This year, PolyU’s InnoTech Open Day was combined with the Alumni Homecoming Day for the first time, creating a fun-filled celebration of the University’s scientific excellence and technological advancements. With over 7,800 participants, the day featured exhibitions, seminars, startup showcases, campus adventures, kids activities, sports, and talent shows, all set in a vibrant atmosphere of innovation and collaboration.

Attendees engaged with leading experts, explored cutting-edge technologies and networked with alumni and industry professionals. The diverse activities showcased PolyU’s commitment to advancing knowledge and research while fostering a sense of community among students, staff and alumni.

Some major highlights include:

PolyU champions innovation at Opening Ceremony

At the Opening Ceremony, The Hon. Duncan Chiu, a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and PolyU Court member, praised the event’s vibrant initiatives in innovation and entrepreneurship. PolyU also signed a cooperation agreement with eight companies, aiming to nurture innovation leaders, enhance PolyVentures’ impact, and accelerate startup growth.

Celebrating alumni achievements

A sharing session was held by PolyU alumnus Dr Shen Peng, founder and CEO of Waterdrop Inc., a NYSE-listed company valued at US$420 million. He discussed his entrepreneurial journey and how he built a leading insurance technology and healthcare platform in the Mainland. Representatives from incubation and investment platforms also discussed opportunities and challenges to inspire young entrepreneurs.

Nurturing future tech leaders

Eighteen startups supported by PolyU showcased a remarkable array of unique inventions, highlighting successful collaborations among industry, academia, and research. Exhibits included a smart wheelchair designed for challenging terrains, alongside Liverscan®, a portable non-invasive device for liver fibrosis assessment.

Displaying cutting-edge research and innovation

The Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering showcased autonomous drone parcel delivery for urban areas to promote a low-altitude economy in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), the largest research platform of its kind in the Greater Bay Area, displayed a novel 3D model of the lunar south pole’s topography and landscape.

Alumni showcase talent and sportsmanship at the Homecoming event

Over a hundred alumni also enthusiastically attended the Alumni Homecoming Day at PolyU. The event featured lively performances by graduates, campus excursions, thematic tours, and an Outstanding PolyU Graduates jogging tour. Attendees enjoyed a friendly futsal match, a ping-pong demonstration, training sessions, kid-friendly play areas, and unique booths showcasing creative achievements from various colleges, schools, departments, and alumni groups.

The excitement peaked with a friendly futsal match, where the Electrical Engineering Alumni Association team triumphed over the Fei Yang alumni team, captained by PolyU Council Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai.