PolyU hosts Aerospace Innovation Research Summit and establishes Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy to support national development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today hosted the Aerospace Innovation Research Summit (AIR Summit) on campus, bringing together political and business leaders, researchers, and industry professionals from the aerospace technology and innovation sectors. Thematic parallel sessions focused on key topics including deep space exploration, rocket and satellite technology, the new space economy, low altitude economy and opportunities for startups. Participants shared the latest research achievements, technological breakthroughs and discussed innovative aerospace solutions. The event attracted close to 1,000 global scholars and industry experts, with over 50 speakers sharing their insights and research findings.

At the opening ceremony, Ms WU Cheng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Ms Lillian CHEONG, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Dr Christian FEICHTINGER, Executive Director of the International Astronautical Federation; Ms LI Tingting, Division Director of Satellite Data and Application International Cooperation Center, China National Space Administration; Dr Hon Hoey Simon LEE, Hon Duncan CHIU, Dr Hon Wendy HONG Wen, Hon SHANG Hailong, Prof. Hon William WONG Kam-fai, Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Members of Legislative Council of the HKSAR; Mr Allen YEUNG, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress, and Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), inaugurated the event. Prof. WU Weiren, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Program and Ms Aarti HOLLA-MAINI, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs also delivered video speeches to wish the Summit great success.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU is committed to fostering international outreach and partnerships in the field of aerospace. Last year, PolyU proudly became the first educational institution in Hong Kong to join the International Astronautical Federation, which has a network of over 500 leading corporate members from 77 countries worldwide. Last month, we also presented seven pioneering research projects at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy. As an innovative world-class university, now ranked 57th in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, PolyU will continue to leverage its scientific, engineering and research excellence to further contribute to the development of aerospace.”

In the afternoon, the Summit featured five thematic parallel sessions, focusing on: “Exploring How Entrepreneurs Harness Research Outcomes to Seize Space Economy Opportunities”, “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong”, “Engineering–LEO Satellites and Rockets”, “Space Exploration: Technology and Science”, and “Commercialising Space”. These sessions facilitated discussion among participants on technological innovation, industry trends and applications.

A highlight of the thematic parallel sessions was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between PolyU and two industry partners. In the parallel session themed “Commercialising Space”, PolyU signed an MoU with the Orion Astropreneur Space Academy (Hong Kong) Limited (OASA), to promote innovation and advancement of space technology. The two parties will collaborate to establish a “Space Accelerator” aimed at nurturing future talent for the NewSpace Economy and related industries.

Promoting talent development, academic research, and technology transfer in the low altitude economy

In the “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong” session, PolyU signed an MoU with the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA) to collaborate on driving innovation and advancing practices in the low altitude economy, as well as promoting academic research and technology transfer. At the same session, PolyU held the inauguration ceremony of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE), with Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of the LAEA, and Dr Winnie TANG, Founding Vice President of the LAEA, Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium, officiating.

PolyU held the inauguration ceremony of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy and announced the launch of an MSc Programme in Low Altitude Economy in September 2025.

In his speech, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The low altitude economy is an emerging industry that the Nation is actively promoting. As one of the engines driving the development of new productive forces, PolyU is committed to supporting the development of related technologies, including drone package delivery and unmanned autonomous systems in urban landscapes. Regarding talent development, PolyU will launch an MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy in September 2025. This unique interdisciplinary programme will balance technical research and business operations, covering topics from aircraft design in aviation hardware to civilian aviation software, including airspace management, flight path planning, and cargo and passenger transportation. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to cultivate talent essential for advancing the low-altitude economy.”

RCLAE brings together experts and scholars from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies. RCLAE focuses on two key areas: infrastructure deployment and low-altitude airspace operation, and the development of intelligent perception and control technologies. The first area aims to design and manage low-altitude airspace effectively, ensuring safe and efficient usage. The second area focuses on developing advanced technologies that ensure aircraft can fly securely in low-altitude airspace, even in challenging situations. RCLAE has already initiated projects on low-altitude air traffic management and the use of drones for cargo transportation. Through applied research, RCLAE will propose a code of practice for drone usage in Hong Kong, and, in collaboration with the PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, will offer policy recommendations for amending existing or establishing new regulations.

The AIR Summit showcased PolyU’s interdisciplinary research strengths and capabilities across various fields. The University will continue to leverage its influence by working closely with the higher education sector, research institutions and industry partners to bring valuable innovations to society through education, research and knowledge transfer.

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