Hong Kong – In response to growing concerns over health and environmental impact, a Hong Kong-based beverage start-up, The Beverage Code, is challenging traditional norms by redefining how drinks are made and consumed. Formerly known as Sodaz, the company embraces the motto “From Pulp to Seed, Nothing Wasted” reflecting its commitment to sustainability and wellness through every step of its product lifecycle.
The Beverage Code, co-founded by Alex Pang, Aaron Pang and Kethena Tang, was established with a desire to offer healthier alternatives to the market. “Many beverages are high in sugar and contain chemical additives so we wanted to provide a healthier choice,” said Alex Pang, who is an alumnus of the University of Hong Kong (HKU). This guiding principle has led to beverages emphasizing low sugar, functional benefits and natural fruit flavors.
Sustainability is woven deeply into The Beverage Code’s operations. “The company has succeeded in reducing water and energy use by 40%,” said Tang. It is implemented by replacing single-use plastics with recyclable aluminum cans and cartons. Their innovative use of raw materials distinguishes them further with fruit peels being repurposed into natural dyes, tea leaves are turned into paper and leftover fruit and pulp are processed into fertilizers. Even surplus or imperfect fruits are upcycled into nutrient-rich teas, sparkling drinks and cocktail infusions using proprietary extraction technology. This approach ensures that every part of the fruit retains its nutritional value and avoids waste.
The Beverage Code’s product development follows a structured three-step approach which are market research, insight gathering and trend analysis allowing the company to align its innovations with consumer demands. They have integrated advanced technologies such as precision tea aroma extraction modulation, FractoOrganoleptic Engineering and Extended Shelf-Life Technology to improve taste and prolong shelf life while maintaining health benefits.
Support from the HKU iDendron program, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, has been instrumental in the company’s growth. “We are very fortunate to be accepted into the HKU iDendron program which provided us some funding,” Alex Pang explained. The program, part of HKU’s Techno-Entrepreneurship Core, provides resources and venture funding to promising start-ups, helping to fuel local and international economic development. The Beverage Code won the Rosewood Foundation Entrepreneurship Award in 2025 earning $100,000, according to the website of HKU idendron.
Beyond product innovation, building a distinct brand philosophy is essential. “Consumers don’t just buy products, they buy the brand philosophy,” Aaron Pang added. In an increasingly competitive market, The Beverage Code is carving out a niche by championing health and sustainability as core values.
We are thrilled to announce the seven teams that have advanced to the Grand Finale of the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge. These finalists were selected after a successful Closed Door Regional Pitching event held on 16 August 2025 at the University of Hong Kong. Out of the numerous talented startups that participated in the competition, five teams from the start-up division and two teams from the growth division have been selected to move forward to the Grand Finale. We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the following teams:
成長組 Growth Division
Dynano Semiconductor Technology Company Limited 大乙半導體科技有限公司
Dynano Semiconductor Technology is a high-tech company founded by Professor Huang Mingxin of HKU and incubated by HKU. Based on the technological breakthrough of HKU in the field of metal materials, Dynano Company has developed the latest sintering materials, processes and related equipment for the pain points such as heat dissipation and failure of high-power semiconductors. The headquarters of Dynano Company is currently registered in the Hong Kong Science Park, and has established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Qianhai-Shenzhen.
Qingdao Sino-Cell Biomedicine Co., Ltd. established in March 2019, is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative cell therapies. Considering the unmet clinical needs, the company is committed to developing globally innovative and leading cell therapies, focusing on TIL therapies targeting solid tumors.
DiamNEX is a high-tech company focusing on the research, development, production and commercialization of diamond thin films, and is committed to becoming a technology leader and standard setter in the diamond semiconductor field. With its unique technology, DiamNEX breaks through the bottleneck of large-size, high-quality, transferable diamond film preparation, and provides new solutions for large-scale commercial production. Its vision is to promote the industry through technological innovation, realize efficient production and wide application, and become the industry benchmark.
