Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Ant Digital Technology Establish a Joint Laboratory to Build a Global Hub for Scientific and Technological Innovation and Idea Generation
On July 29, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ant Digital Technology signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Hong Kong to jointly establish the "PolyU - Ant Digital Technology AI + Web3 Joint Laboratory". The two parties will focus on directions such as breakthroughs in cutting - edge technologies, incubation of innovative ecosystems, and the influence of technological innovation sources, and conduct in - depth exploration of the integrated development of artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technologies, aiming to build the joint laboratory into a global source of technological innovation. Ant Digital Technology plans to invest up to HK$100 million in the next three years to support the laboratory's research work and project incubation.
The cooperation agreement was signed on behalf of the parties by Professor Chiu Yu - hang, Vice - President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr. Zhao Wenbiao, CEO of Ant Digital Technology, in the presence of Mr. Chan Ho - lim, Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Professor Teng Jinguang, President of PolyU, and Mr. Jing Xiandong, Chairman of Ant Group.
Photo: PolyU and Ant Digital Technology sign the cooperation agreement
The AI + Web3 Joint Laboratory focuses on three major technological fields, including trustworthy AI agents, AI - enhanced blockchain security frameworks, and data privacy and verifiable technologies, to accelerate the emergence of intelligent services and the secure circulation of digital assets. In terms of incubating innovative ecosystems, efforts will be made to build an "AI + Web3 Education Fund Platform", fully integrating PolyU's profound research strength and Ant Digital Technology's rich industrial ecosystem resources to provide strong support for Hong Kong to build a high - ground for digital technology talents. The laboratory also plans to hold international technology seminars, innovation competitions and other activities to create a world - class academic brand.
Teng Jinguang said: "Jointly establishing the 'AI + Web3 Joint Laboratory' with Ant Digital Technology is an important strategic measure for PolyU to promote the cross - integration of cutting - edge technologies and serve the construction of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology center and a global innovation center for digital assets. We look forward to this powerful alliance accelerating the in - depth integration and innovative application of AI and Web3 technologies, producing globally influential results, and empowering the vigorous development of the digital economy in Hong Kong and even the world."
Photo: Teng Jinguang, President of PolyU
Zhao Wenbiao said: "Ant Digital Technology has solid technological capabilities and rich service scenarios. We will deeply integrate the resources of industry, academia and research with PolyU to promote innovative breakthroughs in cutting - edge technologies and large - scale applications in real - world scenarios." Jing Xiandong said: "Ant has always been optimistic about Hong Kong and is committed to investing in Hong Kong. We look forward to this cooperation helping 'AI + Web3' generate new momentum in Hong Kong and accelerating Hong Kong's construction as a global innovation and technology center, financial center and trade center."
Photo: Jing Xiandong, Chairman of Ant Group
PolyU holds a leading academic position in the fields related to AI and Web3 technologies. In 2022, PolyU was rated as the world's best blockchain university by CoinDesk, ranking first among 240 relevant institutions globally. In January this year, PolyU established a new School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, integrating the advantageous resources of the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Computing, and the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and offering diverse courses related to cutting - edge fields such as artificial intelligence, big data computing, blockchain technology, and the metaverse, aiming to cultivate technology talents with forward - looking vision and practical abilities. PolyU's solid academic advantages will lay a solid foundation for this cooperation.
As a technology subsidiary of Ant Group, Ant Digital Technology has leading technological advantages and rich industrial practices in fields such as AI and Web3. Its agent development platform Agentar and large - scale financial reasoning model have been widely applied in the financial field. In 2024, Ant Digital Technology was deeply involved in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's Ensemble project, supporting multiple enterprises to complete the tokenization of renewable energy assets (RWA) with leading blockchain technology. In April this year, Ant Digital Technology became a "Key Enterprise Partner" of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and its overseas headquarters was officially located in Hong Kong. Ant Digital Technology's industrial application experience will help the laboratory connect with the industry and expand cooperation opportunities.