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PolyU collaborates with Macau University of Science and Technology to advance diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia

COVID-19 is taking its toll on the world, affecting more than 200 countries and regions. In the face of a surge in cases, rapid diagnosis and identification of high-risk patients for early intervention is crucial for controlling the pandemic. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to the fight against COVID-19 and has been collaborating with various partners in the prevention and control of the disease. PolyU today announced the launch of a new AI system jointly developed with the Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.) in conjunction with other Chinese institutions, to assist in the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. This research was published in the prestigious international journal Cell, in a paper entitled “Clinically Applicable AI System for Accurate Diagnosis, Quantitative Measurements, and Prognosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia Using Computed Tomography” (link). The novel AI-assisted diagnostic system, based on computed tomography (CT) chest imaging, can efficiently distinguish COVID-19 pneumonia from other viral pneumonia, and predict the severity level in 20 seconds, with an accuracy of up to 90% or above. It assists radiologists and physicians in performing a quick diagnosis, especially when the health system is overloaded. According to Professor Kang ZHANG of the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T. – the first author of the research paper, the research team used a large CT database of 3,777 patients to train and test the AI system to differentiate novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) from other common pneumonia and normal controls. This system is able to provide accurate clinical prognosis that can aid clinicians when considering appropriate early clinical management and appropriate resource allocation. It has been developed to assist global clinicians in combating COVID-19. Dr Johnson LAU, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, explained that the AI team uses deep learning, semantic segmentation and multiple neural network architectures to create an accurate AI diagnostic system comprising texture analysis, quantitative measurements and diagnosis classification. In addition, based on the international standard for related research on lung lesions, lung, liver damage and relevant clinical indicators, they have also developed a comprehensive rating system to project the emergence of pneumonia severe lesions accurately for the follow-up treatment. The scientists from PolyU and M.U.S.T. have also collaborated on other projects, including the seroconversion study in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) patients in China, which helped pave the way for further diagnostic and therapeutic development to treat SARS-CoV-2. The study “Seroprevalence of immunoglobulin M and G antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in China” was also recently published in another prestigious scientific journal Nature Medicine (link). “Leveraging PolyU’s strengths and our collaborations with different research partners, we are able to contribute to the well-being of humankind. During the outbreak, we have developed a rapid automated diagnostic system to detect COVID-19 and have conducted various scientific experiments related to the pandemic,” said Professor Alexander WAI, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. “Since the establishment of the biotechnology and translational medicine international collaborative platform in 2018, PolyU has been working closely with M.U.S.T. and other partners from the United States and the Greater Bay Area for high-impact research. Our long-term cooperation has paved the way for us to respond quickly, and to use our expertise to develop this new AI system for the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19.” Professor Manson FOK, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T., remarked that this AI system had been implemented in many hospitals in different countries. M.U.S.T. is collaborating with several prominent universities including Baylor University, University of Buffalo and Stanford University to serve the US populations. He believed this application could soon be adopted in Hong Kong, more regions of Mainland China and worldwide. COVID-19 is a new and highly contagious virus with over 7 million people infected (as of June 10). Researchers from PolyU and M.U.S.T. with their supportive partners will continue their efforts in COVID-19 research to use scientific technologies to combat this pandemic through prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control. Please click for photo shots

PolyU Explores the Application of Peptides in Data Storage for Space Exploration in China’s Next-generation Manned Spacecraft

