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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

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PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development

The next generation of microelectronics relies on radical improvements in transistor switching performance to advance computing power. However, conventional semiconductor technology has hit a physical limit known as the "Boltzmann tyranny," which restricts the energy efficiency of traditional transistors and stalls progress in high-performance electronics. To address this key bottleneck, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has engineered a novel tunnelling field-effect transistor (TFET) utilising two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. The breakthrough brings this long-awaited experimental technology closer to commercial reality, offering a fundamental building block for energy-efficient computing and next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) chips. The research was led by Prof. Jianhua HAO, Head of the Department of Physics and Materials, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices and Associate Director of PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute at PolyU, in collaboration with researchers from the National University of Singapore, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Peking University, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design. The landmark findings have been published in the prestigious international scientific journal Science. Integrated circuits (ICs), composed of transistors switching between ON and OFF states, form the foundation of modern computing. Conventional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) rely on thermionic emission of electrical charges over a barrier, driven by the gating voltage, the minimum of which is just 60 millivolts (mV). However, the notorious Boltzmann limit, or “Boltzmann tyranny”, makes subthreshold swing (SS, a measure of switching barrier) values below 60 mV decade⁻¹ at room temperature a physical impossibility for MOSFETs, putting the brakes on further progress in high-performance electronics. Prof. Jianhua Hao said, “The International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS) has identified TFETs as the most promising alternative to MOSFETs. By replacing thermionic emission with quantum tunnelling, our 2D heterostructure transistor breaks through this       60 mV decade⁻¹ boundary, overcoming the standard MOSFET limit. Our TFET paves the way for ultra-low-power, high-performance ICs essential for emerging AI chips and advanced semiconductor applications.” To solve the performance limitations of previous TFET designs, Prof. Hao’s team created ultra-thin heterostructure of 2D bismuth (Bi) and indium selenide (InSe) alternating layers using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). By exercising precise control over the layer structure at nanoscale, the normally semi-metallic bismuth transforms into a semiconductor in 2D form, creating ideal energy band alignment for charge carriers to tunnel efficiently into InSe through quantum tunnelling mechanism. The resulting Bi/InSe TFET achieved SS values well below the 60 mV decade⁻¹ thermionic limit across six orders of magnitude of current switching. Operating at room temperature on standard centimetre-scale silicon substrates, the device required a gate-voltage range of only 160 mV—far lower than the 800 mV required by advanced MOSFETs. Crucially, the device resolved a long-standing challenge in experimental TFETs by delivering a high output current of up to several microamps per micrometre (μA μm⁻¹) alongside an exceptionally high ON/OFF current ratio. High output current is essential for driving multiple downstream logic gates (fan-out), demonstrating diminished circuit-delay, and ensuring compatibility with and even generational upgrade for the existing IC chips. The study also demonstrates the practical viability of PLD for high-precision, wafer-scale manufacturing of 2D materials that appreciated for future transistors with ultra-short channel lengths. Given its seamless integration capability with traditional silicon-based manufacturing processes, this breakthrough provides a scalable roadmap for energy-efficient microchips and specialised hardware powering AI applications. ***END***

PolyU Student Orientation 2026 commences with over 2,500 freshmen attending President’s Welcome

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Student Orientation 2026 kicked off on campus today, with over 2,500 freshmen attending the President’s Welcome at the Jockey Club Auditorium. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, alongside the University’s senior management team, welcomed the freshmen to the PolyU family. He introduced the University’s rich history and vision, highlighting its mission to nurture socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “As an innovative, world-class university, PolyU pursues excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. We aspire for our graduates to become leaders in innovation, while our research delivers innovation with direct societal benefits, ensuring that the spirit of innovation is embodied in all our endeavours. As we prepare to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the University next year, we warmly invite everyone to stay tuned for our upcoming activities and join us in celebrating this significant milestone.” The President’s Welcome featured a rich programme, highlighted by a sharing session from Ms CHEN Rui, PolyU alumna and Founder cum Chief Executive Officer of BOTINKIT. Ms Chen, who was listed in Fortune Top 40 Under 40 Business Elites in China 2025, shared her entrepreneurial journey and career development in the field of artificial intelligence, encouraging freshmen to pursue their aspirations courageously. Student representatives then introduced their new peers to campus life, as well as to the University’s diverse learning and holistic development opportunities. In closing, students and the PolyU Choir took to the stage, showcasing the talent of PolyU students and the artistic vibrancy of the campus. Organised by the Student Affairs Office, the event brought together new students at the main venue as well as via live broadcasts at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub, and various other locations across campus, marking the beginning of their university journey. Furthermore, “PolyU Orientation 2026” will feature an Orientation Showcase and Annual Talent Show in September to further help freshmen settle into university life. The Orientation Showcase will be held on 1 September at the Shaw Sports Complex, where over 45 booths hosted by various University units and student organisations will introduce freshmen to a wide range of co-curricular activities and campus support services. The Showcase will also offer students the opportunity to interact with staff and senior peers, helping them gain a better understanding of the University’s holistic development programmes and discover opportunities for them to realise their personal and professional potential. The Annual Talent Show will take place on 17 September, featuring a range of captivating performances by students from the PolyU STARS Residential College. The event will showcase their creativity, passion and exceptional talent, further highlighting the vibrant artistic and cultural atmosphere on campus. ***END***

