developed by PolyU, and funded by the Smart Traffic Fund, as a supplementary tool for Bus Captain training. The system uses Extended Reality (XR) technology with a container truck driving simulation platform to provide simulated driving training for Bus Captains, thereby enhancing training effectiveness and safety awareness. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Prof. Xiaowen FU, Head of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) and Chair Professor of Logistics Engineering, and Ms Rebecca CHAN, Administrative Director of Citybus, the MoU was officially signed by Dr Yuk Ming TANG, Senior Lecturer of the ISE, and Mr Roger WONG, General Manager (People and Culture) of Citybus, on behalf of respective organisations. The “Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System” was developed as an outcome of an ISE research project. The System integrates XR technology, AI-driven analysis and a “six-degree-of-freedom” motion simulation platform. In the initial phase of the partnership, the existing container truck driving simulation platform serves as the foundation to pilot a trial to support training for Citybus Bus Captains. The system can simulate various road scenarios such as pedestrians suddenly crossing the road and adverse weather conditions, while recording and analysing the Bus Captains’ driving performance and response to emergency situations. The University will evaluate and refine the simulation based on actual training needs to better reflect daily bus driving conditions; should the trial yield positive results, both parties will explore further optimising the system or transforming it into a platform more closely tailored to the operational characteristics of buses. Prof. Xiaowen Fu remarked, “PolyU is committed to translating research outcomes into practical applications. Supported by the Smart Traffic Fund (Project Ref.: PSRI/37/2204/RA), the initiative aims to overcome the scenario and technical limitations of traditional driver training; by leveraging simulation technology, it provides trainees with personalised, targeted training to enhance their driving skills and crisis response capabilities. The system analyses trainee performance to offer tailored recommendations. At the same time, trainees can repeatedly practise high-risk, low-frequency traffic scenarios in a zero-risk simulated environment, thereby reinforcing emergency responses, building muscle memory and significantly improving their ability to react appropriately on real roads. This collaboration with Citybus enables further application and evaluation of the research findings in real-world training scenarios, with the aim of further optimising and transforming the simulation system. We look forward to partnering with Citybus in translating PolyU research outcomes into practical industrial applications and in supporting the upgrading of talent training in the bus industry.” Ms Rebecca Chan said, “Citybus serves over a million customers daily and prioritises road safety at all times. Keeping pace with the times, we proactively leverage innovative technologies to enhance our professional people development and training, enabling us to adapt to the ever-changing traffic environment. We are delighted to partner with PolyU on this pilot scheme, which utilises the driving simulation system as training aids. Our Bus Captains can practice various driving scenarios in a simulated environment, complementing on-road training, allowing them to enhance their response capabilities in a safe environment. Citybus will continue to harness technology to elevate safety standards. By integrating smart elements into all areas, from talent training and learning development to fleet operations and management, we remain fully committed to providing safer and more reliable bus services for the community.” The pilot scheme for smart driving training officially commenced this July. In the first phase, Citybus has arranged for selected serving Bus Captains to participate in simulated driving training. Subsequently, the teams from PolyU and Citybus will jointly review the training data and evaluate the System’s effectiveness. Both parties hope that practical operational experience will serve as a reference for future bus training models and help continuously enhance public transport safety in Hong Kong. ***END***

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Mourns the Passing of Mr Tung Chee Hwa

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is deeply saddened to learn the passing of Mr Tung Chee Hwa, former Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). We offer our deepest condolences to his family. Mr Tung dedicated his entire life to the Nation and Hong Kong, earning widespread respect for his vision and noble character. As the first Chief Executive of the HKSAR, he steadfastly upheld the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, steered Hong Kong through a pivotal era of historical transition, and made enormous contributions to Hong Kong’s smooth return to the Motherland, the preservation of its prosperity and stability, and the advancement of its long-term development. Mr Tung consistently championed education, talent cultivation and technological innovation as cornerstones of progress, and worked tirelessly to advance higher education in Hong Kong. He served as Chancellor of PolyU and a Council member of Hong Kong Polytechnic, and took a deep personal interest in the University’s growth. The Tung family shares a long and profound bond with PolyU. The Tung Foundation has been a committed supporter of the University since the 1980s, and played an instrumental role in establishing the CY Tung International Centre for Maritime Studies — laying a solid foundation for PolyU’s academic development and talent nurturing across shipping, logistics and maritime studies. May Mr Tung rest in peace. His love for the Nation and Hong Kong, his spirit of public service, and his dedication to education will endure in our hearts forever.

