News & Stories

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) won a total of 62 accolades at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo). This resounding success underscores the University's exceptional capabilities in "AI + X" interdisciplinary innovation and its commitment to translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) research team has developed a groundbreaking wastewater treatment technology that integrates a mesh bioreactor with an ultrasound-induced transient cavitation cleaning mechanism. The system can complete mesh cleaning within 3.8 seconds under anaerobic conditions and achieves 10-20 times higher flux than conventional membrane bioreactors (MBRs). The technology operates efficiently with substantially lower energy consumption, produces treated effluent surpassing international and local discharge standards, and reduces the cost of treating each cubic metre of wastewater to 50% of conventional MBRs, offering a sustainable solution for both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.

In a critical advance for climate resilience, researchers from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed an AI model that can predict dangerous convective storms—including Black Rainstorms, thunderstorms and extreme heavy rainfall like those that have hit Hong Kong—up to four hours before they strike. This world-first technology, developed in collaboration with national meteorological institutions and powered by satellite data and advanced deep diffusion technology, improves forecast accuracy by over 15% at the 48‑kilometer spatial scale compared with existing systems. This breakthrough strengthens the overall accuracy of the national weather forecasting system and promises to transform early warning systems for vulnerable communities across Asia.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has demonstrated outstanding research leadership in the 2025/26 Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) and Research Impact Fund (RIF) under the University Grants Committee (UGC)'s Research Grants Council (RGC). The University secured funding for 13 projects under the CRF and RIF, with grants totaling more than HKD77 million. The achievement places HKUST first among all UGC-funded universities in both the number of funded projects and total funding received. This accomplishment highlights HKUST's strength in pioneering interdisciplinary and cross-institutional research, as well as its exceptional capacity for knowledge transfer in translating cutting-edge research outcomes into real-world impact that enhances societal well-being.

Programmable photonics promise faster and more energy-efficient computing than traditional electronics by using light to transmit signals. However, current systems are limited by the need for precise on-chip power monitors. Researchers from the School of Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a germanium-ion-implanted silicon waveguide photodiode. This novel photodetector achieves high responsivity, ultra-low optical loss, and minimal dark current, significantly enhancing the performance of on-chip light monitoring. It provides core hardware for energy-saving and ultra-sensitive biosensing systems, facilitating practical applications in programmable photonics.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and SEMI successfully concluded the inaugural 2025 Semiconductor Innovation and Intelligent Application Summit (SIIAS). As a prelude to the University's 35th anniversary celebrations and supported by the HKSAR Government, the landmark event made its debut in Hong Kong, attracting over 600 semiconductor industry leaders, leading researchers, key policymakers and students from Chinese Mainland, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Singapore, and beyond. The Summit focused on the latest technological advancements and global development strategies in the semiconductor industry, further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub. The event underscored HKUST's leadership in semiconductor research and its pivotal role in uniting government, industry, academia, and investors to drive advancement in the sector.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is pleased to partner with SEMI to co-host the inaugural Semiconductor Innovation and Intelligent Application Summit (SIIAS) on December 2, 2025. Supported by the HKSAR Government, this landmark event will be held in Hong Kong for the first time, bringing together global industry leaders, pioneering researchers, and key policymakers to shape the future of semiconductor innovation and drive the industry's strategic development. The SIIAS will further establish Hong Kong as a global innovation hub for microelectronics and advanced manufacturing.

A research team led by the School of Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has made significant advances in quantum rod light-emitting diodes (QR-LEDs), setting record-high efficiency level for red QR-LEDs. This innovation is poised to revolutionize next-generation display and lighting technologies, offering smartphone and television users a vibrant and enhanced visual experience.LEDs have been widely used in electronic products for decades. Recent developments in quantum materials have given rise to quantum dot LEDs (QD-LEDs) and QR-LEDs. QD-LEDs offer superior color purity (color vividness) and higher brightness compared to current mainstream LEDs. However, outcoupling efficiency has now become the primary obstacle, as it sets a fundamental ceiling for external quantum efficiency (EQE), thereby hindering any further performance improvements.