As Hong Kong explores innovative solutions for urban mobility, the vast potential of low-altitude airspace presents a compelling new frontier. As part of this evolution, PolyU is playing an active role in developing the low-altitude economy (LAE) that integrates world-class research capabilities, forward-thinking education programmes, and strategic industry partnerships to reshape the city's future.

Low-altitude transportation and logistics (LATL), operating below 1,000 metres in the airspace, presents unprecedented opportunities through electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, helicopters, and small drones. Amidst growing regional momentum, PolyU is harnessing its extensive expertise in aeronautical and aerospace engineering to drive innovation in this emerging sector.

Contributing to policy development

In response to the Government's 2024 Policy Address initiative to promote LAE as a growth engine, PolyU's Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) submitted recommendations to the HKSAR government, suggesting that the Northern Metropolis draw from Shenzhen's LAE experience. The recommendations included establishing San Tin Technopole as a central innovation hub to collaborate with Shenzhen I&T Park and advance the Greater Bay Area Smart City Cluster, while emphasising the need for Hong Kong to refine LAE regulations, establish an inter-departmental oversight unit, and develop research and development (R&D) centres focused on low-altitude transportation technologies.

Research excellence driving aerial innovation

To advance PolyU's vision, the University has established the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE). The Research Centre focuses on two key areas: infrastructure deployment and low-altitude airspace operation, alongside the development of intelligent perception and control technologies. PolyU's research teams bring substantial expertise in precise control and reliable positioning of unmanned aerial vehicles, airspace management, and optimisation of flight routes, depots, and vertiport locations. This technical foundation is crucial for developing viable solutions for Hong Kong's smart city aspirations.

During the recent Aerospace Innovation Research Summit (AIR Summit), PolyU marked two significant milestones at the "Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong" session. The University inaugurated RCLAE and formalised a partnership with the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA) through a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement aims to drive innovation and advance practices in the LAE, as well as promote academic research and technology transfer.

The ceremony was officiated by the Hon Elizabeth Quat, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR Government and Founding President of LAEA, and Dr Winnie Tang, Founding Vice President of LAEA. Earlier in July, the University welcomed them and the Smart City Consortium delegation to learn about PolyU's LAE research.

The establishment of RCLAE will catalyse economic growth and improve mobility, trade and logistics across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The Research Centre will reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a leading trade and shipping hub while elevating cargo throughput and travel convenience across the aviation, tourism, retail, and logistics sectors.

PolyU held the inauguration ceremony of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy and announced the launch of an MSc Programme in Low Altitude Economy in September 2025.

Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU (3rd from left, back row); Dr Winnie Tang, Founding Vice President of the LAEA, Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium (3rd from right, back row), Prof. H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU (2nd from left, back row); Mr Sean Lee, Founding Vice President of the LAEA (2nd from right, back row), Prof. Wen Chih-yung, Head of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering (left, back row) and Mr Gary Yeung, President, Smart City Consortium (right, back row), the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU (left, seated) and the Hon Elizabeth Quat, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of the LAEA (right, seated).

Nurturing next-generation talent

To support this rapidly evolving field, PolyU will also launch a Master of Science programme in LAE in September 2025. This innovative programme will provide advanced education and training in LAE, airspace systems and management, U-space design, aviation safety, as well as infrastructure design, engineering and operations for next-generation low-altitude aerial vehicles. This interdisciplinary, practice-oriented curriculum aims to equip students with cutting-edge expertise in LAE, preparing them to become future industry leaders.

Through this comprehensive approach—combining cutting-edge research, talent development, and strategic partnerships—PolyU is helping to position Hong Kong at the forefront of the low-altitude economy revolution, creating new possibilities for urban mobility and economic growth in the city and beyond.