Inaugural “PolyU Alumni Week” brings together over 1,200 alumni for vibrant summer reunion

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its inaugural “PolyU Alumni Week” from 22 to 31 August. Featuring a wide range of activities, including thematic talks, cultural experiences, social gatherings and a virtual campus treasure hunt, the event brought together over 1,200 alumni from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas, participating both online and in-person. PolyU also officially launched the PolyU Alumni WhatsApp channel to provide a more convenient and efficient alumni communication platform, further strengthening real-time engagement with its global alumni community. The highlight of the inaugural Alumni Week, the PolyU Alumni Appreciation Reception, was attended by PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, together with members of the University’s senior management team, deans of faculties and schools, and alumni leaders. Expressing his gratitude to members of the PolyU community who have long supported alumni affairs, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU has recently achieved remarkable results across various endeavours, including rising to 50th globally in the QS World University Rankings. These accomplishments demonstrate PolyU’s excellence in education and research, reflecting the concerted efforts of our staff, students, alumni, faculties, schools, departments and administrative offices. The enthusiastic participation and continued contributions of our alumni are not only a driving force behind the growth of the alumni community, but also a strong pillar of support for the University’s development. As PolyU approaches the significant milestone of its 90th anniversary, we warmly invite all alumni to take part in the upcoming celebrations. We look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with everyone to take PolyU to even greater heights.” During Alumni Week, PolyU hosted two thematic talks, welcoming attendees both online and in person. The “Living x Innovation: Alumni Entrepreneurs Talk” featured four distinguished alumni entrepreneurs who shared their entrepreneurial journeys and industry insights: Dr Abraham LAM, Director of MEGA Automation Limited; Mr ZHANG Quan, Founder and CEO of Twelve Flavors; Dr Jason CHEUNG, Principal Research Fellow of the PolyU Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology; and Prof. Joanne YIP, Associate Dean and Professor of the PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles. Meanwhile, the “Lunchtime Talk: Positive Parenting Through Effective Communication and Guidance” featured Mrs Bally WONG, Founder and Chairman of ABC Pathways Group, who shared practical parent-child communication strategies, helping demonstrate the University’s ongoing support for alumni across various stages of life. The Alumni Affairs Office also organised a diverse programme of social events, including “Past Meets Plate: Walled City and Chiu Chow Culture Journey”, “Between the Lines and the Vines – Hidden Gems of China’s Wineries”, and “Alumni Connect – Central”. These activities gave alumni opportunities to visit historical attractions, enjoy traditional delicacies and expand their networks over lunch. Meanwhile, the “ASPIRE” Young Alumni Mentorship Programme hosted its “ASPIRE Reunion” to celebrate the successful completion of its inaugural cohort with mentors and mentees. Movie screenings were also organised during Alumni Week, allowing alumni to enjoy films together and connect through a shared cultural experience. To overcome geographical boundaries and time zones, the “Around PolyU: Virtual Treasure Hunt”, which spanned the entire Alumni Week, adopted a digital campus orienteering format. This enabled alumni around the globe to “revisit” their alma mater virtually and participate in a campus puzzle hunt game, showcasing the cohesion and innovative vitality of the PolyU alumni community. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to strengthen its ties with alumni through diverse channels, rallying their support to foster the University’s long-term development. “Past Meets Plate: Walled City and Chiu Chow Culture Journey” took PolyU alumni on a unique urban exploration tour of Kowloon City. Through “Alumni Connect – Central”, PolyU alumni expanded their networks over lunch. ***END***

PolyU and Diagens Tech establish joint laboratory to advance AI-driven medical innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Hangzhou Diagens Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Diagens Tech) officially established the “PolyU-Diagens General Artificial Intelligence and Medical Applications Joint Laboratory” (Joint Laboratory) on 2 September. The Joint Laboratory will focus on developing and translating innovative general artificial intelligence (AI) applications tailored for medical settings. Key research areas include medical image analysis, medical foundation models and healthcare automation technologies. Through this collaboration, PolyU and Diagens Tech underscore a pivotal step in their collaborative efforts in AI and healthcare innovation. The plaque-unveiling ceremony was held at the PolyU campus. