In a recent interview with i-Cable, Professor Zheng Zijian, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, Associate Director of the University Research Facility in Materials Characterization and Device Fabrication and Founding Member of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, shared his insights on the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme launched by the Hong Kong SAR government. Professor Zheng emphasised the Scheme’s positive impact on scientists and its potential to drive Hong Kong's innovation landscape.

Professor Zheng praised RAISe+ is the first and largest government-led scheme to support startups, offering tremendous support for young scientists and academics in their early entrepreneurial stages. “The message brought by this Scheme is powerful, showing the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and new technology,” he stated. The Scheme not only provides financial backing but also enhances collaboration between academia and the business sector.

One of the Scheme’s unique features, according to Professor Zheng, is its innovative approach to Intellectual Property (IP) rights. “Under this Scheme, the research teams are entitled to at least 70% of the IP benefits, which is highly motivating for entrepreneurs, compared to other countries’ schemes that usually offer less than 50%,” he explained. This generous IP provision serves as a powerful motivator for researchers to commercialise their innovations, bridging the gap between academic research and practical application.

Professor Zheng’s project on new materials and new energy is among the first two PolyU projects awarded the RAISe+ funding. His research focuses on advancing current collectors to extend battery life and enhance energy storage capabilities. He believes new materials and new energy open new economic possibilities and can help foster Hong Kong to become an innovative, green centre. This aligns with the initiative of “new quality productive forces” proposed by the Chinese government.

Looking ahead, Professor Zheng expressed optimism about the future of research and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong. He encourages young scientists to engage in both research and business ventures, anticipating increased opportunities given the government's support through programmes like RAISe+.

Watch the interview:
i-Cable “InnoAction” (Episode 30, 00:10 - 12:33)