Ir Professor Yongping Zheng’s startup snatches Gold Award in "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High-value Patent Portfolio Layout Competition 2023"

Telefield Medical Imaging Limited (Telefield), founded by Ir Professor Yongping Zheng, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU, was the only Hong Kong start-up snatched a Gold Award in the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High-value Patent Portfolio Layout Competition 2023" (website in Simplified Chinese only). A total of 809 projects participated in this competition. The awarded projects were selected through 1.45 million online votes and a panel of professional judges.

Telefield is a pioneer in developing 3D ultrasound imaging equipment and solutions, and has over 120 patents.

The patent portfolio of Telefield is based on three PolyU patents:

• "Three-Dimensional (3D) Ultrasound Imaging System for Assessing Scoliosis,"
• "Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Detection Method,"
• "Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Imaging System."

After commercialisation, Telefield has developed a diverse range of patent families, including platform technologies for 3D ultrasound imaging devices and systems, as well as over a hundred patents/patent applications spanning 21 patent families derived from the platform technologies. These 21 patent families primarily cover five areas, including (i) 3D ultrasound scanning and imaging techniques, (ii) applications of 3D ultrasound imaging in orthotics, (iii) the structure of 3D ultrasound imaging systems, (iv) micro 3D ultrasound imaging technologies, and (v) 3D ultrasound display, measurement, and analysis. These patent families provide comprehensive patent protection for various products of Telefield, such as the 3D spinal ultrasound device, portable spinal ultrasound device, and AI+ 3D ultrasound spinal imaging algorithms.

Telefield’s Scolioscan® is the world’s first and only radiation-free 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system. It enables patients to undergo safe and unrestricted examinations of scoliosis and posture, eliminating the need for regular X-Ray scans that increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, it ensures timely treatment for patients.  The system has been deployed in hospitals and clinics in Europe, Australia, Mainland China, and Hong Kong. It has obtained the EU CE certificate, Australian ARTG certificate, and Mainland China NMPA certificate.