News & Stories

The Centre for AI Robotics in Space Sustainability (CAIRSS) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has secured HKD 46 million in funding from Stellar Rise Global Holdings Limited (Stellar Rise) to develop advanced bio-inspired robotic manipulation technologies for in-orbit operations. The project aims to support space debris removal and enable next-generation in-orbit manufacturing. With strong backing from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)’ institutions, the project targets an in-orbit demonstration by 2029, contributing to the sustainable development of space technology and the space economy, while supporting the nation's goal of advancing its position as an aerospace powerhouse.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today successfully hosted its annual "Unicorn Day," one of Hong Kong's flagship innovation and entrepreneurship events. The event brought together over 1,800 participants, including students, faculty, and alumni, as well as international and local government representatives, industry partners, investors, innovation and technology entrepreneurs, and researchers. Participants exchanged insights on strategies to strengthen collaboration across the innovation ecosystem, foster cross-disciplinary partnerships, and accelerate the translation of research outcomes into real-world impact.

The world’s first lightweight, high‑resolution, high‑precision synergistic observatory for carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) emission point sources – named “MUSICO”, Multi‑Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory, led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)　– was successfully launched aboard the Tianzhou‑10 cargo spacecraft on May 11 and has arrived at China’s Tiangong Space Station. This is not only Hong Kong’s first scientific payload deployed on the national space station, but also a historic breakthrough for the city in the development of high‑end aerospace instruments. The project fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s strong capability to build national‑level cutting-edge scientific payloads, to participate in long‑term space station missions, and to play a key role in addressing global climate change while serving the nation’s strategic “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” goals.

The Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD) of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has received a donation from GPTX Investment Management Limited (GPTX簡坤投資), a leading Hong Kong-based digital investment firm, in support of student entrepreneurship and innovation. This donation underscores a shared commitment to fostering academic excellence and cultivating the next generation of innovators.

A cross-disciplinary team led by Prof. QU Jianan, Professor from the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and Prof. Julie L. SEMMELHACK, Visiting Assistant Professor from the Division of Life Science at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has developed a powerful laser control technique. Functioning as a “smart dimmer”, it can selectively adjust the brightness of every pixel during laser scanning, and prevent unintended neural activation, thereby significantly enhancing the precision of all-optical brain manipulation and imaging. This innovation will drive research into brain disease mechanisms and facilitate small animal disease models for new drug development.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recently hosted the Hult Prize Hong Kong Summit, part of the world’s largest global student entrepreneurship competition, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of student entrepreneurship.” Thorani, a team designing crop loss verification mechanisms to help insurance providers assess risk and process claims, emerged as the champion of this year’s competition and will represent Hong Kong in the next round of the global Hult Prize, competing for a seed fund of up to US$1 million to advance their startup venture.

A research team led by Prof. Yoonseob KIM, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has reported a significant breakthrough in lithium metal battery (LMB) technology. The team has successfully synthesized a novel single-crystalline 3D borate covalent organic framework (B-COF), which demonstrates exceptional performance as a solid-state electrolyte, thereby enhancing the performance of solid-state lithium batteries. This advancement promises safer and higher energy density solutions for electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage. The research paper, titled “Single-Crystalline Borate Covalent Organic Frameworks for Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries,” has been published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science.

The Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), a joint-university collaborative venture, led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) with multiple universities, showcasing seven of its self-developed AI applications at the "InnoEX 2026". The public is cordially invited to act as "AI Test Officers" to experience practical features tailored to the daily needs of Hong Kong citizens, fully supporting the HKSAR Government's "AI+" and "AI training for All" strategies.