Nordia Biotech & Pharmaceuticals HK Limited 周易生物醫藥科技（香港）有限公司
Nordia Biotech & Pharmaceuticals was founded in Dec 2023. Nordia Biotech targets on the unmet medical needs, specifically the diabetes mellitus, with functional islet organoids generated from stem cells through a self-developed unique patented method enabling spontaneous formation of 3D structure of islets. The islet organoids will be transplanted into the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle of patients, for long-term control of blood glucose levels by steady insulin secretion. Other products include biomaterial scaffolds to encapsulate islets organoids to increase the transplantation efficiency. The company offers islet-based contract research services and islet products.
Team Leader: Zhou Zhongjun
BiomOrgan Research (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. 比幹生物研究（深圳）有限公司
BiomOrgan Research (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., a life science company by a group of top-tier organoid scientists from HKU Medicine led by Prof. ZHOUJie. BiomOrgan is at the forefront of transformative technology, leveraging their proprietary respiratory organoid platform and scientific expertise to develop cutting edge organoid culture products and organoid-based services for both academia and industry.
ReGen Technology Limited is a sustainable and innovative solution in afforestation and agriculture, focused on increased plant growth and agricultural productivity, enhancing crop diversification, and soil health improvement. It also involves controlled salinity and control of nutrient concentration in water, supporting a sustainable process of regeneration of land. Additionally, it enhances agricultural resilience and impacts the microclimate, contributing to food security and land value by stabilising food supply and food security.
InnoScreen Research Limited, is a small-molecule drug discovery platform based on Quantum Chemistry and AI. It offers advanced tools to accelerate drug discovery and preclinical trials, enabling faster discoveries and significant cost savings. The core technology includes AI-driven Drug Design (AIDD) tools that integrates Quantum Chemistry and AI to enhance and accelerate the drug discovery process.
The shortlisted startups have truly impressed us with their innovation and creativity, and we firmly believe that they have the potential to make a significant impact in the field of technological innovation. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to the seven teams advancing to the Grand Finale of the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge, and wish them all the best of luck in the final round. We eagerly anticipate seeing them showcase their innovative ideas on the grand stage. Scheduled to take place on January 17, 2026, at the University of Hong Kong, the Grand Finale of the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge will provide a platform for the brightest minds to present their innovative ideas through on-site roadshow presentations. Esteemed industry experts, renowned entrepreneurs, venture capital institutions, and other professionals have been invited by the organizing committee to evaluate the participating projects. The final scores will determine the award-winning teams in both the startup and growth divisions, with corresponding prizes for the champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up. Following the intense competition and the announcement of the winners, an award ceremony will be held to celebrate the achievements of these pioneering techno-entrepreneurs. We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants who applied for the challenge, as your active involvement in this initiative plays an essential role in fostering collaboration, promoting technological innovation and industrial development, enhancing international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, and accelerating the transformation of scientific and technological achievements.
Saint Novel Biotech Limited 神農智能製藥 – Cheuk Shuen Li Haykozé 風環49 安全帽生物醫學降溫配件 – Jeff Li Palette Space Limited 智築未來 – Neo Wang 鈉電破冰–安全領航低溫儲能 – Joe Lee 重擎科技–新一代重型車輛輪轂直驅馬達
區域賽於8月12至13日舉行，並於13日上午舉行開幕典禮，香港特別行政區行政長官李家超及國家教育部部長懷進鵬出席並致辭。參賽項目通過路演及答辯進行，分為五大組別。值得一提的是，香港大學的 Palette Space Limited「智築未來」項目（Neo Wang）榮獲人工智慧組第一名。
The global recruitment phase has successfully concluded and the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge has officially entered the Semi-final competition stage. Teams from the 5 competition zones including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong and Overseas will engage in a battle of wisdom and innovation, competing for the ticket to the Grand Finale.
