SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals 

HKUST and Institutional Partners Advance Neural Repair Research Through Collaborative Study 

HKUST researchers, in close collaboration with teams from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), City University of Hong Kong (CityU), and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), have developed an innovative optic tract injury model that sheds light on how the brain rewires itself after central nervous system damage. This multi-institutional partnership brought together complementary expertise in neuroscience, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine, enabling the team to overcome challenges that none could have tackled alone. The study found that gene modifications can enhance nerve regrowth and synaptic reformation, cutting recovery time from 6 to 3 months in animal models. By pooling resources, knowledge, and facilities across four leading universities, this collaboration exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive impactful discoveries with the potential to transform treatments for spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

HKUST and Global Partners Achieve Breakthrough in Altermagnet Research for Next-Generation Electronics 

HKUST researchers led by Prof. LIU Junwei, in collaboration with experimental partners from SUSTech, Zhejiang University, and the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, have achieved the first experimental observation of a two-dimensional layered room-temperature altermagnet—validating theoretical predictions made in 2021. This breakthrough could enable faster, more energy-efficient data storage and processing devices for next-generation electronics. 

HKUST and PolyU Join Forces to Boost Perovskite Solar Cell Efficiency 

HKUST and PolyU researchers have collaborated to develop an innovative laminated interface microstructure that enhances the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. By creating a "three-ply" structure on the perovskite surface, the team reduced interface defects and improved energy alignment, significantly boosting device performance and durability. 

HKUST and Partners Collaborate to Bring Smart Medical Devices to Patients 

Prof. SHEN Yajing's team at HKUST has created three smart medical devices: an AI hand rehab system (PhyTac), a portable wireless spirometer, and the world's smallest surgical robot (0.95mm).

The team partners with the Hospital Authority Community Rehabilitation Service Support Center for PhyTac, pursues investment partners for surgical robot testing, and builds a cloud platform for data sharing with healthcare institutions. The tactile sensor series, selected under the RAISe+ Scheme, enables collaborations with research institutes, healthcare centers, and robotics industries in Hong Kong.

HKUST's Cryogenic Computing Breakthrough Advances AI-Quantum Integration 

Prof. SHAO Qiming's team at HKUST has developed a novel cryogenic in-memory computing scheme using magnetic topological insulator Hall-bar devices. This innovation allows AI accelerators to operate just tens of centimeters from quantum processors (compared to meters away), significantly reducing latency and boosting energy efficiency for tasks like quantum state preparation. The work demonstrates the first Hall current summation scheme for low-power computing at cryogenic temperatures.

This project was a direct collaborative effort among multiple institutions, highlighting the power of research partnerships. The joint team included researchers from HKUST, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) , the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, and Southern University of Science and Technology. 

HKUST Researchers Develop World's First Kilowatt-Scale Green Cooling Device

Prof. SUN Qingping and Prof. YAO Shuhuai's team at HKUST have developed the world's first kilowatt-scale elastocaloric cooling device, achieving 1,284 watts of cooling power—nearly five times previous records. Using nickel-titanium alloy tubes and graphene nanofluid, the zero-emission device cooled a model house from 30-31°C to 21-22°C in just 15 minutes, offering a promising alternative to refrigerant-based systems.

This breakthrough was supported by multiple funding bodies, including the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (Strategic Topics Grant and General Research Fund), the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) , a Shenzhen-Hong Kong research collaboration project, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The research team also collaborated with Guangdong Eco-engineering Polytechnic and Harbin Institute of Technology.

HKUST Net-Zero Action Plan

Following extensive consultations, HKUST's Action Plan is the first comprehensive net-zero blueprint released by a higher education institution in Hong Kong. It sets ambitious targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, aiming for a 50% decrease by 2035 and full net-zero by 2045. This plan builds upon the university's previous success, having already reduced GHG emissions by 34% since the launch of its first sustainability master plan in 2014.