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. CHEN Changwen, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU; Prof. XIAO Bin, Associate Head (Partnership and Collaboration) of the Department of Computing of PolyU; Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation of PolyU; and Dr LI Yongqi, Project Lead of the Joint Laboratory, together with Dr SONG Ning, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Diagens Tech; Mr WEI Ran, Head of the Medical General Intelligence Lab of Diagens Tech; Mr WU Chengfa, Board Secretary and General Manager of the Strategic Investment Department of Diagens Tech; Mr ZHAO Yancheng, Assistant Manager of the President’s Office of the Diagens Tech Hong Kong Office; and Ms ZHU Yiqiong, Director of Marketing and Branding of the Diagens Tech officiated at the unveiling ceremony of the Joint Laboratory. Building on the strengths of both parties, PolyU and Diagens Tech will work hand in hand to advance the development of smart healthcare technologies, striving to enhance the quality and efficiency of medical services in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and beyond. The Joint Laboratory brings together PolyU’s world-class research expertise in AI, data science, and healthcare technologies with Diagens Tech’s extensive experience in medical imaging, smart medical devices, and digital healthcare equipment. By integrating academic excellence with industry capabilities, the partnership will create a collaborative platform that bridges fundamental research with clinical and real-world applications, while promoting talent development, interdisciplinary collaboration and technology transfer. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The Nation is accelerating the development of the ‘Healthy China’ initiative. The establishment of the Joint Laboratory reflects the shared commitment of PolyU and Diagens Tech to supporting national strategic imperatives, leveraging technological advancements, and fulfilling their social responsibilities in academia and industry. Through our collective efforts, the Joint Laboratory will propel progress in the development of medical AI and elevate healthcare quality, accessibility and efficiency in Hong Kong, across the Nation and around the world.” Dr Song Ning remarked, “AI for Science is fundamentally transforming the global healthcare landscape. As humanity seeks deeper insights into life and health and strives to overcome complex diseases, AI presents challenges and opportunities on a scale comparable to the historic moon landing mission. Diagens Tech is committed to advancing healthcare AI from innovation to industrial-scale deployment. Through this partnership, both sides will empower one another to meet the rapidly growing demand for next-generation healthcare solutions. By closely integrating PolyU’s pioneering research capabilities with Diagens Tech’s expertise in industrial commercialisation, the collaboration aims to establish a new productivity paradigm for healthcare AI and usher in the next era of AI for Science in medicine.” Through pioneering research and innovation, PolyU and Diagens Tech aspire to position the Joint Laboratory as a leading platform for AI-driven medical innovation and intelligent healthcare applications, contributing to the “Healthy China” initiative and advancing the modernisation of healthcare services. ***END***

PolyU launches InnoHK I-GET to build intelligent grid for carbon-neutral future

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has officially established the InnoHK Research Centre for Intelligent GRID and Energy Technologies (InnoHK I-GET). Joining “SEAM@InnoHK”, the third cluster under the Hong Kong SAR Government’s InnoHK research platform, InnoHK I-GET is the only InnoHK initiative dedicated to power grid technology. Based in Hong Kong, it will bring together scientific and industrial strengths from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and around the world to advance the research, validation, standard-setting and industrialisation of smart grids and frontier energy technologies, supporting the Nation and Hong Kong in achieving their carbon neutrality goals. With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, electric vehicles and distributed renewable energy, global electricity demand continues to surge, and the one-way power transmission structure of the traditional grid can no longer cope with sharply fluctuating supply and demand. Coupled with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, this poses a severe challenge to the resilience of urban power systems. Ensuring a stable and intelligent power supply has therefore become crucial to both urban development and national energy infrastructure. Leveraging AI and big data analytics, InnoHK I-GET drives the upgrading of traditional power grids, enabling the coordinated operation of modern large-scale grids and distributed microgrids, monitoring electricity usage across different areas of the grid in real time and coordinating power supply and demand, thereby enhancing the resilience and reliability of the power system. In line with this, InnoHK I-GET has established four key research areas: autonomous energy management technologies for smart grids, green and intelligent grid interfaces, grid-friendly new energy transport, and emerging grid and energy technologies, comprehensively advancing the development and application of smart grid