With the huge amount of digital data generated and recorded during space missions, the data storage devices currently used for this purpose reveal great limitations in terms of their data storage capacity and the durability of the retained data. To meet this challenge, a team of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers has developed a novel technology for massive data management involving the use of peptides, which has been developed to optimise data storage for space exploration in China’s next-generation manned spacecraft in the new Long March-5B rocket. Led by Dr YAO Zhong-ping, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Prof. Francis LAU, Professor and Associate Head, Department of Electronic & Information Engineering, the team has used peptides for the storage of digital data and tandem mass spectrometry for its retrieval. Compared with existing commercial data storage devices and other developing technologies such as DNA data storage, peptides offer a much higher storage density and longer storage duration – with the data still viable for sequencing even after millions of years when DNA would have already degraded. As such, this new technology has very great potential for handling the enormous amount of data generated during space missions. Dr Yao considers the peptide synthesis industry to be already well-developed, allowing fast peptide synthesis at a reasonable cost; with the development of proteomics, the process of sequencing thousands of peptides in a mixture can now be completed within a short period of time. Combining proteomics and data storage technology for the first time, this innovation has the potential to transform the data storage industry. Besides its application in data management for space missions, this technology has potentially wide applications, and could benefit governmental agencies and corporations that generate and archive large volumes of big data. Dr Yao adds that the further advancements in the peptide synthesis industry and sequencing technology would enable the peptide data storage to be applied at a more reasonable cost. Launched on 5 May 2020, the manned spacecraft of the Long March-5B rocket, with the support of Space Biology Group, carried mixtures of peptides encoding a bilingual text file containing the PolyU motto ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’ and ‘PolyU 80th Anniversary’, as well as an audio file of the music ‘Silent Night’, prepared by the PolyU research team. The purpose of this space ride-share experiment is to test the reliability and stability of the peptides for data storage and retrieval after exposure to the space environment. Upon the safe return to Earth of the spacecraft along with the experimental materials, the PolyU team will decode and retrieve the data. It is expected that this technology will hold promise in supporting data management in space exploration in the coming future. PolyU has a strong research track record in space technology, with its researchers having been involved in a number of national and international space exploration projects since the 1990s, and with this important space ride-share experiment, the University has now participated in the historic launch of the China’s Long March-5B rocket along with the next-generation manned spacecraft to support the nation’s plan for space exploration to Mars. PolyU looks forward to further collaboration with China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Space Biology Group, China Resources Life Sciences Group and various other research partners to develop other forward-looking research projects for future space missions. About The Hong Kong Polytechnic University While boasting a proud history of over 80 years, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a vibrant and aspiring university with a forward-looking vision and mission. Committed to building a talent pipeline and research strength for advancing the development of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world, PolyU provides the best holistic education to nurture future-ready global citizens and socially responsible leaders, conducts high-impact interdisciplinary research, and proactively transfers knowledge to create value and build impact. We embrace internationalisation and engage the Nation for education and research through strategic partnerships and collaborations. With “Opening Minds. Shaping the Future” as our brand promise, the University is currently offering more than 160 taught programmes in six faculties and two schools, engaging in 3,200 exciting research projects, and collaborating with over 660 institutions overseas and in the Chinese mainland on a wide variety of initiatives. We have over 400,000 alumni around the globe and currently 28,000 students. PolyU website: www.polyu.edu.hk About Space Biology Group Space Biology Group manages and operates space biological experiments for the China aerospace industry. It provides a platform for conducting space biology experiments for research centers, tertiary educational institutions, and agricultural and life sciences companies, through the provision of a one-stop service, as well as advanced instruments for space biological experiments, including those at the high-level operation modes of civil space crafts and space station modules.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University joins hands with Peng Cheng Laboratory to promote the application of big data and artificial intelligence research

