The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the BIO International Convention 2025 (BIO 2025) held in Boston from 16 to 19 June. Showcasing its groundbreaking innovations and translational research across the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), medicine and engineering for global industry leaders, the University highlighted its interdisciplinary excellence and leading position in medical and health research.
The world's largest biotechnology convention, BIO 2025 brought together over 20,000 industry leaders and professionals from about 70 countries and regions. It embraced all key aspects of the biotechnology ecosystem, spanning from research and development, clinical trials and manufacturing, to investment, business development and commercialisation.
Ten cutting-edge PolyU innovations in drug discovery, medical devices and diagnostics, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation technologies, optometry and food science were showcased at the Convention. Apart from presentations, the research teams also engaged in business forums and thematic discussions during the event to cultivate meaningful connections, forge strategic partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration with global industry leaders.
Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), stated, "PolyU has demonstrated excellence in translational research by leveraging its academic strengths and innovative capabilities, particularly in medicine-engineering integration and AI-powered medical advancements. We have achieved significant technological breakthroughs with strong support from the Government and industrial partners, along with consistent global recognition through prestigious awards. For over a decade, the University has participated in the BIO International Convention, fully leveraging this global platform to showcase PolyU's research and innovation strengths while also forging valuable partnerships worldwide."
PolyU innovations exhibited at BIO 2025:
- "PocNova™: Ultra-Fast Nucleic Acid Testing System," led by Prof. Thomas LEE, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering
- "Hybrid Robotic IoT for Telerehabilitation after Stroke," led by Prof. Xiaoling HU, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering
- "Vcare: Vision Training VR Device," led by Ir Dr Yu Ming TANG, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
- "Innovative Hormones for the Treatment of Diabetes and Related Metabolic Complications," led by Prof. WONG Chi Ming, Associate Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics
- "HAND-HEART: An AI-Based Hand Hygiene Augmented Reality Tool," led by Prof. Lin YANG, Associate Professor of the School of Nursing
- "ABarginase: First-in-class Drug for Treatment of Multiple Obesity-related Metabolic Diseases," led by Prof. LEUNG Yun-chung, Thomas, Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
- "First-in-Class Antibiotic Therapeutics," led by Prof. MA Cong, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
- "Novel Nutraceuticals for Neurodegenerative Diseases," led by Prof. LEE Ming-yuen, Simon, Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition
- "AkkMore™: a Fungus- and Plant-based Supplement against Obesity and Prediabetes," led by Dr Gail CHANG Jinhui, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition
- "Safe & Eco-friendly Antimicrobial Materials," led Dr Gavin ZHANG, Research Fellow of the School of Fashion and Textiles
A special highlight of PolyU's participation this year in the business presentation session was Prof. Ma Cong sharing his latest breakthrough in antibiotic therapeutics. Prof. Ma has led a research team to make a first-in-class antimicrobial drug discovery with a unique mechanism of action to tackle antimicrobial resistance. His innovative approach focuses on disrupting protein–protein interactions (PPIs) within the bacterial transcription complex — igniting hope for the development of new antimicrobial agents.
Building on its robust foundation in medical and health research, PolyU is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research at the convergence of medicine, AI, engineering, and data science, pioneering a new era of healthcare innovation, while also contributing to Hong Kong's development into an international health and medical innovation hub.