technology. Related research will span the fields of smart grids, microgrids, electrified transportation, AI and large models, intelligent buildings, power electronics, advanced materials, cybersecurity and quantum technologies, driving multi-disciplinary innovation to address the technological challenges of future energy systems. The Director of InnoHK I-GET is Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Grid Modernisation, with Prof. Sir Bashir M. AL-HASHIMI, Senior Vice President (Research & Special Initiatives) of King’s College London, serving as Co-Director. The Centre brings together an interdisciplinary team of more than 70 professors from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas, and collaborates with world-leading institutions including King’s College London, Tsinghua University, Université Gustave Eiffel, National Technical University of Athens, Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, University of Sheffield and Suzhou National Laboratory. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said: “PolyU has built extensive research strengths in power systems and AI, and the establishment of the Centre marks a proud milestone in our ongoing commitment to turning frontier research into real-world solutions that address global challenges. The Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan prioritises a comprehensive green transition and the modernisation of traditional power grids into flexible, interactive smart architectures. As a global top-50 university, PolyU is committed to contributing to this goal, leveraging the interdisciplinary research strengths of InnoHK I-GET to advance frontier research in sustainability and energy. In doing so, we aim to support the Nation’s high-quality development and technological self-reliance.” Prof. Chung Chi-yung said: “As an international financial centre and innovation and technology hub, Hong Kong has extremely high demands for the stability of its power supply, which provides an ideal setting for developing and applying innovative technologies related to the modernisation of smart city grids. Based in Hong Kong, InnoHK I-GET is well positioned to connect Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world. Serving as a platform for technology testing, validation and global showcasing, the Centre is committed to advancing smart grid technology and setting industry standards, helping to align Chinese Mainland standards with international ones.” Prof. Sir Bashir M. Al-Hashimi said: “Power grids are critical infrastructure for modern life, yet much of today’s infrastructure is ageing and was not designed for an increasingly connected and technology-driven society. King’s College London is delighted to play a key role in this international research consortium. This InnoHK-funded research centre provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen collaboration between King’s College London and PolyU, while bringing together leading academics and industry partners from worldwide to reimagine a future power grid that is more resilient, sustainable, intelligent and capable of supporting everything from electric vehicles to AI-enabled services.” Funded by the InnoHK research initiative and based at the Hong Kong Science Park, InnoHK I-GET brings together 60 key industry partners, including China Southern Power Grid Company (CSG), CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, HK Electric and Companhia de Electricidade de Macau – CEM, S.A.. A recent Memorandum of Understanding between PolyU and CSG consolidates this network, focusing on joint talent development and technological innovation to energise the power sector across the GBA and beyond. Such strong industry engagement underscores PolyU’s established reputation and research strength in the energy domain. Outlining the vision for InnoHK I-GET, Prof. Chung highlighted a comprehensive strategy for commercialisation. The pipeline begins with technology transfer at Hong Kong Science Park, moving to pilot demonstration and production at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Northern Metropolis. Backed by Hong Kong’s robust financial infrastructure and global talent pool, the Centre is set to translate its research breakthroughs into international standards, bringing Hong Kong’s technologies to the world. ***END***

PolyU secures first-time win of the First Prize at HICOOL 2026, while also holding the PIIRS Beijing roadshow to deepen I&T matching between Hong Kong and Jing-Jin-Ji region

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) led 15 PolyU startups to participate in the HICOOL 2026 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition (HICOOL 2026), held in Beijing from 26 to 29 August. Spanning diverse technology fields such as beam-scanning control technology, new energy technology, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered legal services, healthcare, AI and robotics, sustainable textiles and fashion technology, PolyU startups stood out from more than 10,000 competing ventures to secure, for the first time a First‑Class Award, the highest honour of the competition, along with three Winner Prizes. The achievement marks the University’s best‑ever performance at the event, underscoring PolyU’s research capabilities and the fruitful outcomes of its startup