The Hong Kong and overseas preliminary competition will take place on August 16. After a rigorous review, 25 outstanding teams have been selected to advance to the semi-final, including 20 projects for Start-up Division and 5 projects for Growth Division. The winning teams will represent the Hong Kong and overseas regions on the international stage, competing alongside the world’s top innovation teams.
The shortlisted projects focus on fields such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, new materials, and new energy. These projects cover diverse areas including medical devices, educational applications, robotics, and chip development. The regional competition will invite judges from the HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund and HKU Super Angel Network to witness the startups competing for spots in the final. All projects advancing to the final will have the opportunity to join HKU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and enjoy the co-working spaces iDendron in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, becoming part of the vibrant startup community.
As the wave of technological innovation sweeps across the globe, the Greater Bay Area is leading the way with its vibrant innovative energy. The 2025 HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge (InnoValley) has successfully attracted a total of 253 high-quality entries from teams of innovators around the world.
This year’s projects span across 4 pioneering fields, including:
AI & Digital Technologies
Biotech & Medical Healthcare
New Energy & Green Technologies
New Materials & Manufacturing
Of all entries, 51% have already advanced to the commercialization stage, underscoring significant potential and the vibrant momentum in transforming technological breakthroughs into tangible market outcomes.
43% entries come from Hong Kong or overseas category, highlighting the growing international influence of this competition. Innovators from top global universities including HKU, Stanford, Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, Cornell, Columbia, National University of Singapore, Tsinghua, Peking University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Fudan, will compete among others, bringing the techno-entrepreneurial wisdom of the East and West together.
Over 79% participating teams prioritize the Chinse market in their strategic plans. This is driven both by China’s billion-strong population and thriving consumption upgrade, as well as the nation’s leading capabilities in industrial integration and commercialization of research. Alongside China, many teams are actively pursuing overseas expansion strategies. Southeast Asia and economies along the “Belt and Road” initiative are key expansion targets, signalling an agile market strategy as the global value chain continues to evolve.
With global recruitment concluded, the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge has entered its preliminary phase. After regional preliminary selection, the most innovative and commercially promising teams from each area will advance to the Grand Finale—stay tuned!
Hong Kong, 9 June 2025 – The Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) celebrated the successful launch of the Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme and co-hosted the HKU Demo Day with the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) Startup Council’s STARS Programme on 9 June 2025.
Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Entrepreneurs
The Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme is designed to empower young tech entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The programme provides seed funding, mentorship, and access to essential resources, equipping participants with the tools needed to succeed in today’s competitive startup ecosystem.
Supported by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) through the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Entrepreneurship Scheme), and administered under the Youth Development Fund (YDF) by the Youth Development Commission (YDC), Tech-Up is set to recruit a second cohort of emerging young tech entrepreneurs from HKU. This initiative builds on the legacy of HKU’s iDendron, which launched the ‘Gear-Up Incubation Programme’ in 2019—a three-year initiative that has already supported numerous young entrepreneurs and HKU startups in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams.
Opening Remarks by Prof Stephanie Ma, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation), HKU
Mr Clarence Leung, BBS, JP, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Bureau
Hon. Duncan Chiu, Legislative Councillor (Technology and Innovation)
Officiating Guests and Keynote Speakers
The launch ceremony was graced by a distinguished lineup of officiating guests:
Prof. Stephanie Ma, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation), HKU
Mr. Clarence Leung, BBS, JP, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, HKSAR Government
Hon. Duncan Chiu, Legislative Councillor (Technology and Innovation)
Dr. Steve Chuang, Chairman, Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI)
Professor Jimmy Tao, Chairman, Hong Kong Startup Council
Ms Chan Wing Man, MH, Convenor, Action Group on Youth Development Fund and Programmes, Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB)
Mr. Jason Chiu, Chairman, Versitech
Professor Dr. Winnie Tang (鄧淑明博士), Chief Convenor, HKU Super Angel Network
Dr Paul Wang, Director of HKU TEC
Tech-up GBA Innovator Launch Ceremony
Officiating Guests and Supporting Organizations of Tech-Up Programme
The event featured inspiring keynote speeches from two prominent HKU alumni:
Mr. Harris Sun, CEO & Founder of RaSpect.ai, shared his entrepreneurial journey and vision for leveraging AI and robotics in infrastructure inspection.
