The University has secured funding for three projects in the third round of the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+) launched by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the HKSAR Government. Spanning artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, health and medical sciences, and advanced manufacturing, the projects aim to support the translation of research into real-world applications.

The projects reflect CUHK’s ongoing efforts to bridge academic research and industry needs. They are “Ultrafast Multi-material 3D Nano-fabrication Platform Based on Two-photon Projection Technology”, led by Professor Chen Shih-Chi from the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering; “AI-powered Robot for Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery”, led by Dr Alex Liu Qinyang from the Department of Surgery; and “Nucleic Acid-based Nanomedicine for Targeting Treatment of EBV-associated Cancers”, led by Professor Anna Tsang Chi-man from the Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology. They reflect the University’s solid foundation in frontier research and technological innovation, aligning closely with the high-quality development emphasised in the national 15th Five-Year Plan.

The 3D nano-fabrication project focuses on developing a high-speed platform capable of producing complex micro- and nanoscale structures using advanced optical technology. This approach has potential applications in areas such as biomedical devices, microelectronics and precision engineering.

The Femtosecond Projection NanoPrinter enables ultrafast, high-resolution 3D nano-fabrication with major cost reductions. 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 AI-powered surgical robot is designed to assist in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), a minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones. The robotic system for RIRS combines flexible robotics, fiber-optic sensing, and AI to enable real-time surgical guidance. It can automate tasks like navigation and laser positioning under surgeon supervision, aiming to improve precision, safety, and efficiency while reducing training demands, and to support clinical adoption and commercialisation of advanced robotic solutions.

The third project develops targeted therapies for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related cancers, especially nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Its core platform, aptamer-drug conjugates (ApDC), uses DNA aptamers to deliver chemotherapy directly to tumor cells with higher efficacy and lower toxicity. A second mRNA-based therapy activates latent EBV in cancer cells to induce cell death.  

Professor Sham Mai-har, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) of CUHK, said: “The projects address key challenges across a diverse range of fields. They demonstrate how CUHK researchers are translating academic research into practical solutions. CUHK will continue to support research that bridges discovery and application, strengthens collaboration with industry and addresses pressing societal and healthcare needs through innovation.”

Launched in October 2023, RAISe+ aims to facilitate collaboration among the government, industry, academic and research sectors, while encouraging the development of research outcomes into viable start-ups or technologies with societal impact. RAISe+ adopts a matching model that requires participating teams to secure at least half of the requested funding from commercial sources, reflecting its emphasis on market relevance and industry collaboration. Each project can receive up to HK$100 million to support development and commercialisation.