incubation efforts. Meanwhile, on 29 August, PolyU held a Beijing roadshow in its flagship PolyU Innovation Investment Roadshow Series (PIIRS) for innovation and technology (I&T), investment and industry-matching. Led by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Prof. Zijian ZHENG, PolyU Vice President (Knowledge Transfer), the PolyU teams participated in exhibitions and pitching sessions. The event facilitated in-depth exchanges with the government representatives and I&T community in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region, fostered more precise alignment with local industries and investors, accelerated cross-border market expansion, and promoted the synergistic development of the government, industry, academic, research and investment sectors between the two regions. This year’s Global Entrepreneur Summit attracted over 600 exhibitors, while the Entrepreneurship Competition drew more than 10,000 start-up projects and 13,000 entrepreneurs from over 50 countries and regions worldwide. Award-winning teams receive cash prizes as well as entrepreneurship support. Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “PolyU startup teams have achieved record-breaking results at this year’s HICOOL, a powerful testament to the University’s robust research capabilities and the proven effectiveness of the PolyVentures startup ecosystem. We will continue to leverage PolyVentures to help PolyU startups achieve sustainable, rapid growth and enhance their overall market competitiveness. We remain dedicated to leading outstanding startups to major national I&T events, empowering them to broaden their horizons, explore cross-border markets, connect with investors and build collaboration networks. Through these efforts, we aim to further advance the translation of research outcomes into real-world applications and benefit society through innovation.” The four award-winning PolyU startup projects at HICOOL 2026 are detailed below: Project Principal Investigator Award Introduction High-Power Anti-Reflection Laser Scanning Galvanometer for New Energy and High-End Manufacturing       Mr Mingchun ZHENG CEO of Precision Scan Inc. (PolyU startup)   First Prize   This project addresses industry pain points including inadequate anti‑reflection capability, low transmittance of optical components and unsatisfactory operational stability for high‑power laser scanning welding, and is dedicated to achieving domestic substitution and industrial upgrading of high‑end galvanometers. It delivers technological breakthroughs via three core dimensions: anti‑reflection structural design, lens material selection and coating processes, and high‑efficiency composite heat dissipation which effectively mitigate problems such as focal shift, lens cracking and galvanometer self‑excitation. The product specifications benchmark those of international market leader SCANLAB, and its overall technology has been recognised as internationally leading through authoritative review. The project has finished R&D and entered mass‑production, with products already adopted by leading enterprises in consumer electronics, new‑energy vehicles and 3D printing. Lawrence Legal and Compliance Digital Employee Prof. LU Haitian Hong Kong Sustaintech Foundation Professor in Accounting and Finance of the School of Accounting and Finance, Director of Mainland Development Office, and Founder of WiseLaw (PolyU start-up) Winner Prize Lawrence is a legal and compliance digital employee developed by WiseLaw on its proprietary Law-as-Code technology foundation. Unlike a conventional chatbot, Lawrence is designed to understand work objectives, select and use professional tools, execute multi-step tasks, and produce results that can be reviewed and traced. It supports enterprises, financial institutions, and law firms across practical workflows such as multi-jurisdiction legal research, regulatory searches, contract review, compliance checks, and document processing. By connecting legal knowledge with day-to-day business processes, Lawrence helps users move from receiving information to completing actual work. The product is available through desktop and web interfaces, as well as a dedicated hardware device, allowing teams to access its capabilities in different working environments. Lawrence combines multi-jurisdiction knowledge resources with permission controls, audit mechanisms, and source traceability to support secure and reliable use. It can be configured with role-specific skills and workflows for different legal, compliance, and business scenarios. Rather than replacing professional judgment, Lawrence assists human teams by handling repeatable and information-intensive work, preserving an auditable record and escalating matters that require human review. This enables professionals to focus on strategic judgment, client communication, and complex decision-making. Through this digital-employee approach, WiseLaw aims to make professional legal capability more accessible, standardised, and continuously available, helping Chinese companies respond more efficiently to the legal and compliance challenges of international expansion. Proactive Early Warning System for Structural Health Monitoring of Wind Turbine Blades and Towers   Prof. YU Changyuan Chair Professor of Photonic Information System