News & Stories

In the 35 years since HKUST’s establishment, the Cheng family and their Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation have been steadfast supporters of the University’s development, working closely together on research and innovation. The naming and unveiling of the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute (Guangzhou) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST(GZ)) on August 26 symbolizes how this longstanding partnership has now extended beyond Clear Water Bay to Nansha in Guangzhou. The Institute deepens collaboration among HKUST, the Cheng family, and the Foundation, and cultivates the growing research synergy between HKUST’s two campuses, reflecting their shared determination to advance innovation and development in robotics.

A research team led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has developed a biomimetic nanocoating that could significantly extend the lifespan of batteries used in smartphones, electric vehicles (EVs), and other electronic devices. Inspired by the stress-buffering function of human cartilage, the team has developed an innovative cartilage-inspired polymer nanocoating that effectively suppresses the degradation and wear of battery cathode materials at the source. The new technology not only enables batteries to retain exceptionally high capacity after thousands of charge-discharge cycles but also opens a promising new pathway toward the industrial deployment of next-generation nickel-rich lithium-ion batteries.

Invaluable to modern society, refrigeration faces challenges from traditional vapor-compression systems, which are energy-intensive and employ refrigerants that exacerbate the greenhouse effect and damage the ozone layer. Addressing this, a research team from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has unveiled the world’s first zero-degradation elastocaloric cooling device. Powered by a fatigue-resistant, solid-state refrigerant, this innovation delivers durable and green cooling, maintaining its stable performance even over a stunning one million operational cycles. This breakthrough will usher in highly efficient eco-friendly cooling, driving progress towards sustainable global development.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) nurtured startups showcased their innovations at the HICOOL 2026 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition and seized four prestigious accolades: the Overseas Group Championship, First Prize, Second Prize, and Third Prize. This achievement not only underscores HKUST's strong capabilities in deep-tech and cutting-edge innovation but also highlights the immense commercialization potential of its research breakthroughs to a global audience of industry leaders and investors. It further reinforces the University's leadership in innovation and technology, leveraging research excellence to accelerate industry advancement and generate meaningful societal impact.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has achieved notable achievements in the Research Grants Council's (RGC) Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS) and Research Fellow Scheme (RFS) for the 2026/27 exercise, with three distinguished scholars receiving the fellowship awards. The honors recognize their pioneering research in frontier fields, including electrosynthesis, quantum materials, and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), as well as their exceptional contributions to driving impactful scientific breakthroughs and advancing the frontiers of knowledge.

In response to evolving talent needs, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) continues to innovate its curriculum and strengthen student support. Following the launch of its Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biomedical and Health Sciences program last year, which has emerged as HKUST’s most competitive program in this year’s admissions exercise, the University will introduce a mandatory Artificial Intelligence (AI) Common Core Program in the coming academic year to equip students with essential knowledge and competencies in human-AI collaboration and AI applications. In addition, HKUST offers scholarships and student-support initiatives comparable to those of leading universities in the city, providing students with rich learning experience opportunities through scholarships, overseas learning support, and a wide range of personal and professional development programs.AI Common Core Program for Future Innovators

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recently inaugurated its Blue Bay Qianhai Innovation Center (the Center), marking a significant strategic step in strengthening the University’s presence in Qianhai, deepening Shenzhen-Hong Kong collaboration, and expanding its global innovation footprint.The launch of the Center represents the latest milestone in the development of HKUST’s Blue Bay innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Shenzhen. Since establishing the HKUST Blue Bay Incubator and its first base in Nanshan in 2016, HKUST has steadily expanded its innovation footprint in the city, adding a second base in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone in 2020 and now a third strategic base in Qianhai. Together, the three bases form an integrated platform that supports technology transfer, startup incubation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border innovation collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has distinguished itself in the 2026/2027 Strategic Topics Grant (STG) of the Research Grants Council (RGC) under the University Grants Committee. Of the six approved projects, two are led by HKUST scholars, collectively receiving more than HKD 54.41 million in funding (including matching fund from the University). This represents the highest total funding amount among local universities. The projects leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare to enhance the management of bacterial infections in older adults and provide integrated management for Parkinson's disease, underscoring HKUST's leadership in cutting-edge research and its commitment to developing innovative solutions to the healthcare challenges posed by the aging global population.