Mr. Albert Lam, Founder & CEO of Novelte Robotics, provided valuable insights into scaling a tech startup in the Greater Bay Area.
Keynote Speaker:Mr Harris Sun, Founder and CEO of RaSpect Intelligence Inspection AI Robotic Inspection – In the era of Low Altitude Economy
Keynote Speaker:Mr Albert Lam, Founder and CEO of Novelte Robotics Beyond BordersBuilding Startups in the GBA
HKU Demo Day x FHKI Startup Council’s STARS Programme
HKU Demo Day, co-organised with the FHKI Startup Council’s STARS Programme (Cohort 6 – Session 2), showcased a dynamic lineup of rapidly developing HKU startups engaged in fundraising for ESG & Advanced Tech, ICT, and AI sectors. This special edition event brought together innovative startups to pitch their business plans and latest progress to an audience of super angel network members, venture capital investors, and industry experts.
Prof Jimmy Tao, Chairman Hong Kong Startup Council
The event provided an exceptional networking opportunity, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with industry leaders. FHKI Startup Council members also offered personalised one-on-one consultations, providing tailored guidance to help startups accelerate their journey to success.
Dr Steve Chuang, Chairman of FHKI and Executive Committee Members of Hong Kong Startup Council
Congratulations to DIAMNEX Limited for securing 1st Runner-Up and to Shenzhen Stellar Robot Technology Co., Limited for winning the Championship and the Outstanding Presentation Award at Demo Day!
STARS Programme Cohort 6 x HKU Demo Day: Schedule and Participating Startups
Team
Category
Company Name (English)
Company Name (Chinese)
Academic PIC
1
Robotics
Exynergy
类生科技
Prof. Xi Ning
2 (1st Runner Up)
Material Tech
DIAMNEX Limited
钻耐科思有限公司
Prof. CHU Zhiqin
3
ICT/AI & Big Data
Engram
忆生科技
Prof. Ma Yi
4
ICT/AI & Big Data
High Tech Technology Limited
芯高科技有限公司
Dr. David NG
5
Robotics
TreadCloud Tech
踏雲科技
Prof. LU Peng
6
ICT/AI & Big Data
SenseAI
山海科技
Prof. WU Chenshu
7
Robotics
Spatial Robotics
n/a
Prof. ZHANG Fu
8
Health Tech
E-Sense Innovation & Technology Limited
溢生創新科技有限公司
Prof. Desmond Yap
9
Fin Tech
FinSiliconX Limited
n/a
Dr. David NG
10 (Outstanding Presentation Award)
Robotics
Shenzhen Stellar Robot Technology Co.,Limited
星际光年
Prof. Luo Ping
Looking Forward
The successful launch of the Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme and the HKU X Startup Council Demo Day marks a significant milestone in nurturing the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and innovators. These initiatives continue to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, driving technological innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the Greater Bay Area.
The Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme (Tech-Up) aims to empower young tech entrepreneurs to transform their concepts into viable business ventures in Hong Kong and/or the Greater Bay Area by providing seed funding, mentorship, and access to key resources.
Tech-up is organised by the Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and supported by Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) through the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Entrepreneurship Scheme), under the Youth Development Fund (YDF) administered by the Youth Development Commission (YDC).
HKU Demo Day X FHKI Startup Council’s Star Programme
HKU Demo Day, a dynamic showcase co-organised with FHKI Startup Council’s STARS Programme (Cohort 6 – Session 2). The pitching teams will mainly consist of rapidly developing HKU startups that are currently in fundraising activities in ESG & Advanced Tech plus ICT & AI sectors. This special edition event brings together innovative startups to pitch their business plans and latest progress to a distinguished audience of super angel network’s community, venture capital investors and industry experts.
