Led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre (HKSREC), under the InnoHK Research Clusters of the HKSAR Government, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Southeast University (SEU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership. The collaboration will focus on research innovation, technology transfer, and talent cultivation in the fields of space robotics, deep space energy systems, embodied intelligence, and related interdisciplinary areas, thereby contributing to the nation's efforts to build a leading aerospace power.
A delegation led by the Nanjing Municipal People's Government visited HKUST's Clear Water Bay campus on March 8. They engaged in an insightful discussion with the University's management and representatives, and toured the State Key Laboratory of Displays and Optoelectronics, where HKUST's latest research innovations were showcased.
During the meeting, HKSREC and SEU formally entered into the MoU. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr. LI Zhongjun, Mayor of the Nanjing Municipal People's Government; Prof. Harry SHUM, HKUST Council Chairman; and Mr. WU Xiaocheng, Secretary of the Party Committee of SEU. The agreement was signed by Prof. GAO Yang, Director of HKSREC and the HKUST Centre for AI Robotics in Space Sustainability, Co Director of the Space Science and Technology Institute, and Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Mr. WANG Chen, Director of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Office of SEU. Representatives from the Nanjing Municipal People's Government, SEU, HKUST, and a leading Nanjing based steel enterprise also attended the ceremony.
Mr. Li Zhongjun expressed his hope to deepen collaboration with HKUST in innovation, industrial development, and talent cultivation. He stated, "Nanjing is rich in scientific and educational resources, and that enhanced cooperation between HKUST, and the city's higher education institutions would help establish new innovation platforms and projects, setting a benchmark for Nanjing-Hong Kong collaboration. Nanjing is currently focused on building an advanced manufacturing cluster system with key industries such as AI and biomedicine, these priorities closely align with HKUST's academic strengths. We look forward to establishing a stable cooperation mechanism with HKUST to accelerate the industrialization of new technologies and research outcomes."
Prof. Harry Shum remarked, "This year marks the 35th anniversary of HKUST. The University remains steadfast in upholding its spirit of 'innovating to create a better future.' As a world-class research university, HKUST is committed to translating research outcomes into productive forces that drive societal progress. With a patent utilization rate exceeding 30% - comparable to leading universities in Europe and the United States - enterprises founded by HKUST faculty and alumni are shaping the technological innovation landscape of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and beyond."
Prof. Shum added that HKUST's development continues to align closely with the nation's strategic priorities. Leveraging Hong Kong's distinctive role as a 'super connector,' the University will continue to attract world-class research talent. He expressed confidence that deeper collaboration with the Nanjing Municipal People's Government and SEU would further advance Jiangsu-Hong Kong cooperation and contribute to the nation's innovation-driven endeavors.
Mr. Wu Xiaocheng said, "We sincerely appreciate HKUST's dedicated support for SEU. This collaboration will strengthen the ties between the two universities while providing strategic guidance for SEU's academic positioning and research development in the Greater Bay Area (GBA)." He also emphasized the importance of integrating resources from government, universities, and enterprises to build a high-caliber talent development system. Moving forward, SEU will actively engage with enterprises to enhance industry-university-research collaboration. Drawing on HKUST's proven record in innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E), SEU will further enhance I&E education for its faculty and students, with the goal of cultivating outstanding interdisciplinary talent in support of national strategic needs.
HKUST and SEU established a partnership in 2024, launching a seed fund to support collaborative research in engineering, materials science, medicine, and the humanities and social sciences, laying a solid foundation for long term cooperation. SEU has also participated in the HKUST led international "Hong Kong Operation Robot" project for Chang'E 8-the multi functional lunar surface operation robot and mobile charging station-jointly contributing to the nation's aerospace ambitions through scientific research.
Building on this strong foundation, the new collaboration will further harness HKUST's strengths in AI, robotics, advanced materials, and data science, together with SEU's expertise in mechanical engineering, instrumentation science, energy and environment, and AI. By combining Hong Kong's international outlook with Nanjing's engineering excellence, the partnership aims to enhance the survivability and operational performance of robots in extreme environments. This will help address global challenges such as autonomous space robotics and the sustainable development and utilization of space energy, while strengthening both parties' standing in the international aerospace research community.
The two universities will jointly conduct research on space robotics, embodied intelligence, high-precision autonomous navigation, and efficient space-energy management systems for long-term deep-space exploration. Through the application of AI-enabled aerospace technologies, the collaboration seeks to enhance robotic operations in environments without satellite navigation.
Beyond space exploration, the partnership will explore civilian applications of space grade robotic control systems, advanced materials, and precision sensing technologies to support high end manufacturing and smart city development in the GBA. The two institutions will also work together to expand the commercial aerospace market and develop satellite data application services for ASEAN countries.
In talent development, the collaboration will establish joint training mechanisms for postgraduate students and early career researchers, facilitating the sharing of top tier laboratory resources and research platforms across both institutions.
