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HKUST Leads Local Institutions in RAISe+ Scheme with 7 Funded Projects

2025-06-17
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Seven HKUST Research Projects Receive RAISe+ Funding Highest Number Among Local Institutions

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has emerged as the top-performing local institution in the second round of the Innovation and Technology Commission’s (ITC) Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme, securing funding for seven projects. Spanning health and medical sciences, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, advanced manufacturing, and electrical and electronic engineering, these projects underscore HKUST’s leadership in transforming pioneering research into real-world applications.

A Testament to HKUST’s Research Excellence

Prof. Tim CHENG, HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development, extended his congratulations to the successful teams: “As a research university with deep strengths in technology development, HKUST is proud to lead this round of the RAISe+ Scheme with the highest number of funded projects. This recognition reflects our commitment to research excellence and knowledge transfer. The government’s sustained support for innovation and technology has galvanized academia to bridge the gap between discovery and impact. This funding not only accelerates the commercialization of our breakthroughs but also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, driving solutions that benefit society.”

In no particular order, the seven funded projects are:

Project Title

Principal Investigator

Project Leader

3.3 kV High Power GaN Devices on 8 Inch Novel Substrates

Prof. Kei-May LAU

Dr. LIANG Hu

Developing tissue / cell specific AAV capsids by AI-and data-driven approaches

Prof. Bonnie ZHU

Prof. Bonnie ZHU

Development of a Highly Efficacious First-in-Class Vaginal Gel Targeting DRIPs for Cervical Cancer and Precancerous Lesions

Prof. LIANG Chun

Prof. LIANG Chun

High Energy-Efficient Edge Chip & System for Large AI Models

Prof. Tim CHENG

Mr. WANG Huaibin

Materials for next generation displays and optoelectronic devices

Prof. KWOK Hoi-Sing

Dr. SUN Zhibo

Multi-centers clinical development of blood biomarker panels for detection of prodromal, mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease

Dr. JIANG Yuanbing

Dr. Li OUYANG

Next-Gen High-End Eco-Semiconductor Chiplets for Empowering Tomorrow's Data Centers and 6G Networks

Prof. Patrick YUE

Prof. Patrick YUE

 

Initiated by the government in 2023, the RAISe+ Scheme aims to fund university research teams with strong potential to generate real social impact and market value. To qualify for funding, applicants must demonstrate excellence and distinction in the commercial viability of their project outcomes, as well as their relevance to government policies and community interests, among other areas.  Last year, five HKUST teams received RAISe+ awards, and the funding has helped accelerate commercialization of their research discoveries, resulting in a win-win outcome among industry, academia, and research sectors.

 

 

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s impact Rankings. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” holding the 17th place, maintaining its position as first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of May 2025, HKUST members have founded over 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 17 exits (IPO or M&A)

For media enquiries, please contact:

Gloria Tang
Tel: 2358 6306 
Email: gloriatang@ust.hk 

Megan Chick
Tel: 3469 3153
Email: meganchick@ust.hk 

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