The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has secured funding for six projects 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, demonstrating its research excellence and leadership in innovation. Among them, three projects are led by professors from the MAE Department.
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.
Professor LU Yi-Chun: Low-Cost and Intrinsically-Safe Polysulfide Redox Flow Batteries for Long-Duration Energy Storage
Professor LU Yi-Chun’s team at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), in partnership with CUHK spin-off company Luquos Energy, is pioneering a new battery technology that’s intrinsically safe, more affordable, and environmentally friendly—designed to help store solar and wind power more efficiently as we move toward a net-zero future. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which pose fire risks and are hard to recycle, this new solution uses sulfur—a plentiful and low-cost material—and water-based components to eliminate safety hazards while slashing costs by up to 50% compared to lithium-ion and 75% compared to vanadium flow batteries. Packed with CUHK-invented innovations, including high-performance membranes, power-boosting catalysts, and smart AI battery systems, the project aims to bring this cutting-edge tech to life through real-world deployments in renewable energy storage, data centers, EV charging, and more—all while positioning Hong Kong as a global leader in sustainable energy innovation and supporting climate goals in Hong Kong, the mainland, and beyond.
Professor REN Wei: Intelligent Laser Sensing System for the Energy Industry
The oil, natural gas, and hydrogen energy sectors increasingly require advanced sensing systems for quality analysis, pipeline inspection, and leakage detection. This project aims to leverage the research team’s cutting-edge research in laser sensing technologies and artificial intelligence to develop and commercialise a series of intelligent laser-based gas analysers and detectors. These innovative devices will serve a wide range of applications across the oil and gas industry, pipeline inspection, and hydrogen safety, and will be brought to market through the research team’s spinoff, LaSense Technology Limited. Through partnerships with key industry stakeholders, the systems will undergo rigorous testing, optimisation, and standardisation through large-scale field trials in Hong Kong and mainland China. This project is strategically aligned with Hong Kong’s re-industrialisation initiatives, hydrogen development strategy, and national energy policy objectives, advancing both sensing technology and manufacturing capabilities. The research team believes this initiative will further strengthen Hong Kong’s international competitiveness in high-end manufacturing and sustainable energy.
Professor KWOK Ka-Wai: Evolving Interventional Endoscopy – An Endoluminal Robotic Platform for Early-Stage Cancer Resection and Defect Closure
Led by Professor KWOK Ka-Wai, this project focuses on developing miniaturised (Ø2.8-3.5 mm), fully flexible robotic instruments to address the challenges of endoluminal surgeries, which are a vital part of early-stage cancer treatment. Current conventional instruments often make complex procedures difficult to perform and require extensive training. This innovative robotic system offers surgeons unprecedented dexterity and simplified control while being compatible with existing flexible and rigid endoscopes. It is designed to target two key patient groups: upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients, and bladder cancer patients.
This project aims to expand the robotic system for use in gastrointestinal tumour resection, reach the stages of regulatory submission and clinical trials, and introduce robotic tissue closure/suturing capabilities, which is critical for repairing tissue perforations. These advancements will enable a versatile system capable of addressing both GI and bladder tumour resections. The addition of suturing tools will reduce complications, promote faster recovery, and provide a comprehensive solution for endoluminal surgeries. Ultimately, the project will lower training barriers and make advanced, incision-free surgical techniques more accessible.
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.
Professor LU Yi-Chun
Professor REN Wei
Professor KWOK Ka-Wai
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