of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Director of the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute, and Scientific Advisor of Xiaoma Technology Limited (a PolyU startup)   Ms MA Zhiqin PhD Candidate of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Founder of Xiaoma Technology Limited (a PolyU startup)     Winner Prize The project focuses on intelligent operation and maintenance of wind turbines and provides an integrated “Hardware + AI” solution for renewable energy infrastructure. Unlike conventional electrical sensors, which suffer from limited monitoring coverage and may affect the original mechanical properties of blades, the system adopts customised fibre Bragg grating sensing technology with an integrated embedding process. The optical fibre sensors can be embedded into critical blade structures, including main beams, webs and bonding interfaces, without affecting structural integrity. A single optical fibre enables continuous monitoring of blades up to 50 m in length, providing multi-parameter measurements with strain resolution ≤1 με and temperature resolution ≤0.1 ℃, allowing early identification of micro-deformation and structural degradation. To withstand harsh offshore conditions, including high salinity, humidity and vibration, the project has developed a dual-layer protective packaging technology based on polytetrafluoroethylene and stainless steel. The system also integrates finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and multi-physics simulation to build digital models covering blades, gearboxes, generators, and towers, improving wind turbine operating condition reproduction capability from less than 70% in traditional empirical models to over 95%. Combining physics-based modelling with data-driven AI algorithms, the system performs adaptive threshold adjustment, fault localisation (error ≤3 cm) and remaining useful life prediction. It provides a complete workflow from monitoring and analysis to early warning and maintenance decision support, reducing unplanned downtime and offshore maintenance costs. Project Kontemp: Temperature-Controllable Modular Vest Mr PUN Chi Hang, Valen Founder of Project Kontemp Limited (a PolyU startup) Winner Prize Project Kontemp: Modular Temperature-Controlled Vest" offers customisable heating and cooling, enabling users to adjust temperatures to their personal preference. Co-developed in garment collaboration with the Hong Kong Design Institute, this innovative product combines stylish design with expert tailoring to meet diverse lifestyle needs, ensuring versatile application across various scenarios and user groups. Powered by advanced semiconductor technology, the vest precisely delivers the user’s designated temperature, performing effectively in both extreme heat and freezing cold. This functionality helps alleviate discomfort, reduce health risks such as heatstroke and boost focus and performance in extreme environments. In addition, PolyU staged a PIIRS roadshow in Chaoyang District, Beijing, where 22 PolyU startup teams showcased their technological achievements and delivered pitches. The showcase demonstrated the high application potential of the University’s research outcomes and connected with local government, industries and investors, helping inject fresh momentum into the Jing-Jin-Ji region, a vital national I&T hub, and accelerating high-quality development across local industries and, technology innovation, and increasing social wellbeing. The event featured an innovation and investment fireside chat titled “Growing from PolyU toward Beijing: The code for accelerating deep tech entrepreneurship”, moderated by a representative of the PolyU Pearl River Delta Alumni Network. Prof. Zijian Zheng engaged in dialogues with representatives from the PolyU Beijing Alumni Network, PolyU Financial Industry Alumni Network, Dark Horse Group and Zhongguancun Internet Finance Institute. Discussions centered on deep-tech development, pathways for research commercialisation, and cross-boundary co-creation to foster resource synergy. Prof. Zijian Zheng remarked, “PolyU is dedicated to continually refining its research, innovation and knowledge transfer framework to closely align our academic endeavours with market and industry needs, while expanding our research commercialisation footprint across the Chinese Mainland. Through PIIRS, our premier platform for translating technological innovations into tangible value, we strive to connect startups with investors and industry partners, facilitate entry into the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets, and accelerate cross-regional innovation collaboration. These initiatives amplify the real-world impact and global influence of PolyU research.” As a comprehensive ecosystem platform for I&T, investment and industry-matching, PIIRS aims to champion synergistic I&T development across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Yangtze River Delta, the Jing-Jin-Ji region and Central China. By aligning regional industrial demands with PolyU’s research and startup capabilities, PIIRS bridges the gap between the government, industry, academic, research and investment sectors in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland, driving local industry upgrades and socioeconomic progress while contributing to the Nation’s I&T advancement. Prof. Zijian Zheng (2nd from left) engaged in dialogues with representatives from the PolyU Pearl River Delta Alumni Network, PolyU Beijing Alumni Network, PolyU Financial Industry Alumni Network, Dark Horse Group and Zhongguancun Internet Finance Institute during an innovation and investment fireside chat. The PIIRS roadshow in Beijing was successfully held to inject fresh momentum into the Jing-Jin-Ji region, a vital national I&T hub, and accelerate high-quality development across local industries and, technology innovation, and increasing social wellbeing. ***END***