Big Data and Artificial Intelligence play an important role in implement technological innovation and application in various industries. After several visits and exchanges, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peng Cheng Laboratory (PCL) reached a cooperation intention. A strategic cooperation signing ceremony was held on 20th April 2020 to carry out close scientific research cooperation. The agreement was signed by Ir Professor Alexander Wai, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU and Professor Wen Gao, Director of Peng Cheng Laboratory, via a cloud-based video conferencing. PolyU and PCL will utilize the predominance of both parties in applied research to advance the development of Big Data Analytics, Advanced Networks, Internet of Things (IoT), AI and Robotics, Blockchains and Smart Health through the sharing of laboratory equipment and scientific research resources, thus to foster the development and application of innovative technologies, as well as academic exchanges and talent cultivation. At the signing ceremony, Professor Wen Gao gave an overview of PCL and the fruitful results of the joint cooperation. He welcomed PolyU to join hands with PCL to carry out a comprehensive and in-depth research collaboration in the related fields in the future. PCL is approved by the Guangdong Provincial Government, funded and established by the Shenzhen Municipal Government. It gathers high-quality innovative resources at home and abroad, and has built a number of major scientific infrastructures and platforms in the research areas of network communications, artificial intelligence and cyberspace security. Ir Professor Alexander Wai said, “PolyU is committed to promoting high-impact research and development through different faculties, and has also been actively participating in national scientific research projects. PolyU’s Department of Computing (COMP), which participated in this collaboration, has topnotch achievements in data science, information retrieval, networking and mobile computing, cyber security and privacy, knowledge-based theory and software, human computer interaction, artificial intelligence, computer vision and natural-language interpretation. In addition, University Research Facility in Big Data Analytics (UBDA) pulling together expertise in computing, applied mathematics and information technology on campus, with three major research areas, namely smart city and IoT, finance and healthcare, fosters interdisciplinary research cooperation, strengthens collaboration with industrial partners, and promotes big data training and education in Hong Kong. The signing of this strategic cooperation agreement can further develop PolyU and PCL’s scientific research advantages, bring new opportunities for cooperation between both parties, and jointly foster the future scientific development, and apply the research results to Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and other domestic and foreign cities, benefiting social development together. Please click for photo shots

The power of technology: a world-class most comprehensive rapid, automated multiplex diagnostic system to identify up to 40 infectious respiratory pathogens (including COVID-19) in a single test within 1 hour has been developed by PolyU

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the development of the world's most comprehensive automated multiplex diagnostic system (the System) on 11th Feb 2020, which includes a fully automated machine and a multiplex full-screening panel for the point-of-care genetic testing (POCT) of respiratory infectious disease including COVID-19. Infectious diseases represent an important portion of global public health concerns, in particular with regard to the current global outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The challenge of frontline diagnosis in hospitals, clinics and ports is that infectious diseases could exhibit similar symptoms or can be asymptomatic. Most Comprehensive Rapid, Automated Multiplex Diagnostic System In one single test and within approximately one hour, the System can identify 30 to 40 pathogens including seasonal influenza viruses, such as influenza A subtypes H1, H2 and H3, avian influenza viruses H5, H7 and H9, human respiratory syncytial virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and COVID-19. Leveraging the current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, the system is fully automated from sample nucleic acid extraction and amplification, to signal detection and analysis. The System adopts patent-pending microfluidic and biochemical technologies that achieve ultra-sensitive detection (down to 5 gene copies) and simultaneous differentiation of various pathogens with extremely high specificity. It is also user-friendly, with manual handling not being required throughout the testing process. "Early and accurate detection of pathogens could contribute to effective and efficient disease control and management, and prevent spreading of any contagious pathogens. The existing challenge is that we lack full panel POCT technologies for early and on-site diagnosis, which should ideally be capable of differentiating between different pathogens at the same time," said PolyU Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting, Director of Innovation and Technology Development and Adjunct Professor at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. Ir. Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong, Vice President (Research Development), Deputy President and Provost designate of PolyU said, "In this difficult and challenging time that Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and even the global community is encountering, it is important that the research community can quickly pool their expertise and resources to develop practical solutions. The PolyU-HKU partnership is a prime example of effective coupling of multidisciplinary innovation and translation." The research team for this project is led by PolyU Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting and supported by HKU Professor Yuen Kwok-yung. In the past year, the team has optimised the System and conducted trials on different clinical samples. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, the team has also conducted tests on clinical samples using the system. Professor Yuen commented, "The System's versatility and capability will provide for comprehensive monitoring during disease outbreaks or routine surveillance. It will become a crucial technology for ensuring the effective control of infectious diseases, medical diagnosis, and treatment." "This fully automated, quantitative rapid diagnostic platform possesses a proprietary technology which overcomes limitations of existing technologies by ensuring sensitivity – and hence significantly enhancing the reliability of test results. Most importantly, our innovation can substantially reduce the cost of the microfluidic cartridge manufacturing thus making it feasible for wide adoption. It is ready for mass-scale production," added Professor Lau. The research team has received indispensable support from a local biotechnology company Avalon Biomedical Management Ltd for this project. We believe this advanced point-of-care diagnostic system can revolutionize the current diagnostic paradigm and provide a powerful tool to fight against infectious diseases," said Dr Manson Fok, Chairman of the Board of the company, Executive & Trust Committee member of Macau Henry Fok Foundation and Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology. Towards this end the research team will continue to urgently focus on developments to ensure the system's robustness and cost-effectiveness, and to collaborate with relevant parties on clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and frontline applications of this POCT system. We thank you for the generous support from the community which fosters further development of the automated multiplex diagnostic system. “The PolyU research team is going in the right direction, so please do not be put off by overtaken by ever evolving new technology. If the system (automated multiplex diagnostic system) fills a need, it deserves to be developed.” – The Lo Family “The novel coronavirus have impacted the global community and our daily life. As an alumnus, I hope to support the worthwhile research projects of PolyU, which brings positive changes to the world.”  – Ms Liu Mei Chui, Applied Science and Textiles graduate (Alumnus) Please click for photo shots To review PolyU community’s efforts in fighting COVID-19, please visit here