HKUST Net-Zero Building Standard 

HKUST is committed to improving the energy efficiency of its new buildings as well as renovation projects through the implementation of newly updated HKUST Net-Zero Building Standards. The requirements outlined include anticipating future energy needs, maximizing metering and monitoring capabilities while keeping a flexible design to accommodate for future new sustainable technologies. 

ESG Investment Policy

In December 2022, HKUST became the FIRST university in Hong Kong to implement the ESG investment strategy to eliminate investments in fossil fuels. The Net-Zero Carbon Investment pledge also outlines the intention to allocate 5 per cent of investment to climate contributors by 2025.   

HKUST and Microsoft Research Asia Partner to Advance Medical Education and Research 

HKUST has signed an MoU with Microsoft Research Asia to enhance collaboration in medical health education and research, focusing on talent development, smart healthcare, and enabling research. The partnership aims to pioneer innovative medical pedagogies using technology, explore emerging healthcare service models, and advance frontier medical research—particularly in AI. The MoU builds on over 24 years of collaboration between HKUST and Microsoft Research Asia. 

HKUST Foundation Inaugural Gala Raises Over HK$35 Million Through Community Partnerships 

HKUST's inaugural Foundation Gala Dinner raised over HK$35 million, bringing together over 200 leaders from academia, industry, and philanthropy to support innovation and talent development. The event was significantly boosted by NVIDIA CEO Dr. Jensen Huang's matching donation of HK$10 million, which established the HKUST Top Engineering Scholars Award.

The Foundation serves as a vital bridge uniting supporters to empower HKUST's mission of nurturing world-class talent and pioneering groundbreaking research. 

HKUST Engages Top UK and US Medical Schools to Advance Hong Kong's Third Medical School

HKUST is receiving strategic advisory support from Imperial College London to shape the vision, curriculum, and overall framework for Hong Kong's third medical school. Imperial's expertise in medical education and biomedical research will help ensure the new school meets international standards.

At the same time, HKUST is engaging with UC San Diego School of Medicine to establish a broad partnership. The collaboration will include student and faculty exchanges, clinical course development, internship opportunities, and joint research initiatives. These efforts reflect HKUST's commitment to building a world-class medical school that integrates cutting-edge research with clinical excellence to address healthcare challenges in Hong Kong and beyond

HKUST and SIIC Join Forces to Launch Hong Kong Biotechnology Fund 

HKUST and SIIC have established the Hong Kong Biotechnology Fund (HKBF) with a target size of HK$600 million to nurture life sciences and healthcare technology start-ups. As the first venture investment fund under HKUST's Redbird Innovation Fund, HKBF dedicates at least half of its capital to ventures associated with HKUST, including start-ups founded by HKUST members or utilizing HKUST technologies. 

HKUST and CEDD Sign MoU to Advance Sustainable Infrastructure Research

HKUST and the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) of the Hong Kong SAR Government have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research studies for sustainable infrastructure development and land formation. This public-university partnership combines HKUST's multidisciplinary research expertise—spanning AI, IoT, digital twins, material science, and civil engineering—with CEDD's practical experience, work data, and scenario applications. The collaboration will focus on novel construction materials, landslide mitigation strategies, digitalization, AI technology, and innovative engineering solutions.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Tim Cheng (HKUST) and Mr. Michael Fong (CEDD Director), witnessed by Prof. Nancy Ip (HKUST President) and Mr. Ricky Lau (Permanent Secretary for Development).

HKUST-Nurtured Startups Partner with Gleneagles Hospital on AI Patient Care

Two HKUST-nurtured startups—PanopticAI and SmartCare—have partnered with Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong to launch AI-powered smart clinic solutions at Gleneagles MediCentre in late 2025. The collaboration integrates PanopticAI's camera-based vital signs monitoring with SmartCare's AI consultation platform, offering features like virtual servicing, pre-check-in, and patient triage. HKUST supported both startups through incubation and mentorship, with the partnership serving as a blueprint for broader adoption across Gleneagles' network.

