PolyU seizes prestigious innovation awards at AEII and CES
PolyU is committed to pioneering research and fostering a strong culture of knowledge transfer. In recent major innovation competitions, such as the 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong (AEII) and the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 Innovation Awards, the University again achieved remarkable results.
Clinching 18 awards including Grand Prize at AEII
In AEII, an annual exhibition and competition showcasing inventions from Asia, PolyU garnered 18 prizes including the Grand Prize, one Special Prize, seven Gold Medals, eight Silver Medals, and one Bronze Medal. The project “Highly integrated wireless ultrasonic motor system for fully enclosed environments”, led by Professor Chau Kwok-tong, Chair Professor of Electrical Energy Engineering, was awarded the Grand Prize and a Gold Medal. This project features a wireless ultrasonic motor system with a single integrated magnetic coupler connected to the motor, enabling control of motor systems in fully enclosed environments without power cables, batteries or controllers. It facilitates seamless integration into applications like robotic arms, enhancing mobility and flexibility.
Among the award-winning innovations, ten were developed by PolyU-nurtured startups, some founded by the University’s scholars, with support from the University’s signature startup ecosystem, PolyVentures.
Innovative rehabilitation device earns CES recognition
At CES 2025, the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton, a first-of-its-kind multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation, was recognised as an Honouree. Developed by a team led by Dr Xiaoling Hu, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, this innovation effectively helps stroke patients with hemiplegia improve motor function and walking ability. It provides a cost-effective and easy-to-access solution for rehabilitation anytime, anywhere. It also won a Gold Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in April. Dr Hu co-founded Thecon Technology (HK) Limited in 2021 and plans to commercialise the device next year.
For the second consecutive year, PolyU has been honoured in the Accessibility & Aging Tech category of CES — the only university in Hong Kong to receive the recognition.
Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated the awardees of the two events and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to excellence in research for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.