PolyU and the University of Oxford forge strategic partnerships to advance global research and academic collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Oxford signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the University of Oxford on 23 July to foster pioneering academic and research collaboration. The MoU was signed by Prof. LI Xiangdong, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment and Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology at PolyU, and Prof. Michael OBERSTEINER, Director of the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), Professor of Global Change and Sustainability at the University of Oxford and Editor of Nexus. This strategic partnership is designed to leverage the complementary strengths of both institutions across multiple critical fields, including urban systems, energy and environment, public health, climate resilience, artificial intelligence and data science, as well as policy and governance. Prof. Li Xiangdong said, “We are delighted to embark on this strategic partnership with the University of Oxford. PolyU is committed to addressing pressing global challenges across critical fields through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. By combining our strengths with ECI at the University of Oxford, this collaboration will foster pioneering research and create impactful solutions for global challenges. We look forward to deepening our academic exchanges and driving meaningful advancements in sustainable development and international scholarship.” Prof. Michael Obersteiner said, “This MoU creates an exciting opportunity for the University of Oxford and PolyU to bring together our complementary strengths and perspectives in addressing some of the most complex and interconnected challenges of our time. This partnership gives us a valuable framework for developing new ideas, learning from one another and building genuinely collaborative research across our two universities. I am very much looking forward to taking this work forward together.” The collaboration will encompass joint research initiatives, staff and student exchanges and visits, joint academic events such as seminars and workshops, the sharing of open-access publications, and the development of joint funding applications. This alliance underscores both universities’ dedication to tackling complex global challenges through interdisciplinary research and international academic excellence. The signing ceremony took place following the international conference, Nexus Forum 2026, held at the University of Oxford from 19 to 22 July. Co-organised by PolyU and Cell Press, the Forum was co-chaired by Prof. Jerry Yan, Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings at the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, and Editor-in-Chief of Nexus, and Prof. Michael Obersteiner. Themed “Unity in Diversity: Interdisciplinary Perspectives for a Sustainable Future”, the Forum brought together numerous global scholars to address critical challenges in sustainability, climate resilience, and integrated systems. ***END***

PolyU admits 10 elite athletes through SALSA Scheme, providing comprehensive support for their dual-track academic and athletic development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting holistic education and has consistently supported outstanding student-athletes in pursuing dual-track academic and athletic development. This year, PolyU has admitted 10 outstanding athletes through the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission (SALSA) Scheme. They will embark on their undergraduate studies in the 2026/27 academic year, laying a solid foundation for their future multifaceted development. The newly admitted student-athletes have demonstrated exceptional performances, having represented Hong Kong in numerous international and regional competitions with impressive results in sports that include badminton, esports, football, karate, figure skating, squash, wushu and taekwondo. They will be pursuing a diverse range of undergraduate programmes in disciplines including in Accounting and Finance, Applied Social Sciences, Fashion, Management and Marketing, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, and Sports Technology. Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), welcomed the 10 student-athletes to the University and said, “PolyU is not only a cradle for nurturing professional talent, but also a platform that encourages students to push beyond their boundaries. We provide student-athletes with tailored academic support and flexible learning arrangements, enabling them to acquire diverse academic knowledge while pursuing professional athletic excellence. We hope that they will bring their resilience and determination—to constantly push limits and break boundaries—into their academic pursuits, inspiring and motivating other students to strive for excellence and help foster a vibrant campus culture.” Among PolyU’s newly admitted student-athletes is CHAN Pak Yin, Hong Kong’s first full-time esports athlete to be admitted to a university through the SALSA Scheme. Last year, he won a bronze medal in Street Fighter 6 at the Evolution Championship Series 2025 in Las Vegas, USA, as well as a gold medal at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. In July this year, he competed as the sole representative from Hong Kong in the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris, France, achieving a personal best by placing ninth in Street Fighter 6. He will enrol on the PolyU BBA (Hons) Scheme in Management and Marketing. He said, “I am delighted to be the first esports athlete admitted to PolyU through this Scheme. I am grateful to the University for providing flexible learning support, allowing me to balance my training, international competitions and studies. I look forward to broadening my professional knowledge at PolyU while continuing to bring honours to Hong Kong on the international esports stage and inspiring more esports athletes through my own experience.” Two athletes set to represent Hong Kong at next month’s Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, have also been admitted: ICHIKAWA Sohgo, who plays football for the Hong Kong Premier League side Lee Man Football Club, and badminton player CHEUNG Sai Shing. Ichikawa Sohgo previously helped the Hong Kong team achieve a historic semi-final finish at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou. He will be studying on the BBA (Hons) Scheme in Accounting and Finance. He said, “PolyU provides support for student-athletes, such as flexible class schedules. This gives me the confidence to balance my football career with my academic development, while also planning for my future career.” Cheung Sai Shing recently won a gold medal in the mixed doubles (U19) at last month’s Indonesia Junior International Grand Prix, following a silver medal in the mixed doubles at last year’s Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. He will make his debut representing Hong Kong in the men’s doubles at the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, as well as at the 2026 Badminton World Federation World Junior Championships in Egypt this October. He will be pursuing the BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences. He remarked, “The PolyU badminton team is highly competitive and the University is deeply supportive of student-athletes pursuing dual-track development in both academics and sports. I hope to dedicate myself to social policy and social innovation in the future to give back to society.” Also admitted this year is figure skater Jarvis HO, who has won medals at the Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy for five consecutive years. He will enrol on the BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. He noted that an athlete’s career is often accompanied by varying degrees of wear-and-tear and injuries, making the professional guidance and psychological support of physiotherapists particularly crucial. He said, “The Physiotherapy programme at PolyU has a long history and the University’s support for student-athletes is comprehensive. This allows me to pursue my studies while remaining focused on training and preparing for next year’s World University Games in Changchun and Jilin City. I aspire to become a professional physiotherapist while also contributing to the development of winter sports in Hong Kong.” PolyU offers various scholarships to student-athletes every year in recognition of their outstanding athletic achievements. Elite athletes admitted through the SALSA Scheme may receive scholarships worth up to HK$400,000 over the course of their studies. PolyU also provides student hall accommodation, enabling them to learn and grow from a fulfilling residential life, alongside a comprehensive suite of support services. These include individual academic mentoring, flexible class and assessment arrangements, and options to extend their study periods. ***END***

PolyU x BOCHK International Future Challenge (Hong Kong Regional Final) yields top four teams, 18 innovative teams showcase capabilities at Global Unicorn Summit

Hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and title sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK), the PolyU x BOCHK International Future Challenge (Hong Kong Regional Final) concluded today (24 August) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Featured on the main stage during the Global Unicorn Summit (the Summit), organised by the Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, 18 top Challenge startup teams, selected from over 300 entries, showcased their strengths competing for various awards and the top four spots which advance to the Grand Final. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, meanwhile delivered a keynote speech at the Summit themed “How University Research Empowers Industrial Innovation”. He elaborated on the mission and characteristics of university research, and shared PolyU’s successful experience in driving research translation through the establishment of Mainland Translational Research Institutes. Following its title sponsorship of the inaugural PolyU x BOCHK International Future Challenge Grand Final, BOCHK demonstrated its continued support this year as the title sponsor for both the Hong Kong Regional Final and the Grand Final of the PolyU International Future Challenge (PolyU IFC) 2026, joining hands with PolyU to nurture young innovation and technology (I&T) talents and drive high-quality development in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Hong Kong Regional Final focused on five cutting-edge fields: Life Sciences and Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics, Digital Economy and Financial Technology, Smart City and Green Living, as well as Aerospace and Aviation Technology. The Hong Kong region competition generated an enthusiastic response, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s vitality and appeal as an international I&T hub. The 18 shortlisted teams made on-site pitches and exhibited at the exhibition zone of the Summit, presenting their innovations to visitors, investors, and industry leaders. Prof. Zijian ZHENG, PolyU Vice President (Knowledge Transfer), remarked, “With Hong Kong serving as a super-connector, PolyU IFC 2026 successfully builds a cross-regional platform that closely connects the Chinese Mainland, the Middle East and beyond, creating unprecedented opportunities for global innovation and collaboration. We are delighted to see 18 outstanding startup teams showcase their innovative solutions. These projects are a testament to the vision, perseverance and collaborative spirit that define the PolyU mission as an innovative world-class university. PolyU’s unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, boasts over 900 active startups, including unicorns and listed companies. We look forward to today’s teams leveraging this platform to step onto a broader entrepreneurial stage.” The Hon Ken LEE, Advisor to BOCHK and Legislative Council Member, stated in the speech, “BOCHK is pleased to once again support PolyU’s flagship innovation competition, joining hands to build a supportive ecosystem that nurtures innovation and technology talent. By accelerating the practical application of innovative ideas and research achievements, this initiative aligns closely with national strategies and HKSAR Government policies, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub.” Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. Cheng DONG, PolyU Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) and Mr Marston WONG, Deputy General Manager of Commercial Banking Department of BOCHK presented the top four awards. Following rigorous evaluation by the judging panel and on-site voting, 11 winning teams were selected. The top four teams from the Hong Kong Regional Final advance to the Grand Final held in Hong Kong in January next year, to compete with winners from other regions for the highest honours. The winning teams from the Hong Kong Regional Final are as follows: Award Team/Company Project Cash Prize BOCHK Diamond Cup CobotAI Limited TeleX: Industrial Embodied Multi-Modal Data Intelligent Collection Terminal and Skill Platform HK$120,000 Gold Award LI Shuai CHENG Lok Kan SUN Yu LEE Ka Sing SONG Zhen HU Zengbo Novel BCI Interaction Technology Based on Multi-dimensional Sonomyography (SMG) Signals HK$75,000 Silver Award AniMed Technology Limited OptiFi Sleep HK$50,000 Bronze Award Motomics Limited MotusAI — Physics-Aware Biomechanical Agent for Musculoskeletal Disorder Assessment HK$25,000 Best Student Team Award LIO Kun Hon CHEN Tak Hei KUONG Ka I CHAN Kuan Ieong CHAN Cheng Tong KARUMANCHI Abhishikth PulmoSight HK$25,000 Best Presentation Award OnAn Technology Service Limited Company OnAn Technology HK$5,000 Best Presentation Award Visorx Technology Limited Visor™RECURE DEVICE HK$5,000 Best Innovation Award LI Shuai CHENG Lok Kan SUN Yu LEE Ka Sing SONG Zhen HU Zengbo Novel BCI Interaction Technology Based on Multi-dimensional Sonomyography (SMG) Signals HK$5,000 Best Innovation Award Easenory Technology Limited World-Leading Elastic Textile PCB HK$5,000 Most Popular Award Bondcare Tech (Hong Kong) Limited Bondcare-Canxiao Intelligent State-based Clinical Care HK$5,000 Most Popular Award Stairio Limited Stairio HK$5,000 As the University’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition, PolyU IFC is strategically aligned with the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and “Artificial Intelligence (AI)+” initiative. This year, an overseas region was introduced for the first time, meaning the inclusion of nine competition regions in total: Hong Kong, Qianhai, Wuhan, Nanjing, Jinjiang, Hefei, Hangzhou, Wuxi and Saudi Arabia. Leveraging the cross border network of the PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes and in collaboration with local government authorities and leading enterprises, the Challenge focuses on “AI+” to foster precise alignment between research projects and regional industrial resources. To date, over 1,400 competition applications have been received from across the nine competition regions. Registration for the Jinjiang, Hefei, Hangzhou and Wuxi regions is currently open. For further details, please visit the official PolyU IFC website. Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) (1st from left) and Mr Marston Wong, Deputy General Manager of Commercial Banking Department of BOCHK (1st from right) present the “BOCHK Diamond Cup” to the winning team “CobotAI Limited”. VIP guests, members of the judging panel, and winning teams pose for a group photo on stage. VIP guests and 18 shortlisted teams pose for a group photo on stage. ***END***

URA x PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2026 concludes successfully, empowering young minds to explore urban renewal and drive innovative solutions for sustainable urban development