This event offers an exceptional networking opportunity, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with industry leaders. Additionally, FHKI Startup Council members will provide personalised one-on-one consultations, offering tailored guidance to help startups accelerate their journey to success.
Hong Kong – The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has once again demonstrated its prowess in innovation, securing the coveted Champion title in the Tertiary Category at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024-25 competition. This year’s theme, “Pathways of Tomorrow: Trailblazing New Paths for the Next Generation”, challenged students across Hong Kong to leverage AI and cutting-edge technologies to address pressing societal issues. HKU’s winning project, iWalk, emerged as a standout, offering a transformative solution to enhance children’s foot health and setting a new benchmark for health-tech innovation. The competition, which saw a record-breaking tripling of participating teams to nearly 500 from 180 schools and tertiary institutions, concluded on April 14, 2025, after an inspiring 8-month journey of creativity and problem-solving.
Group Photo of “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow” Event
Champion from HKU: iWalk Revolutionizes Foot Health
Digitoe‘s iWalk is a revolutionary blend of hardware and software designed to support foot orthopedists in safeguarding young children’s foot health. By integrating smart insoles that collect real-time walking data, iWalk delivers personalized exercise recommendations and facilitates the creation of custom-made insoles tailored to individual needs. Paired with a user-friendly mobile app, the system enables continuous monitoring of foot health metrics, empowering healthcare professionals to detect and address foot and posture issues early. This proactive approach not only enhances treatment outcomes but also promotes long-term well-being for young patients, showcasing HKU’s commitment to impactful, technology-driven healthcare solutions.
A Journey of Creativity and Excellence
The success of iWalk reflects the dedication and ingenuity of the HKU iDendron’s team, who navigated a rigorous competition process that included submitting creative proposals, participating in AI and Design Thinking workshops, and refining their project under the guidance of industry mentors. Their ability to translate complex technical concepts into a practical, user-centric solution impressed the judges and underscored HKU’s leadership in fostering interdisciplinary innovation. The project’s focus on early intervention aligns perfectly with Samsung’s vision of “AI for All,” leveraging advanced technology to deliver meaningful benefits to communities.
Yiyin Zhao, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics H.K. Company, Limited, hopes to provide creative solutions for various industries through AI in collaboration with students.
Nurturing Future Innovator
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024-25, co-organized by the Association of Information Technology Education Leaders (AiTLE) and supported by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Education Bureau and Hong Kong Education City, provided a platform for students to develop future-ready skills. Yiyin Zhao, Managing Director of Samsung Electronics H.K., emphasized the competition’s role in nurturing local AI talent, aligning with Hong Kong’s push to establish itself as a hub for AI innovation. Beyond the Champion title, HKU’s achievement opens doors to internship opportunities with Samsung, further equipping students with real-world experience to shape their careers.
HKU’s Lasting Impact: iWalk and SCOLIOTRACK Lead the Way This victory is a testament to HKU’s unwavering dedication to advancing technology for societal good. Alongside the champion project iWalk, HKU also earned a Merit Award for their project SCOLIOTRACK, which supports spine specialists and physiotherapists with personalized treatment plans, further highlighting the university’s depth of talent. As we celebrate HKU’s triumphs, we also applaud all participants, including champions from different academic institutions for their inspiring contributions. Together, these young innovators are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Congratulations to HKU and all teams for making Samsung Solve for tomorrow 2024-25 a resounding success!
Hong Kong – On April 25, 2025, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment Co., Ltd. (Shanghai SSCI, 上海国投) held a significant Framework Agreement Signing Ceremony, marking a pivotal step in fostering innovation and collaboration between Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Leadership Speeches: Charting the Course for Innovation
Professor Max Shen, Vice President (Research) of The University of Hong Kong, emphasized in his speech that HKU has long been committed to translating cutting-edge research into practical applications. Leveraging its deep expertise in engineering, medicine, and interdisciplinary studies, HKU aims to build a global hub for innovation. He expressed enthusiasm about integrating HKU’s academic strengths with Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment Co., Ltd. (上海国投)’s industrial resources to create a “virtuous cycle linking research, industry, and the market”, injecting new momentum into regional innovation.
