News & Stories

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced the launch of “Aivilization”, the largest-scale AI multi-agent social simulation sandbox to date. This innovative platform studies how human interaction with AI can shape a virtual society, where ‘AI inhabitants’ can organically develop their own governance structures, economies and cultural norms.   As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, understanding the dynamics of communication between humans and artificial intelligence has become a crucial area of study. Previous simulation models like Project Sid1 and Stanford Smallville2 have explored similar themes, with community sizes of around 1,000 and dozens of AI agents respectively, to observe the evolution of AI civilizations.

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, its potential to ignite human creativity is quietly revolutionizing storytelling—even in filmmaking. Leading this charge is Professor RAO Anyi, an assistant professor in the newly established Division of Arts and Machine Creativity at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).  Prof. Rao, named to the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, is pioneering AI’s role in democratizing storytelling. He develops AI tools that empower filmmakers to generate content and control complex elements or special effects like scene lighting. With a mission to merge the realms of filmmaking, art, and AI, he aims to nurture a tech-savvy generation of storytellers. 

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has signed a tripartite framework agreement with global apparel manufacturer Crystal International Group Limited (Crystal Group) and the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) throughout the textile production process. By developing industry-specific large language model Textile-GPT for textiles, the collaboration aims to enhance intelligent design, optimize production process, streamline supply chain management, automate quality inspections, and foster innovation in smart wearables. 

Professors YU Jianzhen and JI Yan from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have been selected for fellowship awards under the 2025/26 Research Grants Council (RGC)’s Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS) and Research Fellow Scheme (RFS) respectively. Their research projects, which focus on atmospheric analytical chemistry and investigating AI-powered imperfect competition in financial markets, have secured over HK$13.6 million in grants.

Global healthcare is facing a wide range of challenges, including ageing populations and an increase in chronic diseases, which are putting immense strain on healthcare systems. The demand for advanced medical technologies like less invasive and more precise surgical tools has never been more urgent. The situation prompted a global wave of innovation in micro-scale medical robotics designed to assist clinicians with unprecedented accuracy and effectiveness.  This ambition drives Professor SHEN Yajing and his research team at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)’s Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering on their journey toward medical innovation. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies, they have recently developed three pioneering smart medical devices for health monitoring, surgical assistance, and rehabilitation, ushering in a new era of smart healthcare.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has shone in the second round of Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme launched by Innovation and Technology Commission’s (ITC), securing grants for seven teams – the highest number among local institutions.  The seven funded projects encompass a diverse array of innovative research and development efforts. Three projects focus on health and medical innovation, addressing areas spanning diagnostics, medical treatment and gene therapy.  Three others focus on AI chips, semiconductors and their materials, while the remaining one explores novel displays and optoelectronic technology.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Provost Prof. Yike GUO has been named "Leader of the Year 2024" in the Education/Professional/Technology and Innovation category from Sing Tao News Corporation for his transformative contributions to education and technological innovation in Hong Kong. The award ceremony, held last Friday, was graced by Mr. Paul CHAN, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, as the Guest of Honor. The event celebrated outstanding leaders across five categories for their significant contributions to Hong Kong’s development.

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.