MTR and HKUST Joint Research Wins Multiple Awards for Smart Traffic Management

The MTR-HKUST Joint Research Laboratory, established in June 2022, has won multiple awards at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2024, including the "Award of the Year," for its AI-powered "dynamic simulation digital twin model." The collaboration combines MTR's operational data and industry expertise with HKUST's research strengths to simulate and predict passenger flow changes under various scenarios—helping optimize crowd management, station operations, and travel efficiency. The Hong Kong ICT Awards are steered by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, highlighting government support for local innovation.

Led by Prof. Hong K. Lo, the project demonstrates how industry-academia partnerships, backed by government recognition, can drive smart mobility and sustainable urban development in Hong Kong. Both parties will continue to expand the model for new railway lines and major events.

HKUST Leads International Team for Chang'E 8 Lunar Robot Project 

HKUST has been appointed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) to lead an international collaboration for the Chang'E 8 mission, scheduled for launch around 2028. The project brings together a diverse team of experts from local universities (PolyU, HKU, CUHK, CityU) , mainland institutions (SAST, DUT, SZU) , and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) . The team will develop a 100kg multi-functional lunar robot capable of dexterous operations and mobile wireless charging for other lunar devices. The Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Center, funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) under the InnoHK initiative, will drive this mission forward while fostering collaboration across institutions and regions.

Prof. YU Hongyu serves as Principal Investigator, with Prof. SUN Qingping as Center Director. This project marks Hong Kong's landmark involvement in deep space exploration, demonstrating how cross-institutional and international partnerships can contribute to national aerospace missions.

HKUST Strengthens Academic Ties with Leading Universities in Vietnam and Indonesia

HKUST welcomed high-level delegations from Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCMC) and Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in Indonesia to explore student exchange, joint research, and dual degree initiatives. The VNU-HCMC delegation, led by Chancellor Prof. Vu Hai Quan, met with HKUST President Prof. Nancy Ip, while the ITB delegation, headed by Rector Prof. Tatacipta Dirgantara, engaged with Prof. Tim Cheng and Prof. Hong K. Lo on academic collaboration and student mobility programs. These discussions built on existing ties under the Asia-Oceania Top University League on Engineering (AOTULE) framework, with both institutions being active members. Rector Dirgantara also met with ITB alumni currently pursuing postgraduate studies at HKUST, strengthening people-to-people connections. These engagements reflect HKUST's commitment to deepening regional academic partnerships and positioning itself as a hub for international education and research collaboration.

HKUST, CBCGDF, and WAOSD Sign Collaboration Agreement to Establish World Sustainable Development Institute

HKUST, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) , and the World Alliance of Overseas Chinese for Sustainable Development (WAOSD) have signed a collaboration agreement to establish the World Sustainable Development Institute. This initiative aims to drive innovation and research to combat climate change and foster biodiversity, demonstrating a strong cross-sector partnership among academia, NGOs, and global alliances to advance the SDGs.

University YMCA – HKUST 

HKUST and the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong (CYMCA), an NGO, have collaborated since March 2010 through the University YMCA (Uni-Y) program at HKUST. Since then, we have initiated numerous partnership projects and programs, leveraging each other's strengths to explore service opportunities and student volunteering programs, facilitating the all-round development of HKUST students and contributing to both local and broader communities. These projects are crafted to support YMCA’s Vision 2030, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in order to empower our communities and students to foster a just, sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world.

The partnership leverages the university's talent pool of motivated students and the NGO's deep community connections and service infrastructure to deliver targeted support to vulnerable populations.

Connect Civic Fellowship at the CYMCA Chai Wan Neighborhood Elderly Centre

HKUST students volunteered full-time for eight weeks, assisting with elderly services, promoting health information, and helping to prevent falls by supporting physical fitness activities at the CYMCA Chai Wan Neighborhood Elderly Centre. This initiative ensured vulnerable, low-income, and underserved elderly communities access to essential health and social support services.

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