News & Stories

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today inaugurated the Otto Poon Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability (CCRS), a transformative initiative designed to accelerate research, innovation and policy solutions in climate resilience and sustainable development. Established through the generous support of Ir Dr. Otto POON, Founder of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation, the Center unites HKUST’s world-class expertise in climate science, advanced modeling systems, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy and sustainable policy to deliver scalable and actionable strategies for governments, industries, and communities worldwide.

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 been appointed by the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (APO), a collaborative partnership hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific, to spearhead a regional research consortium focused on digital health innovation. This prestigious appointment, secured through a competitive process, underscores HKUST’s global leadership in policy research under the theme “Leveraging Digital Health Technologies and Data to Strengthen Health System Outcomes.”

For many, sticking to familiar paths feels safe and comfortable. But not for the trailblazers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). They are not just thinking outside the box—they are pushing boundaries and aiming for the skies—quite literally. At HKUST’s Low Altitude Economy Research Center (LAERC), researchers are revolutionizing the future of urban airspace to support HKSAR Government’s policy in promoting the low-altitude economy. Their mission? Harnessing the groundbreaking Digital Twin technology—a virtual replica of the physical world—to transform drone management, airspace control, and infrastructure monitoring.  Spearheaded by Professor Jack CHENG of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, this innovative technology is set to unlock unprecedented potential for the low-altitude economy.

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.

SmartCare Technology Co. Limited (SmartCare), a Healthtech innovator nurtured by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) joins hands with CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) to announce a significant partnership aimed at advancing healthcare delivery through innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony marks a strategic commitment to co-develop AI technology solutions for healthcare settings. This collaboration will harness SmartCare’s expertise in healthcare AI technology and CUHKMC’s commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services. The partnership aims to implement advanced AI technology to enhance clinical workflows, improve patient care, and streamline operational efficiency within CUHKMC’s facilities.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) ranked 19th globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, retaining its position as Hong Kong and Mainland China’s top institution for the second consecutive year.  The rankings, which assessed 2,500 universities, recognize institutions advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). HKUST excelled in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), reflecting its leadership in innovating resilient infrastructure and industries, promoting urban sustainability and promoting terrestrial ecosystem conservation. 

  In a world still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, health disparities are widening and healthcare worker shortages persist, revealing vulnerabilities in our health systems. “Yet within all these challenges lie immense opportunities for collaboration and innovation,” noted Professor Nancy IP, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), at the 2025 Asia Summit on Global Health. As a keynote panelist, she asserted that universities can play a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable and sustainable health system.