Dr. Dai Minmin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment Co., Ltd. (上海国投), highlighted the corporation’s role as a state-owned capital investment and operational platform, is strategically positioned to focus on “Fund Management + Innovation Incubation”. Shanghai SSCI will continue to deepen and expand its comprehensive collaboration with HKU in industry-academia-research integration and the development of the HKU Shanghai Centre. Leveraging complementary advantages between Shanghai and Hong Kong, Shanghai SSCI aims to jointly advance bilateral cooperation in science and technology innovation, fostering synergies for regional development.
Collaborative Initiatives: Focusing on Three Core Areas The partnership centers on “resource sharing and mutual reinforcement”, with key efforts in:
Joint Talent Cultivation HKU and Shanghai SSCI will open internship platforms for students and faculty to engage in corporate projects. Through enterprise visits, joint training programs, and cross-industry exchanges, the initiative will build a cross-border talent network, ensuring robust support for innovation in both regions.
Ecosystem for Technology Commercialization Combining HKU’s talent and R&D capabilities with Shanghai SSCI’s platform resources, the two parties will jointly host innovation and entrepreneurship forums, technology roadshows, and training sessions. These initiatives aim to align academic research with industrial needs, accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies.
Synergistic Fund Investment The collaboration will establish a mechanism for discovering, connecting, and converting research outcomes across strategic sectors—including integrated circuits, biomedicine, and new energy. By providing early-stage industrial investment and fund services, the partnership will support the growth of tech startups and foster industrial clusters in the Yangtze River Delta and Greater Bay Area.
For more information, please contact: HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core Email: hkutec@hku.hk
Geneva, Switzerland – The University of Hong Kong (HKU) announces its successful participation in the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, held from 9 to 13 April, 2025. HKU secured a total of 32 awards, which included one esteemed special grand prize, seven Gold with Jury Congratulations, eight Golds, nine Silvers and seven Bronze medals.
The project Live-attenuated Influenza Vaccine with Alpha-1,3-Galactosyltransferase Expression to Enhance Immune Response won Special Grand Prize – Saudi Innovation Excellence Prize & Gold Medal with Jury Congratulations. It focuses on creating a live-attenuated influenza vaccine that expresses α-Gal epitopes on the surfaces of infected cells. By introducing a gene for alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase into the neuraminidase gene segment of the influenza virus, the vaccine promotes the opsonization of these infected cells by anti-α-Gal antibodies, thereby enhancing the immune response triggered by the vaccine. This innovative approach aims to improve the efficacy of influenza vaccination. The project is led by Prof Leo L.M. POON and Dr Alex W.H. CHIN from the School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine.
The other six projects also won Gold Medal with Jury Congratulations, including:
1. A Multimodal Medical Screening and Disease Monitoring Platform to Serve Healthcare Professionals, Patients, and Families in Primary Health Settings with Clinical Standard Readout, Environmental Versatility, and Accessibility
The project aims to provide healthcare professionals, patients, and families with a portable Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) system for the early detection and monitoring of vital organs such as the lung, liver, kidney, heart, and brain. Designed for use in primary healthcare settings like clinics, community centers, and homes, this non-invasive technology utilizes advanced microelectronics to measure impedance distribution in organs and generates clinically standard readouts through AI-enabled processing. The EIT system is validated by clinical professionals, offering a unique solution for disease detection and monitoring in community, clinic, and home environments.
It is led by Prof Desmond YAP from the Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, Dr Russell W. CHAN and Dr Eddie C. WONG.
