The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hefei Luyang People’s Government have reached an agreement to jointly establish the PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Research Institute), with the aim of fostering in-depth and effective collaboration in industry, academia and research and cultivating talents.
The establishment of the Research Institute contributes to enhancing and facilitating research development, academic exchange, nurturing of talent and knowledge transfer in various fields, including biomedical and sensing precision technology, and aerospace information. By leveraging the research and academic excellence of PolyU, these collaborations support the development of a top-notch innovation platform in Hefei.
Hefei is one of the national core areas for comprehensive technological innovation development. It has the first batch of national laboratories and is one of the cities with the most large-scale scientific facilities in the Mainland. The cooperation will also focus on creating a sustainable incubator for start-ups, driving innovation in emerging industries, developing key core technologies, and promoting their application based on the needs of Hefei’s economic development.
The agreement was signed in Heifei city on 25 October in Hefei city by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr SHI Kun, Executive Vice-Head of the Luyang District Government. The signing was witnessed by Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU; Prof. CHEN Wu, Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics of PolyU; Prof. NI Yiqing, Director of National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) of PolyU; Mr GAO Qiang, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Luyang District Committee; Mr ZHU Huajun, Director of the Luyang District Party Committee Office; and Mr SHEN Bin, Director of the Administrative Committee of Luyang Economic and Development Zone.
Prof. Christopher Chao, said, “PolyU is a research-oriented university known for its innovation and unique strengths in fundamental research and technology innovation. By partnering with Hefei to establish the Research Institute, we will actively engage in diverse projects encompassing technological research and development, entrepreneurial incubation, and talent cultivation. Our aim is to make valuable contributions to the advancement of cutting-edge industries in the country, while staying at the forefront of global technology.”
Mr Gao Qiang, said, “PolyU is a world-renowned comprehensive research university, consistently ranking among the top 100 in global university rankings for its educational and research excellence. Luyang District serves as an important carrier for Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center and has been included in the top 100 regions in terms of comprehensive strength for five consecutive terms. The successful establishment of the Research Institute reflects the strategic vision of both parties and will undoubtedly create a bright development prospect in the future. It will also help Luyang to reach to new heights in technology.”
During this trip, the delegation also visited local universities and research institutes, as well as relevant industrial chain enterprises in Luyang District, to conduct in-depth exchanges and explore opportunities for university, industry, and government collaboration.