PolyU, CASICloud and Altai Technologies to establish the Greater Bay Area Industrial Big Data Lab

On 9 December 2019, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), CASICloud and Altai Technologies signed a collaborative research agreement to establish the Greater Bay Area Industrial Big Data Laboratory with research facilities in both Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The research lab shall spearhead research on industrial big data, artificial intelligence, industrial internet-of-things and industrial safety, as well as develop research talents in the Greater Bay Area. The signing ceremony was attended by Ir Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development), Deputy President and Provost designate of PolyU; Mr. YU Liang, Chairman of CASICloud; Mr. CHAI Xudong, General Manager of CASICloud; and Dr. Raymond LEUNG, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Altai Technologies. Representatives from PolyU and Altai Technologies highly commended on CASICloud’s excellent research facilities following a visit to its Beijing headquarters and Guizhou branch. Riding on CASICloud's strong foundation and its leading role in the industry plus R&D capability, together with Altai Technologies’ holistic Industrial 4.0 solutions ranging from Industrial SuperWiFi, sensors, IoT networks, cloud and data acquisition platforms, to big data analytics, as well as the track records of commercializing lab-based R&D technologies, in conjunction with PolyU's strong research and development track record in industrial applications, it is anticipated that this research collaboration will greatly accelerate the pace of development and adoption of industrial big data in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

A Food Safety Collaboration between PolyU and Bright Food to Advance Industry Food Safety Standard

On November 8, 2019, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bright Food International Limited (Bright Food) on food safety R&D collaboration in Shanghai during the 2019 China International Import Expo (CIIE). Both parties have reached a collaborative understanding of the framework for food safety research and development, technology transfer and the intention to establish a joint research laboratory for food safety and technology innovation, based on each networks and resources for technology transfer into practical applications to support the advancement of food safety and quality to benefit a wider community. The MoU was signed by Dr. Terence Lau, Convener of Food Safety Consortium and Director of Innovation and Technology Development of PolyU, and Mr. Zhi-dong Min, General Manager of Bright International Food Industry Fund (previously Managing Director of Bright Food Hong Kong Limited). The joint research laboratory is committed to the development and testing of agricultural and food innovation technologies, with at least five promising international projects for R&D each year for incubation and application.  Bright Food as the second-largest food conglomerate in China with a comprehensive food supply chain, they would provide resources and support to PolyU researchers and build a mutually beneficial platform with PolyU to advance the transfer of research results into applications through close collaborations among industry, academia and research & development sector.  Bright Food and PolyU will also synergize the advantages and resources of Shanghai and Hong Kong to build a joint Food Safety and Innovation Technology Training Center to nurture young scientists and talents for food-related industries to contribute to their sustainable development.