PolyU and HKSI sign MoU to jointly advance sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) have formalised a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy in Hong Kong. With the 20th Asian Games and 5th Asian Para Games approaching, both parties are leveraging this collaboration to establish a cross-disciplinary platform for talent development, education, research and knowledge exchange. The partnership aims to provide comprehensive support for Hong Kong’s elite athletes competing at major international sporting events, empowering them to excel and bring honour to Hong Kong. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus on 31 August. Witnessed by Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) and Hon Vincent CHENG, Vice-Chairman of the HKSI, the MoU was signed by Prof. Marco PANG, Head of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Dr Kate YUNG, Director of Sports Medicine at the HKSI. In his address, Prof. Ben Young said, “At PolyU, our Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has long been recognised for its professional expertise and dedication to improving lives. Our researchers and clinicians bring deep knowledge in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and I am proud that this expertise can now be placed in the service of Hong Kong’s elite athletes. In the Hong Kong Sports Institute, we have found a partner whose experience in elite sports medicine is second to none. Together, I am confident that we can achieve outcomes that neither institution could accomplish alone.” Hon Vincent Cheng expressed his gratitude to PolyU for its commitment and support. He said, “At the HKSI, we recognise that athletes’ success depends not only on their talent and determination, but also on the collective efforts of the multidisciplinary professionals who support them throughout their sporting journey. This partnership will benefit both the HKSI and PolyU, while also advancing the broader development of sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Hong Kong. Most importantly, it will reinforce the expertise and professional support system behind elite athletes, ensuring lasting impact on the development of local sports.” The partnership combines PolyU’s leading position in rehabilitation with HKSI’s extensive experience in sports medicine. Both parties will foster the professional development of staff and students through targeted training programmes and educational initiatives, while planning collaborative research and innovation projects in sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation. PolyU will also offer professional consultancy to enhance physiotherapy and musculoskeletal services at the HKSI. Furthermore, both parties will foster ongoing professional dialogue and exchange by regularly organising conferences, seminars and workshops. PolyU and the HKSI will join forces to elevate the standard of sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in Hong Kong, aiming to benefit both athletes and the broader community. ***END***

PolyU participates in SEAM@InnoHK, the third InnoHK research cluster, contributing grid technology and space manufacturing expertise

Representatives of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today attended the launch ceremony of SEAM@InnoHK, the third InnoHK research cluster established by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. PolyU’s InnoHK Research Centre for Intelligent GRID and Energy Technologies (InnoHK I-GET) is the only research centre on the SEAM@InnoHK cluster dedicated to grid technology, with a mission to support carbon neutrality through smart grid research. In addition, in partnership with the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PolyU is a major local partner in the InnoHK Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology (InnoHK CSMT), contributing the University’s expertise in advanced manufacturing and materials technologies. By participating in the research of both centres, PolyU harnesses its research excellence and robust global network to inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub. The launch ceremony was officiated by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Ms Cordelia CHUNG, Chairman of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP); Mr Kelvin CHOI, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Mr LYU Feng, Deputy Director-General of the Economic and Financial Department II of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Mr Ivan LEE, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology; Mr Terry WONG, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and senior representatives from universities and research centres.

