PolyU’s impactful innovations have received international recognition at the HICOOL 2024 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition, a three-day event held in Beijing. At its inaugural participation in the event, the University showcased seven research projects. Two of the projects, in the fields of quantum technology and biomedical engineering, garnered awards out of the 7,400 projects submitted from over 120 countries and regions.

Quantum encryption innovation receives second prize

The project “Quantum Chip-based Key Distribution System” was awarded the second prize along with a cash award of one million yuan. Professor Liu Aiqun, Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering led this project. He is also the Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT).

The System harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to provide users with an information-theoretically secure solution to key exchange, ensuring the long-term security of communication. Click here to learn more about the innovation.

Radiation-free scoliosis assessment system comes third

Scolioscan^®, the world’s first radiation-free 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, received the third prize and a cash award of half a million yuan. Scolioscan^® was developed by a research team led by Professor Zheng Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing and Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub at PolyU, and Co-founder of Telefield Medical Imaging Limited.

Scolioscan^® addresses the drawback of frequent X-ray exposure by offering a radiation-free and accurate spine evaluation that allows individuals to undergo frequent safe spine check-ups. To learn more about this technology, click here .

Invention used in China’s space missions exhibited outside Hong Kong for the first time

Developed and manufactured by PolyU, the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” had its first public appearance outside Hong Kong and was exhibited at the event. The System was designed to support the Nation’s first lunar sample return mission, Chang’e-5, and the world’s first lunar far-side sampling for the Chang’e-6 lunar exploration mission. The research team was led by Professor Yung Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, and Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology.

Additionally, five PolyU academic-led startup teams were invited to take part in roadshows during the Summit to showcase their innovations to prospective investors. Click here to learn more about the projects exhibited in HICOOL.