PolyU and JITRI sign Memorandum of Understanding to foster research collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") with Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI), witnessed by The Hon. Mrs Carrie LAM, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and WU Zhenglong, Governor of Jiangsu Province. The MoU offers a framework for research collaboration to develop basic research in science and technology, as well as for developing and implementing applied research projects in Jiangsu Province. Held during the 2nd Jiangsu-Hong Kong Summit on Interconnected Development in Nanjing, the signing ceremony was attended by Professor Guohua CHEN, Associate Vice President (Research Support) of PolyU, and Professor Qing LIU, President of JITRI, and marks a milestone in joint research efforts between Hong Kong and Jiangsu. With the aim of commercialising high-level innovative technology outputs in global markets, basic research collaboration in a number of disciplines will be explored. Ir Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU, said "PolyU has a proven record in translating impactful research results into applicable technologies and solutions to benefit society. Leveraging Hong Kong's strengths in advanced innovative technology and high-caliber talents, as well as JITRI's expertise in technology research for enterprises, we believe the collaboration will help elevate the profile of research and development for both parties." Professor Qing Liu, President of JITRI, added that the Institute is dedicated to serving as a bridge linking industrial research and development, as well as global resources, with a view to fostering technological innovation in Jiangsu Province. The signing of the MoU will further attract high-level innovative technology outputs for commercialisation in Jiangsu. JITRI has established matching funding of RMB40 million which includes RMB20 million from JITRI headquarters in Nanjing and RMB20 million from local JITRI institutes/partner companies initially for five years, to support collaborative research projects with PolyU. Please click here for the press release & snapshots.

PolyU’s Food Safety Consortium Received the Affiliate Communication Award from IAFP

PolyU’s Food Safety Consortium received the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Affiliate Communication Award for our development of various communication channels with our members and high-quality materials in promoting science and technology as the foundation of advancing food safety and quality with informative content and attractive layout. The award ceremony was held on July 21, 2019 at the Affiliate Council Meeting during the 2019 IAFP Annual Meeting which took place in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1911, IAFP is home to educators, government officials, microbiologists, food industry executives and quality control professionals from 50 nations who are involved in all aspects of growing, storing, transporting, processing and preparing all types of foods. IAFP aims to provide food safety professionals worldwide with a forum to exchange information on protecting the food supply. FSC was recognized as the Hong Kong affiliate of IAFP since mid-2015, as the two organizations have consistent objectives and the affiliation will effectively synergize their efforts in advancing food safety in various regions of the world. In four years, FSC has grown from its budding stage to: • being the home of 61 local and multinational Corporate Members from different sectors of the food industry – manufacturing, retail & wholesale, catering, testing & services, food security management, and other stakeholder organizations and internationally renowned Advisors ; • organizing the first Global Food Safety & Technology Forum (GFSTF), and co-organize GoFood 2017 (second edition GFSTF) and GoFood 2019 (third edition GFSTF)- an international technology exchange conference to address food safety problems with science and technology - and ensuring its sustainability in collaboration with LU, DTU and Unibo; • participating in global initiatives such as the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), FAO/WHO Codex Ailmentarius (Codex); • initiating and participating in various collaborative projects in food fraud, food supply intelligence and technology development, and the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program; • facilitating the communication channels with our members and industry by FSC’s website, flyers, PolyU food safety eNewsletter and social media such as Linkedin to promote advancing food safety and quality with informative content; and • organizing various other activities and outreaching globally to foster exchanges among the industry, academia, government, and other food safety stakeholders. While the Affiliate Communication Award is a significant recognition of FSC’s effort in promoting and developing science and technology as the foundation of advancing food safety and quality, PolyU will continue to be a key driver propelling most cutting-edge food safety and food technologies to benefit the global community.

