The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has secured funding for three projects in the third round of the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+), initiated by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the HKSAR Government. Covering AI and robotics, health and medical sciences, and advanced manufacturing, the projects aim to promote the translation and industrialisation of key technologies.
Among the three projects, the project titled “Ultrafast Multi-material 3D Nano-fabrication Platform Based on Two-photon Projection Technology” is led by Professor Chen Shih-Chi from the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering.
Ultrafast Multi-material 3D Nano-fabrication Platform Based on Two-photon Projection Technology
Advanced manufacturing is driven by engineering innovations that drastically lower production costs and enable the fabrication of structures and devices previously impossible. Currently, the $180 billion precision manufacturing market is stifled by a “speed-precision tradeoff” where nanoscale resolution is too slow and costly for mass production. To address this, Professor Chen Shih-Chi and his team at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have developed the Femtosecond Projection NanoPrinter (FP NanoPrinter), a breakthrough that significantly advances the envelope of micro-additive manufacturing.
By exploiting spatiotemporal focusing and digital holography, the project utilises ground-breaking methods to parallelise the 3D printing process, setting new world records for printing rates (400 mm³/hour) and resolution (20–100 nm) – resulting in a 95% reduction in manufacturing costs. Unlike conventional platforms limited to single-material plastics, this process enables the high-speed 3D integration of over 20 material classes – including metals, semiconductors, and ceramics.
These capabilities allow for the mass production of functional nanostructures, such as optical metamaterials and flexible electronics, which are critical for the future of electric transportation, healthcare, and telecommunications.
The solution is being commercialised by Astra Optics Limited, a venture-backed CUHK spin-off, now supported by the RAISe+ award, focused on high-precision components ranging from AR/VR optics and photonic interconnects for AI data centres to next-generation 3D photonic computing chips.
The RAISe+ Scheme sets a high threshold for applications, requiring research teams to raise from commercial sources no less than half of the amount they apply for. With the support of RAISe+ funding, these projects will enhance their R&D and promotional capabilities to work towards successful commercialisation. CUHK will continue to leverage its research strengths, fostering close collaboration between industry and academia to drive impactful innovation projects and contribute to the advancement of Hong Kong and global society.
About the RAISe+ Scheme
Launched in October 2023, the RAISe+ Scheme aims to unleash the potential of local universities to transform and commercialise R&D outcomes, and facilitate collaboration among the government, industry, university and research sectors. The RAISe+ Scheme funds, on a matching basis, research teams in eight universities supported by the University Grants Committee that have the potential to become successful start-ups. Up to HK$100 million in funding support is provided to each project.
Professor Chen Shih-Chi
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