PolyU and AquaBloom join forces to nurture sports technology talent and advance industry development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group Limited (ABSG) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the “Sports Technology Talent and Industry Development Centre”. The Centre aspires to cultivate top industry talents and accelerate sports research and industry development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through education programmes, academic exchanges and joint research projects.

Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Dr Rocky CHENG, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, the MoU was signed by Prof. Ming ZHANG, Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomechanics of PolyU and Mr Mike YANG, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABSG. This strategic partnership will leverage PolyU research strengths and ABSG industry experience to foster each other’s academic activities and education projects on sports technology.

The Centre will connect PolyU researchers with local sports organisations to form an expert team comprising academics, researchers, sports professionals and industry practitioners. The team will engage in impactful interdisciplinary research and collaborate on projects eligible for local and national funding. In terms of talent development, leveraging its robust local and global networks, ABGS will also offer internship and career placements to students enrolled on the PolyU Master of Science programme in Sports Technology and Management, which will welcome its first intake in 2025. For the industry, the Centre will provide enterprises with professional services that encompass knowledge transfer, investment, business expansion, networking and technology empowerment. Additionally, it will also function as an incubator and accelerator to foster the development of the sports industry in the region.

Prof. Christopher Chao said, “Leveraging its world-class academic and research capabilities, PolyU has produced numerous innovations and inventions and is committed to translating its research outcomes to create positive impact on society. We are delighted to join forces with ABSG to establish the Sports Technology Talent and Industry Development Centre. With our research capabilities and ABSG’s robust network, the Centre can promote advanced sports technology research and talent development through collaborations among industry, academia and research sectors. This will not only accelerate the development of the sports industry and enhance its overall competitiveness in the Greater Bay Area, but will also promote high-quality economic growth in the region.”

Mr Mike Yang said, “As a globalised and leading SportsTech focused platform, ABSG is thrilled to partner with PolyU to establish the Sports Technology Talent and Industry Development Centre. By combining the distinctive strengths of both organisations, we are committed to delivering unparalleled value in talent development and to propelling industry growth. We are confident that this centre will not only be one of a kind within Hong Kong and the GBA, but will also offer sustainable social, academic, industrial and economic benefits to all stakeholders across the globe.”

In the future, the Centre will explore opportunities for collaboration between PolyU-nurtured enterprises and ABSG’s key innovation projects. The synergy between the two organisations can propel talent development, innovation and knowledge transfer in sports technology.

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