PolyU has once again demonstrated its excellence in scientific innovation, with two esteemed faculty members receiving recognition in the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023 competition. These awards highlight the University's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge research to address pressing global challenges.

Dr Ma Cong
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
25 winners of the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023 in Science Start-ups

YnnoMed Limited, a PolyU startup co-founded by Dr Ma Cong, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, is among the 25 winners in the Science Start-ups category of the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023. It is the only winner from Hong Kong to receive the global award in this category.

 

The PolyU spin-off has been honoured for its groundbreaking work in developing new antibiotic drug candidates. Leveraging AI-assisted technology developed in-house, YnnoMed focuses on discovering and developing first-in-class antimicrobial drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Their preclinical development platform boasts several promising antimicrobial medicines.

Dr Huang Bolong
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Finalist of the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023 in Engineering & Technology

In another remarkable achievement, Dr Huang Bolong, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at PolyU, has been selected as a finalist in the Engineering and Technology category. Dr Huang's groundbreaking research on nanocatalysts for broad carbon-strategic applications of sustainable energy earned him this esteemed recognition.

 

By combining theoretical calculations and machine learning techniques, Dr Huang is committed to creating novel catalysts for crucial chemical reactions in sustainable development. His research encompasses various areas, including water-splitting hydrogen generation, oxygen reduction and evolution for fuel cells and metal-air batteries, and carbon dioxide reduction for controlling carbon emissions.

PolyU continues to foster an environment that nurtures scientific entrepreneurship and breakthrough innovations. The recognition received by YnnoMed and Dr Huang not only reflects the caliber of research conducted at the University but also showcases PolyU's commitment to driving impactful solutions for the benefit of society and the environment.

The Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year competition is organised by the Falling Walls Foundation, a Berlin-based non-profit organisation. The foundation aims to promote breakthrough thinking. It is actively building a growing network of leaders in academia, business, and the public sector to tackle grand challenges and bring groundbreaking ideas to society.