PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies Launch Joint Lab on AI and Web3
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ant Digital Technologies have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to create the "PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies Joint Lab on AI and Web3." This collaboration aims to push forward innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technologies, establishing a global hub for research and commercial application.
Ant Digital Technologies will invest up to HKD100 million over the next three years to support the lab's research projects and incubation activities. The signing ceremony was attended by key figures including Mr. CHAN Ho Lim, Joseph, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President; and Mr. Eric Xiandong Jing, Chairman of Ant Group.
Focus Areas of the Joint Lab
The lab will concentrate on three main areas:
- Trustworthy AI agents
- AI-enhanced blockchain security architecture
- Data privacy verification technologies
These initiatives aim to accelerate intelligent services development and ensure secure digital asset circulation. Additionally, an "AI + Web3 Education Fund Platform" will be set up, leveraging PolyU’s research strengths and Ant Digital’s industry connections to nurture Hong Kong’s talent pool in digital technology.
Fostering Innovation and Talent Development
The Joint Lab will organize international seminars and innovation competitions, helping to position Hong Kong as a leading center for academic and technological excellence in AI and Web3. This initiative supports the growth of an innovation ecosystem, promoting collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Prof. Jin-Guang Teng emphasized that the partnership is intended to drive interdisciplinary integration and practical innovation, enabling Hong Kong to become a global hub for digital asset technologies and AI applications.
Mr. Wenbiao Zhao, CEO of Ant Digital Technologies, highlighted the importance of combining technological expertise with industry experience to speed up breakthroughs and bring new solutions to market.
Mr. Eric Jing of Ant Group expressed commitment to investing in Hong Kong’s future, aiming to accelerate its position as a hub for innovation, finance, and trade through this collaboration.
Academic and Industry Strengths
PolyU is recognized for its leadership in blockchain and AI research, ranking first in CoinDesk’s Best Universities for Blockchain 2022. The university recently formed the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, merging departments focused on applied mathematics, computing, and data science. PolyU offers comprehensive programs in AI, big data, blockchain, and metaverse studies, preparing students with both visionary insights and practical skills.
Ant Digital Technologies, a subsidiary of Ant Group, brings extensive experience in AI and Web3 innovation. Its Agentar AI development platform and financial large language model have been widely adopted in financial services. The company also contributed to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Ensemble project, applying blockchain technology to tokenise renewable energy assets.
In April 2024, Ant Digital Technologies was named a "Key Enterprise Partner" by the HKSAR Government and established its international headquarters in Hong Kong, strengthening its local presence and industry partnerships.
Conclusion
This Joint Lab is positioned to be a key driver of AI and Web3 innovation in Hong Kong, combining top-tier academic research with practical industry applications. IT and development professionals interested in the intersection of AI and blockchain technologies will find valuable opportunities through this initiative.
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