(22 August 2026) The URA x PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2026 (the Competition), jointly organised by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) under an inaugural partnership, successfully concluded today (22 August) with an award presentation ceremony held on the PolyU campus. Supported by the PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and Esri China (Hong Kong), the Competition aimed to empower secondary school students to explore and gain in-depth understanding of urban renewal in Hong Kong. Centred on two URA urban renewal projects – the Sai Yee Street / Flower Market Road Development Scheme and the Peel Street / Graham Street Development Scheme, the Competition invited students to use innovative thinking in developing feasible place-making or community-making proposals. The Competition garnered an enthusiastic response, attracting nearly 400 students from 64 secondary schools. Over 220 principals, teachers, students and guests also gathered to witness the innovative achievements of the young talents. The award presentation ceremony was officiated by Mr CHAN Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China; Mr CHOW Chung-kong, Chairman of the URA; and Prof. WONG Wing-tak, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. Distinguished guests included Ar Donald CHOI, Managing Director of the URA; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT. Mr Chan Kwok-ki remarked, “The Competition has provided a learning platform for secondary school students across Hong Kong that integrates knowledge, technology and humanistic care, enabling students to appreciate the balance between urban development and community preservation, and to respond to the needs of community development with innovative thinking. The ideas and proposals put forward by the students in the Competition truly embody the innovative spirit required to drive urban renewal. I hope students will keep in mind the principle of ‘technology for good,’ and eventually become leaders equipped with both technological innovation capabilities as well as social responsibility, injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as a smart city.” Mr Chow Chung-kong noted that with the URA celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Competition served as one of the key highlights of its silver jubilee celebrations. “Since its inception, the URA has been driven by the mission to facilitate urban renewal, improve the living environment of older districts, and promote sustainable development of the city. Urban renewal goes far beyond demolishing old buildings and constructing new ones. More importantly, it is about preserving the community characteristics and local culture, as well as holistically enhancing residents’ quality of life. The Competition guided students to explore the Flower Market and the Central and Western District, and experience the unique historical fabric and cultural essence of these areas firsthand. Participants were invited to devise innovative and viable ‘place-making’ or ‘community-making’ proposals, injecting new possibilities into these older districts through youthful perspectives while embodying the URA’s three core approaches: ‘people first’, ‘district-based’, and ‘public participatory’.” Prof. Wong Wing-tak stated, “PolyU is committed to promoting social innovation education. We aim not only to foster academic excellence but also to encourage students to translate their creativity into actionable solutions for complex societal challenges. PolyU will continue to collaborate closely with the HKSAR Government, the URA and all sectors of society to cultivate a more inclusive and inspiring environment, supporting our younger generation as they flourish and thrive.” Through a series of activities including workshops, docent tours and group research, participating students gained deep insights into community characteristics, residents’ needs and the opportunities and challenges of urban development, before proposing innovative solutions that address community needs and promote urban renewal. By establishing a cross-disciplinary platform and leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 360-degree cameras, and geospatial data, the Competition guided students to integrate social science theories with real-world urban development issues. It enhanced their civic awareness, critical-thinking and social responsibility, inspiring them to apply the knowledge of urban renewal and applied social innovation towards building more liveable, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Summarising the outcomes of the Competition, Prof. Eric Chui commended the participants for their meticulous identification of community pain points and their diverse, locally-informed proposals. He added, “I am delighted to see this year’s Competition reach a record scale. Students ventured into the community to discover the challenges faced by old districts firsthand. Through empathy, innovative thinking and the integration of geographic information systems and artificial intelligence, they have designed practical and human-centric social innovation proposals for vulnerable groups sometimes overlooked in the process of urban transformation.” Following a rigorous evaluation by a judging panel of PolyU scholar, the URA representative and industry professional, the award winners of the Competition have been successfully selected as follows: First Prize Pui Ching Middle School Second Prize Pui Kiu Middle School Third Prize Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Mrs Wu York Yu Memorial College Merit Awards Po Leung Kuk Lo Kit Sing (1983) College Henrietta Secondary School Finalist Awards CUHKFAA Chan Chun Ha Secondary School CNEC Lau Wing Sang Secondary School Buddhist Yip Kei Nam Memorial College   Mr Chan Kwok-ki (7th from left), Mr Chow Chung-kong (6th from left), and Prof. Wong Wing-tak (8th from left), presented the first, second and third prizes to the winning teams.   Ar Donald Choi (6th from right), and Prof. David Shum (7th from left), presented the Merit Awards. ***END***   table, td, th { border: 1px solid black; } table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 500px; }