PolyU Malaysia Venture Study Tour fosters HK-Malaysia government-industry-academia-research collaboration, while empowering startups to expand into ASEAN market

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently guided 30 promising PolyU startups on the six-day Malaysia Venture Study Tour 2026. Led by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer), the PolyU delegation exchanged ideas with Malaysian enterprises, investors and industry leaders on expanding strategic business networks, preparing PolyU startups for overseas expansion into the markets of Malaysia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The delegation also met with key Malaysian government agencies and premier higher education institutions to comprehensively deepen government ties and foster research collaboration. The visit marks a milestone in extending the University’s global footprint by fostering government-industry-academia-research collaboration between Hong Kong and Malaysia.  The study tour saw the PolyU delegation and a delegation led by the Honourable Duncan CHIU, Member of the Legislative Council (Technology and Innovation Constituency) of the HKSAR meet with YB Datuk CHANG Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia. The meeting explored topics such as technology and academic research collaboration between the two regions, with hopes to establish long-term collaboration mechanisms to facilitate synergistic developments of technology industries. After this meeting, the PolyU delegation met with YBrs. Dr. Balamurugan A/L Nallamuthu, Undersecretary, the International Division, the Strategic Technology and S&T Application Division, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), as well as representatives from the Strategic Technology and S&T Application Division, the Technology Transfer and Commercialisation R&D Division, and the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM) under MOSTI. Discussions explored opportunities for national‑level research collaboration projects with focus on Malaysia’s key technology domains. Meanwhile, the PolyU delegation paid visits to key stakeholding organisations of Malaysian industry and innovation hubs for in‑depth exchanges. These included the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Leveraging local support networks for innovation and entrepreneurship, the delegation aimed to equip PolyU startups with practical knowledge of the Malaysian market for accelerated overseas expansion. In addition, through attending dedicated business matching sessions at the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” symposium in Kuala Lumpur, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the PolyU startups connected with Malaysian enterprises, investors and industry leaders. These sessions enabled them to explore pilot projects, commercial partnerships and market entry strategies, laying the foundation for penetrating the Malaysian and ASEAN markets Meeting with Malaysia’s premier higher education institutions, including Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Sunway University, the delegation explored engaging in joint research, exchanges and collaborations in different technology domains, aligning PolyU expertise in deep-tech innovation with the unique strengths of Malaysian universities. The delegation aimed to speed up the translation of research outcomes into real-world applications by connecting research experts, entrepreneurs, investors and industry partners. Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “PolyU has made significant strides in nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem and cultivating visionary entrepreneurs who translate academic excellence into real-world solutions. Building upon this strong foundation, the PolyU Malaysia Venture Study Tour 2026 not only enables our startups to forge strategic business ties but also reinforces Hong Kong’s role as a super connector—linking the technological and economic prowess of the GBA with the dynamic ASEAN market to drive innovation-led growth and mutual prosperity.” The 30 participating startups span the fields of artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, health technologies, biotechnology, sustainability and smart city solutions, fully demonstrating the diversity of the University’s startup ecosystem and its cutting‑edge technology. The Study Tour also explored the feasibility of setting up an innovation centre in Malaysia, a strategic consideration following the establishment of PolyU’s first overseas hub in Paris in June. The proposed centre would support PolyU projects and startups in entering the ASEAN market, while providing a gateway for Malaysian innovators to access Hong Kong and the broader Chinese Mainland market, leveraging PolyU’s of translational research network. In the current global economic landscape where market diversification is paramount, Malaysia, with its vibrant digital economy, strong government support for innovation and diverse industrial base, serves as a crucial partner for Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial development and an ideal springboard for advanced technologies and startups to enter Malaysia and the broader ASEAN market. The Malaysia Venture Study Tour 2026 is dedicated to empowering its startups with strategic business networks and practical pathways for international expansion. By synergising government support, academic excellence and business networking, PolyU continues to strengthen its role as a global university that drives impactful technological advancement while reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector bridging regional innovation ecosystems. The PolyU delegation visited Sunway University, Malaysia, and engaged in in-depth exchanges. The PolyU startups attended dedicated business matching sessions at the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” symposium in Kuala Lumpur, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and are connected to Malaysian enterprises, investors, and industry leaders. Prof. Christopher Chao (3rd from left) presents a souvenir to Datin Sri Dato’ Belle Tang (2nd from left), and were joined by Prof. Dong Cheng (centre), Prof. Lu Haitian (3rd from right), Prof. Wen Xiewen (2nd from right), Prof. Simon Lee Ming-yuen (1st from right), and Ms Amylia Chan (1st from left). The PolyU delegation exchanged with local industry leaders to explore collaboration opportunities at a dinner during the study tour. ***END***