The City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) proudly announced the official launch of its Department of Electrical Engineering (EE) Enterprise Innovation Hub on July 2, 2026, at the Inter-Continental Plaza (ICP) in Tsim Sha Tsui East. This event marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between academia and industry, enabling innovation-driven research and development in electrical engineering. The Enterprise Innovation Hub embodies CityUHK’s commitment to enhancing research capabilities and nurturing talent in partnership with corporate members.
Background of CityUHK EE Enterprise Innovation Hub
The establishment of the Enterprise Innovation Hub builds upon the success of the CityUHK EE Joint Lab scheme initiated in 2019. Since its inception, the scheme has garnered support from over 52 corporate members who collaboratively developed physical Enterprise Labs housed within the ICP Building. The Hub is designed to accommodate more than 20 small-scale enterprise labs. Each lab spans approximately 500 square feet and supports 3 to 8 researchers working under the supervision of faculty members. These researchers primarily include self-financed PhD postgraduate students engaged in projects aligned with industrial partners' interests.
To sustain the Hub’s mission, a proposed annual donation of HKD 1 million per lab is sought, with a minimum two-year commitment. This funding supports about four PhD students per lab and enables donors to receive naming rights for their respective labs throughout the donation period. This collaboration model emphasizes mutual benefits, facilitating industry-driven cutting-edge research while advancing the academic ecosystem.
Details of Launching Ceremony
The launching ceremony commenced at 2:00 PM with over 60 distinguished guests and faculty members in attendance, including Mr. Perkins Ho, Director of CityUHK Development Office, and his team who joined as VIPs. The event began with guest registration and informal networking within one of the Enterprise Labs, fostering early engagement and dialogue amongst attendees.
At 3:00 PM, the Ceremony of the Opening of the Partnership Lab Logo Wall was hosted by Prof. Dong, Head of the EE Department, and Prof. Stella Pang, the past department head. This event acknowledged the collaboration with esteemed CityUHK EE Joint Lab partners, including Googoltech, HKT, locobike, Med Imaging AI, ProVista, Rivai, RVOH, and Sengital. The unveiling of the logo wall symbolized the collective commitment to innovation and academic-industrial synergy.
Speeches and Highlights
Following the ceremony, Prof. Dong delivered a warm welcome speech highlighting the strategic vision and objectives of the Innovation Hub. He underscored the importance of integrating academic research expertise with industry insights to drive technological advancement. Prof. Alan Lam then introduced the comprehensive framework and operational details of the Enterprise Innovation Hub, emphasizing its role as a vibrant ecosystem supporting impactful research.
Guests had the opportunity to tour the newly established Enterprise Labs, witnessing firsthand the modern facilities and collaborative environments designed to inspire creativity and innovation. Faculty members further enriched the event by sharing their current research directions, showcasing a breadth of expertise across various sub-disciplines of electrical engineering. Presenters included Prof. Arindam Basu, Prof. Alex M H Wong, Prof. Cheng Wang, Prof. Mu Ku Chen, Prof. Qun Song, Prof. Chaoqiang Jiang, and Prof. Haoliang Li. Additionally, Prof. Alan Lam highlighted significant research by Prof. Yongxin Guo, Prof. Din-ping Tsai, and Prof. Leanne L H Chan, illustrating the Hub's cutting-edge scientific endeavors.
Research Directions and Collaborations
The Enterprise Innovation Hub actively supports research projects that address real-world industrial challenges. Faculty members and postgraduate researchers collaborate closely with partners to explore innovative solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, telecommunications, renewable energy, biomedical engineering, and smart mobility. This collaborative framework not only enhances students’ learning experiences but also accelerates technology transfer and commercialization efforts.
The naming rights and donation model ensure sustained investment and stronger ties with corporate donors. By fostering such partnerships, CityUHK aims to cultivate an environment conducive to pioneering discoveries, talent development, and long-term industrial growth.
Closing Remarks and Networking
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Dong, who expressed gratitude to all partners, donors, faculty, and guests for their invaluable support and participation. He reiterated the Department's dedication to fostering innovation and encouraged continued collaboration among stakeholders.
Following the official proceedings, attendees engaged in networking sessions that extended until 5:00 PM. These discussions focused on potential interdisciplinary collaborations, funding opportunities, and joint research initiatives, further reinforcing the Hub’s role as a collaborative innovation nexus.
The successful launch of the CityUHK EE Enterprise Innovation Hub marks a new chapter in bridging academic research and industry applications, positioning CityUHK as a leader in engineering innovation and enterprise partnership.
Contact us:
Ir. Prof. LAM, Alan Hiu Fung, JP
Director of EE Joint Lab (Strategic Research Center)
B.Eng., M.Phil., Ph.D. CUHK, MIEEE, MHKIE
Mobile: 852-9721-0167
Tel: 3442-2392
Office: YEUNG-G6500
Email : hiuflam@cityu.edu.hk