On July 29, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ant Digital signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Hong Kong to establish the "PolyU-Ant Digital AI+Web3 Joint Laboratory." The two parties will focus on breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies, innovation ecosystem incubation, and the impact of technological sources, exploring the integrated development of artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technology. The joint laboratory will be built into a global source of scientific and technological innovation. Ant Digital plans to invest up to HKD 100 million over the next three years to support the research work and project incubation of the laboratory.
The cooperation agreement was signed by Professor Zhao Ruheng, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr. Zhao Wenbiao, CEO of Ant Digital, in the presence of Mr. Chen Haolin, Deputy Secretary for Financial Affairs and Tresury of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Professor Teng Jingguang, President of PolyU, and Mr. Jing Xiandong, Chairman of Ant Group.
Figure: Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Ant Digital sign cooperation agreement
The AI+Web3 Joint Laboratory focuses on three technical fields, including Trusted AI Agents, AI-enhanced blockchain security frameworks, and data privacy and verifiable technologies, aiming to accelerate the emergence of intelligent services and secure circulation of digital assets. In terms of innovation ecosystem incubation, it will focus on building an "AI + Web3 Education Fund Platform," fully integrating PolyU's strong research capabilities with Ant Digital's rich industry ecosystem resources, providing strong support for Hong Kong to build a high-level hub for digital technology talents. The laboratory also plans to hold international technology conferences, innovation competitions, and other events, to create a world-class academic brand.
Teng Jingguang said: "Establishing the 'AI + Web3 Joint Laboratory' with Ant Digital is an important strategic move for PolyU to promote the integration of cutting-edge technologies and serve the construction of Hong Kong as an international science and technology innovation center and a global innovation center for digital assets. We look forward to this strong collaboration, which can accelerate the deep integration and innovative application of AI and Web3 technologies, produce globally influential results, and empower the vigorous development of the digital economy in Hong Kong and around the world."
Zhao Wenbiao said: "Ant Digital has solid technical capabilities and rich service scenarios. We will deeply integrate industry, academia, and research resources with PolyU to promote the breakthroughs of cutting-edge technologies and their large-scale applications in actual scenarios." Jing Xiandong said: "Ant has always been optimistic about Hong Kong and firmly invested in Hong Kong. We look forward to this collaboration helping 'AI+Web3' unleash new momentum in Hong Kong, assisting Hong Kong in accelerating the construction of a global science and technology innovation center, financial center, and trade center."
PolyU holds a leading academic position in AI and Web3-related technologies. In 2022, PolyU was rated as the best blockchain university in the world by CoinDesk, ranking first among 240 related institutions worldwide. In January this year, PolyU established a new School of Computer Science and Mathematics, integrating the strengths of the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Electronic Computing, and the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. It offers diversified courses related to frontier areas such as artificial intelligence, big data computing, blockchain technology, and metaverse, aiming to cultivate tech talents with forward-looking vision and practical abilities. PolyU's solid academic advantages will lay a solid foundation for this collaboration.