PolyU-nurtured startup uses AI to save lives on construction sites.

The risky job nature and challenging site environment make construction work a highstakes profession in Hong Kong. In 2022, there were an average of 29.1 construction accidents per 1,000 workers, including those that lead to fatalities, more than double the overall economy-wide rate of 13.5. Seventeen workers died due to construction accidents in that year.

Years ago, a fatal incident at a construction site deeply affected Hugo. One day, he had a discussion with the site contractor well into the night. The next day, he was shocked to learn that the contractor had died in an elevator shaft accident. This tragedy led him to reflect on construction safety.

AI for good

He then discussed his concerns with Gary, whom he knew since their undergraduate years at PolyU. Having worked in an engineering consultancy for several years, Gary believed that the construction industry should introduce innovation and technology to enhance productivity, efficiency, and most importantly the construction workers’ safety in their workplace. In 2016, they co-founded viAct, with their mission “viAct to save lives”.

Gary Ng Chun-kui right

• Co-founder and CEO, viAct

• Bachelor of Engineering in Building Services Engineering, 2002

Hugo Cheuk Yuen-hang left

• Co-founder and COO, viAct

• Bachelor of Engineering in Building Services Engineering, 2002

• Master of Business Administration (General Management), 2011

It took them three years to understand the pain points of the construction industry. In 2019, they launched a self-developed scenario-based AI algorithm for their “Construction Management Software” to enable remote monitoring of construction sites.

The vision cloud platform automates real-time construction monitoring by connecting all types of IP cameras. It identifies workers wearing personal protective equipment, spots safety hazards, monitors machinery operation, and manages environmental waste.

Real-time alerts are sent to a mobile app with a simple interface, designed for engineers working in noisy and dynamic environments. Using light and sound to alert construction workers, the platform can reduce up to 95% of on-site accidents. Additionally, the proprietary innovation tracks construction progress and carbon emissions.

viAct’s vision intelligence helps the government, property developers and construction enterprises to improve not only safety but also operation efficiency and environmental sustainability.

viAct’s proprietary AI-powered real-time monitoring system helps reduce up to 95% of construction site accidents.

Entrepreneurial perseverance

There were a lot of technical and operational difficulties at the beginning. These included promoting new technology in a traditional industry, hiring and training skilled staff, and collecting data. Inspired by the PolyU motto “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”, the pair always put people first and have persevered when facing difficulties on the road of entrepreneurship.

With the vision of making a safer and more secure work environment in risk prone industries, viAct has developed and deployed over 100 pre-built AI modules since its inception. The startup leverages advanced AI-driven insights to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and elevate overall safety, propelling construction projects toward unparalleled productivity and excellence.

“As a leading contech startup in Asia, our world’s first scenario-based AI monitoring solution is continuously fostering safety as a non-negotiable part of workplace culture,” Hugo added.

The company is now expanding globally with projects in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe, as well as diversifying into other industries such as facilities management and manufacturing, aiming to establish a Hong Kong-based AI brand with global reach.

“Over the years, our solution has earned the trust of the World Economic Forum, Forbes Asia, Google, Deloitte and KPMG,” Gary said. “viAct’s commitment to AI innovation produces a profound Impact on workplace safety and the dignity of labour, facilitating the development of intelligent and ecofriendly infrastructures. We collaborate with clients and governments to foster a sustainable environment where cities will allow people to live, learn and thrive.”