Throughout the years, the School of Science has built a culture of Knowledge Transfer to advance societal impact.

HKUST has emphasized technology transfer since its inception and to be the exemplary institution in Knowledge Transfer for the best talents to congregate and collaborate while maintaining academic rigor and integrity. The School of Science has built a substantial Knowledge Transfer (KT) tradition in areas of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Research Collaboration and Social Engagement. 

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Fluorescent materials “AIEgens” on the market

AIEgen Biotech Co. Ltd with Prof. Benzhong Tang (Chemistry) as the major shareholder and chief scientific officer was founded in Hong Kong in 2016. The company has licensed HKUST technology and has signed an agreement with MilliphoreSigma as its overseas distributor. Beside 12 AIE luminogens in 2016, another 8 materials with a market value of above RMB 1 million was sent to MilliphoreSigma in 2017 to allow academic researchers to access new fluorescent materials. Shenzhen AIEgen Biotech Co. Ltd. was then officially set up in December 2016 to widen the market of AIEgens and is now working with ZhongkeLonggang Investment Management Co. Ltd to sell AIE materials to academic researchers for bio-imaging and bacteria screening. Another start-up company-AUISET Biotechnology Co. Ltd-licensed HKUST technologies was founded in 2018. After its three-month foundation, an angel fund of 2.5 million was collected and the total asset of the company is HK$7.5 million. 

 

Applications of metamaterials to the industry

Under Prof. Sheng Ping’s (Physics)’s mentorship, Acoustic Metamaterials Group (AMG), a smart materials and acoustics company, was founded by his former PhD student, Shuyu Chen. AMG developed a new class of multifunctional materials called metamaterials by using customized complex structure to address noise problems. Its customized broadband absorption solution can absorb noise in the low-frequency range under limited space, high temperature environments or even a high air flow situation by sharping almost any material into a nose absorber. The metamaterial technology applies customization technology with an environmentally friendly material for a silent and durable sound enclosure. The metamaterial sound insulation technology has been applied to Hotel Madera under the cooperation with Shun Hing Group.

Research Collaboration

Genetic analysis through statistical and machine learning methods

The Department of Mathematics and WeGene signed a long-term collaboration agreement in March 2019. WeGene, which is headquartered in Shenzhen, offers genetic testing and analysis services to consumers and to research institutes conducting population genetics projects. The collaboration dedicates to the better understanding of the genetic basis of complex traits/ diseases in Eastern Asia population, through the development in statistical and machine learning methods. It also covers talent scouting, providing internship and job opportunities for HKUST students.

 

Data analytics for semiconductor producer

The HKUST-Nexperia collaboration agreement was signed between the Department of Mathematics and Nexperia in February 2019. Nexperia is a dedicated global leader in semiconductor devices. With this collaboration, Nexperia provides grants to support research on data analytics in the Nexperia Research Laboratory in the HKUST Department of Mathematics and both institutes will collaboratively apply the ITF/ UICP grant from the Hong Kong Government for long-term cooperation to boost the industry. 

Social Engagement

Ecological monitoring in Mai Po

The project “Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site Baseline Ecological Monitoring” draws upon the expertise of several Ocean Science faculty (Prof. Stanley Lau and Prof. Hongbin Liu) in environmental quality monitoring. Based on the results generated every year, advice was given to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong on the short- and long-term trends of the ecological character of the Ramsar Site.

 

Diagnosis and prognosis of marine environment in

Hong Kong

The project “Diagnosis and Prognosis of Intensifying Eutrophication, Hypoxia and Ecosystem Consequences Around Hong Kong Waters: Coupled Physical-Biogeochemical-Pollution Studies” (funded by RGC) develops a novel marine monitoring system to conduct interdisciplinary mapping and time-series measurements in the RES waters. The project blooms diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for eutrophication and marine ecosystem dynamics and provides a scientifically-based strategy for future water treatment/ protection schemes and for the overall sustainability of the marine environment in Hong Kong.