The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is showcasing 11 innovative projects at InnoCarnival 2026, demonstrating how cutting-edge research can be translated into practical solutions that address real-world challenges and improve quality of life. Spanning healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), gerontechnology, sustainability, smart city development and space science, these innovations reflect HKU's commitment to advancing innovation and knowledge transfer with benefits for society through interdisciplinary research.
Highlights of HKU's projects include the Talk2Age: An AI-Powered Intergenerational Communication and Elderly Care Education Platform. Developed by Professor Sophia Siu-Chee Chan, Professor and Director of the HKU Primary Health Care Academy, this AI-powered educational tool trains students to communicate with and support older adults through realistic virtual conversations. The interactive demo allows visitors to experience AI role-play scenarios that build empathy, listening skills, and intergenerational connection.
The project "HKU No. 1 Satellite - the Lobster-Eye X-ray Telescope" is the world's first soft X-ray satellite telescope employing Lobster-Eye imaging technology. Jointly led by Nanjing University and HKU's Space Research Laboratory, it features an ultra-large field of view and has contributed to the China Einstein Probe.
VIP Visit Highlights Breakthrough Healthcare and Smart Construction Innovations by HKU
During today's VIP visit to the HKU exhibition booth, guests were introduced to the First Aid for Ischemic Stroke: NanoPowder Nasal Spray. Using 'nano-in-micron' technology, the spray delivers neuroprotection directly from nose-to-brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Animal studies have shown a reduction in brain damage by over 80%, with clinical trials currently in the pipeline. Member of the research team, Dr Shao Zitong and the research team from the InnoHK Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, HKU, explained how this innovation could enable rapid intervention before patients reach hospital.
Besides, Professor Junjie Chen and his team in iLab from the Faculty of Architecture, HKU, also introduced eCheckGo, an innovative AI system powered by a proprietary Large Defect Model (LdM) combined with traditional AI algorithms. eCheckGo can analyse dozens of images within seconds, performing at least 100 times faster and eight times more cost-effectively than other automated technological solutions, enabling consistent, reliable defect identification across diverse building types.
HKU is committed to transforming research discoveries into lasting societal impact. Through its participation in InnoCarnival 2026, the University aims to inspire public interest in innovation and technology, while promoting its contributions to advancing knowledge, driving meaningful innovation, and building a more sustainable future.
Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government, InnoCarnival 2026 is being held at Hong Kong Science Park from 24 October to 1 November under the theme "Lead with I&T Dream to Fly High". The nine-day annual flagship event promotes an innovation and technology (I&T) culture in the community through a wide range of interactive exhibits and activities.
HKU's Exhibition Booth Details
Date & Time |
24 Oct - 1 Nov 2026 Sat-Sun 10:00-18:00 | Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00 |
Venue |
Booth D08, 1/F, Grand Hall, 12W, Hong Kong Science Park |
Exhibits Info |
Click here |
For more event photos, please download here.
