New cancer cells imaging technology among five HKUST projects receiving govt subsidies

An imaging technology to identify cancer cells within a human body quicker and more accurately than existing means are among five projects by the University of Science and Technology receiving government subsidies under the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme. 

The advanced AI-based microscopic imaging system will be able to track down all cancer cells in the human body within three minutes, which is 20 times quicker than using traditional means. 

The rate of accuracy will also see a significant increase to 90 percent, as compared to the current 60 percent, thanks to the use of AI technology. 

“The new system allows quicker and more accurate visualizations of cancer cells, minimizing the need for repeat surgeries,” said Terence Wong Tsz-wai, an assistant professor in the university’s department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. 

“We will also be connecting with hospitals globally and in China for future clinical development, as well as supporting the certification expenses and future production costs,” he added. 

Subsidies were also granted to a research team from the university and the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases over their development of a novel gene-editing technique for treating an uncommon form of Alzheimer’s, a far more aggressive form that can start developing as early as the age of 30. 

Other projects selected by the scheme include cheaper electro-chemical technology to treat toxic chemicals in sludge, high-performance sensing chips that can be integrated into wearable devices and different industries, and the development of sensitive tactical sensors that can be applied to humanoid robots. 

Government funding under the new scheme launched in October 2023 by the government’s Innovation and Technology Commission aims to speed up the commercialization of research discoveries and facilitate collaboration between governmental, industrial, and academic sectors.