Three project teams led by Faculty of Engineering Professors have been awarded funding in the second round of the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+), initiated by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Hong Kong government. In the two rounds of the RAISe+ Scheme, Faculty of Engineering received the highest number of awards among CUHK's research teams. This demonstrated the exceptional research capabilities and dedication to technology advancement of the faculty.

The funded projects span a wide range of fields including advanced engineering and materials science. These projects not only highlight the faculty’s extensive research strengths but also reflect its commitment to addressing major societal challenges. Each project is poised to deliver high-impact innovations with strong commercialisation potential and real-world application value.

The RAISe+ Scheme sets a high threshold for application, requiring research teams to raise no less than half of the amount they apply for from commercial sources. With the support of RAISe+ funding, these projects will further enhance their R&D and promotional capabilities, to achieve successful commercialisation.

List of Engineering projects receive funding support from RAISe+ Scheme

About the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+ Scheme)

Launched in October 2023, the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+ Scheme) aims to unleash the potential of local universities in transforming and commercialising R&D outcomes, and facilitate collaboration among the Government, industry, university and research sectors. The RAISe+ Scheme will fund, on a matching basis, research teams in eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee that have the potential to become successful start-ups. Up to HK$100 million in funding support will be provided for each project that is approved.

Students supervising by Professor Huang Chaoran from the Department of Electronic Engineering achieved outstanding results at the “11th Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition”. The team has won the Innovation grand prize and first prize (Information Technology) for the project on Next Generation Data Center Interconnects with Integrated Neuromorphic Photonic Processor.

Innovation grand prize and first prize (Information Technology): Next Generation Data Centre Interconnects with Integrated Neuromorphic Photonic Processor

Large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) training requires uniformly ultra-low latency and energy-efficient data interconnects to let massive graphics processing units (GPUs) function as a unified system. However, current technologies often struggle with delays and high energy use, limiting AI development. Under the supervision of Professor Huang Chaoran from the Department of Electronic Engineering, a project team comprising Wang Benshan, Xiao Qiarong, Xu Tengji, Fan Li and Liu Shaojie presented a new type of data connection that uses light instead of electricity to transmit information. This system is the first in the world to operate entirely with light, eliminating the need for traditional electronic parts that usually slow things down. Their invention is over 10,000 times faster and uses 1,000 times less energy than current methods. It can also send data over much longer distances—up to 80 km—compared to just 2 km with existing technology. This means it could connect millions of GPUs with near-zero latency, which reducing hardware costs and energy consumption, providing comprehensive and robust support for future AI development.

About Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition

The Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is organised annually by the Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association. Winning projects will represent Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in national competitions, including the “Challenge Cup” National College Students’ Extracurricular Academic Science and Technology Contest, the “Challenge Cup” China College Students’ Entrepreneurship Competition and the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition. This year, the winning projects will also have the opportunity to represent Hong Kong and their respective institutions at international competitions and exhibitions.

More details: https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press/cuhk-students-win-most-awards-at-the-11th-hong-kong-university-student-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-competition/