Forum launched to bring deep-tech research to market

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) launched a new forum series on Saturday to connect laboratory research with market demand and foster the growth of the innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong and the wider Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Held under the theme "Deep Tech-Innovations, Connecting the GBA to the World," the inaugural event focused on bottlenecks in the commercialization of university research outcomes and ways to overcome them, according to the faculty.

"We are not merely researchers—we are bridge builders," said Yang Lu, associate dean at HKU Engineering.

Yang said the faculty would draw on its research strengths in artificial intelligence, advanced materials, robotics and mechanical engineering to better connect with industry needs and translate research outcomes into products and solutions.

The faculty said the forum would be held annually and involve more industry partners, as HKU Engineering seeks to align with the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and support Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology center.