2. AI-Powered Blood Pressure Monitoring for Everyone
The project focuses on developing a non-invasive method for measuring blood pressure using AI and the built-in sensors of mobile devices, such as microphones, motion sensors, and cameras. This innovative approach allows for convenient home healthcare and continuous monitoring without the need for additional hardware. Key features include the ability to compute various vital signs, telemedicine integration, emergency care capabilities, personalized drug dosage optimization, cost-effectiveness, high scalability, and privacy protection, ensuring that no identifiable data is exposed.
It is led by Mr Nicholas Tze Yin KWOK and Prof Joshua Wing Kei HO from the School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine.
3. Circulating Thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) – A Novel Fibrosis Biomarker for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
The project focuses on using circulating thrombospondin-2 levels as a simple and non-invasive blood biomarker to predict the presence and progression of advanced liver fibrosis. This biomarker is significant for identifying critical stages of steatotic liver disease, which can influence disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders.
It is led by Dr Chi-Ho LEE, Prof Karen Siu-Ling LAM and Prof Aimin XU from the Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine.
4. Compositions and Methods of Gamma-delta T Cell Extracellular Vesicle-based Tumor Vaccines
The project focuses on utilizing extracellular vesicles derived from γδ-T cells as a versatile platform for cancer vaccine development. This approach enhances immune activation and exerts antitumor effects, offering a scalable and ready-to-use solution for various cancers. The technology highlights include the use of γδ-T-EVs to deliver tumor antigens, stimulate immune responses, and directly eliminate tumor cells, ensuring improved safety, effectiveness, and broad applicability in cancer treatment.
It is led by Prof Wenwei TU, Dr Yinping LIU and Dr Xiwei WANG from the Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine.
5. Hypoxia-Primed Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Derivatives Enhance Lung Injury Repair
The project focuses on preconditioning mesenchymal stromal cells under hypoxic conditions, which simulates the oxygen deprivation seen in tissue damage. This process stimulates the secretion of therapeutic extracellular vesicles enriched with angiogenic factors that facilitate tissue regeneration following acute lung injury. These enhanced extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in promoting recovery from acute lung injuries associated with respiratory diseases.
It is led by Prof Michael Chi Wai CHAN, Dr Angel Po Yee MA, and Dr Rachel Hiu Ha CHING from the School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine.
6. Methods to Prepare Vdelta2-T Cells Derived Exosomes for Treatment of Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Cancers
The project focuses on developing techniques to produce exosomes from Vdelta2-T cells (Vδ2-T-Exos) aimed at treating EBV-associated cancers. These exosomes selectively target and kill tumor cells while enhancing T-cell antitumor immunity, providing a stable, scalable, and safer cancer therapy option. The innovation introduces Vδ2-T-Exos, which not only induce apoptosis in EBV-related tumor cells but also bolster T cell-mediated immunity, offering high bioavailability and low side effects, thus presenting a promising cell-free immunotherapy for effective treatment of EBV-related cancer
It is led by Prof Wenwei TU, Dr Yinping LIU and Dr Xiwei WANG from the Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine.
HKU exhibited 32 groundbreaking projects addressing critical global challenges across various fields, including biomedicine, engineering, and advanced garment manufacturing technology. The innovations presented by HKU reflect the University’s dedication to translating research into practical applications that benefit society.
Among the standout projects were advancements in health technology and novel therapeutic strategies, which garnered attention for their potential to improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life. These inventions exemplify HKU’s mission to foster innovation that address pressing societal needs.
Professor Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), expressed pride in the researchers’ accomplishments: “Our participation in the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva highlights HKU’s commitment in innovation. We are thrilled to have received 32 awards this year, underscoring the exceptional work of our researchers and their commitment to creating impactful solutions.”
The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva serves as a vital platform for inventors, researchers, and industry leaders from around the globe. HKU’s achievements at this event strengthen its role as a leader in innovation and research, contributing to the ongoing development of sustainable solutions and technological advancements.
Please click here for a complete list of HKU’s inventions participated in the event and further details. Please click here to download high-res photos.
For media enquiries, please contact: Mr Antony KWONG Knowledge Exchange Office Email: antonyak@hku.hk