World Food Safety Day - Food Safety, Everyone’s Business

Dr. Terence Lau, Convener of Food Safety Consortium (FSC) and Director of Innovation and Technology Development of PolyU was invited to share his view in the inaugural World Food Safety Day on the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration and academia’s role on technology innovation to tackle emerging food safety challenges. His views were echoed by Mr. Frank Yiannas, Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Mr. Guilherme da Costa, Chairman of CODEX Ailmentarius Commission. FSC, as the only participant from Hong Kong, will make every effort to support this initiative by the WHO. The World Food Safety Day (WFSD) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and first launched on 7 June 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), was pleased to facilitate Member States’ effort to celebrate the World Food Safety Day which debuts in 2019 and will be celebrated for the years to come. “Access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food is key to sustaining life and promoting good health.  Foodborne diseases impede socio-economic development by straining healthcare systems and harming national economies, tourism and trade.  With an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne diseases annually - almost 1 in 10 people in the world fall ill after eating contaminated - food safety is an increasing threat to human health.  Children under 5 years of age carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden with 125 000 deaths every year. Food safety is key to achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals and is a shared responsibility between governments, producers and consumers.  Everybody has a role to play from farm to table to ensure the food we consume is safe and will not cause damages to our health.  Through the World Food Safety Day, WHO pursues its efforts to mainstream food safety in the public agenda and reduce the burden of foodborne diseases globally.” -          WHO, Celebration of World Food Safety Day  For more information about WFSD, please click here.  Watch the launch event of WFSD here.

PolyU wins two global innovation awards at TechConnect 2019

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) won two "Global Innovation Awards" at TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo 2019 (TechConnect) staged in the United States. It is the third year in a row that PolyU research teams snatched the awards in the world's largest multi-sector event for fostering development and commercialisation of innovations. The PolyU awardees at TechConnect 2019 are: Dr Cong MA, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (3rd from right) and Dr Nuruzzaman NOOR, Research Assistant Professor, Institute of Textiles and Clothing (2nd from right) The two PolyU winning innovations are: "New Antibiotic Drug Candidates" invented by Dr Cong MA, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, PolyU, and Dr Xiao YANG, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Using computer-aided approaches in drug discovery, the interdisciplinary research team discovered small molecules with high potential to be developed into novel antimicrobial agents fighting against the superbugs. Based on a new target, new chemical structure and new mechanism different from the existing antibiotics, these compounds demonstrated great effect of inhibiting bacterial growth, yet with no toxicity to human cells. They are now approaching the pre-clinical development stage. New antimicrobial resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening human health. These novel drug candidates could potentially be strong complements to the current antibiotics for treating infectious diseases. Dr Cong MA, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, PolyU (right), and Dr Xiao YANG, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, introduce the new drug candidate they research on   "Seeded Sonochemical Coatings" by Dr Nuruzzaman NOOR, Research Assistant Professor, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, PolyU Currently known techniques for coating/incorporating inorganic metal oxide layers on fabrics require high temperature, low pressure and specialised gaseous environments. Output materials also often face leaching issues, which degrade the original function (e.g. UV protection etc.).The innovative seeded-sonochemical deposition method, however, utilises the small seeding layers to direct a more durable overcoating for inorganic metal oxide layer. Processed in room temperature environment, pure products can be developed at high quality in a cheaper, faster and more efficient manner. The research findings can be applied to different areas such as functional clothing and glazing. Dr Nuruzzaman NOOR, Research Assistant Professor, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, PolyU, at TechConnect 2019. Ir Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU, said, "These awards not only recognise the efforts of our researchers in conducting impactful research, but also affirms PolyU's endeavours in developing and translating our technologies into practical applications with intrinsic value for the benefit of the global community." There are over 600 submissions at TechConnect each year, from global top tier universities and national laboratories such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Sandia National Laboratories, Argonne National Laboratory and EPFL-LPAC etc. The Innovation Awards go to the top 15% technologies submitted. This year, 30 global awards were presented for non-US-federal-funded innovations across the world, while another 59 national awards were granted to innovations with US federal funding. The PolyU delegation showcased 21 technologies this year, two of them received global innovation awards at the event held in Boston on 17-19 June. Besides attending various exchange sessions, the delegation also explored product development and co-operation opportunities with industry end-users, multi-national companies and academic institutions for applying the innovations for the benefits of the world. Over the years, the TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo has connected top applied research and early-stage innovations from universities, laboratories, and start-ups with industry end-users and prospectors.   ***** For details, please refer to TechConnect 2019 official website. To view the snapshots, please click here.