Home-grown ideas, world-beating R&D (hktdc.com)


	Another PolyU invention, the flexi-wrist fracture balance brace, is a major improvement on conventional plaster casts and will be especially beneficial for elderly patients

Hong Kong ingenuity has earned international kudos following its scientists’ success at a high-level inventions expo in Geneva.

Eight inventions developed at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) were awarded prizes at the 34th International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques and Products, held in April. It was the third time PolyU had participated in this large-scale international event.

Under the patronage of the Swiss Federal Government and the City Government of Geneva, the exhibition attracted some 1,000 inventions and 735 exhibitors from 42 countries. It drew more than 70,000 visitors from all over the world.

Andrew Young, head of PolyU’s Partnership Development Office, said Hong Kong is “a city full of talents and creativity”, with the R&D facilities necessary to see ideas through to fruition. “Hong Kong is best known for its hospitality, shopping, commerce, trading and finance,” he said. “However, one aspect that people may not associate Hong Kong with is the creativity of its people and the quick-reaction-to-opportunity mindset. They always know how to grasp the right opportunity for doing business or seize the deal of a lifetime,” Mr Young said.

Innovation experts


	The world’s first palm print security system is the brainchild of Prof. David Zhang of Hong Kong Polytechnic University

He added that technology development and R&D are long term investments, requiring dedication and devotion. “These days, the government has put a lot of emphasis on innovations, and there is increasing media coverage in Hong Kong on innovation itself and associated success cases. I believe all this will help to raise awareness of the importance of innovations.

The prizes won by PolyU include a gold medal for the Telemedication Management System, an efficient, remote means of dispensing medication. Gold medals also went to a self-cleaning garment, and the Flexi-Wrist Fracture Balance Brace - a splint technique based on the concept of traditional Chinese medicine. A silver medal was won for a Ferric-Reducing Anti-oxidant Assay (FRAP), which is a test used by scientists to probe the potentially anti-ageing ingredients of different foods. A palm print security system and the “virus stopper” protective clothing also won silver medals.

Mr Young said all of the inventions developed at PolyU were designed with commercial application in mind. The six winning projects in Geneva are commercially viable, and four are already in the commercial phase. The FRAP technology and know-how has also enabled the university’s scientists to undertake substantial research projects for some of the world’s leading food companies.

Industry partners


	Frontline healthcare workers can don this virus-stopper protective clothing developed in Hong Kong to reduce the risk of infection from viruses such as bird flu

PolyU’s application-orientated focus, applied R&D nature and long-time relationship with industry enables it to develop technologies that are relevant and meet the needs of society, Mr Young said.

“We seek to understand industry’s problems, and are creative enough to go outside the box and research into new boundaries to deliver solutions that are both innovative and yet based on a solid scientific research foundation. We certainly believe that our technology cannot be a “flight of fancy” - it also must contain substance backed by solid research methodology and data. Therefore we are meeting industry needs with practical responses that are scientific-based.”

Hong Kong’s rise from a fishing village to major international city has generated a new breed of Hong Kong people who are innovative and talented, Mr Young said.

“This pool of human resources is what made Hong Kong great. With concerted efforts by government, university and industry to drive towards success through innovation, made in Hong Kong inventions, and developed in Hong Kong ideas, will help Hong Kong make its mark in the world.”