Helping corporates cut carbon emissions while enhancing clean air solutions
Aurabeat, a start-up based in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), collaborated with The Bank of East Asia, Limited (BEA) to install an energy-saving acoustic air-filtration system.
The EcoSonic system has already reduced ventilation power use and improved indoor air quality at one of the Bank’s office buildings.
Aurabeat’s patented EcoSonic™ system replaces conventional dense filters with an acoustic resonance module that vibrates particles such as dust, bacteria and viruses so they collide more efficiently with fibres.
The EcoSonic system not only achieves medical grade filtration but also reduces airflow resistance by about 30 percent, allowing ventilation fans to operate at lower speeds to optimise their energy efficiency.
“Think of it as adding sound to the equation,” explained Roger Szeto, Aurabeat’s co-founder and CTO.
“Traditional filters act like tight nets. The finer the weave, the harder your system must push air through. Our acoustic layer shakes microscopic particles mid-air, guiding them to the filter surface. This approach enhances system efficiency and supports improved air circulation throughout the building.”
Aurabeat, which holds several international patents, originally developed its sound-based filtration for hospitals and cleanrooms.
During the pandemic, its anti-viral purifiers were deployed in more than 60 countries. The technology was later adapted for central HVAC systems to address one of real estate’s biggest pain points: rising energy bills.
Buildings generate 30-40 percent of global CO2 emissions, and ventilation can account for a fifth of that. “If we can make air systems 20 or 30 percent more efficient, that’s an immediate climate win,” said Szeto.
BEA, a leading Hong Kong-based financial services group, has been piloting Aurabeat EcoSonic filters at its office building located at 33 Des Voeux Road Central since 2024.
Following the success of the pilot project, the first phase of implementation was completed in 2025. Within the first month of the project, fan motor energy use dropped by approximately 20 percent, while indoor air quality improved.
“In recent years, BEA has focused on achieving its goal of net zero operational emissions by 2030. To support this initiative, the Bank collaborated with a local startup, Aurabeat, to help reduce carbon emissions.” said Kenny Au, General Manager and Head of Operations Division at BEA.
“Aurabeat’s filter system integrates smoothly into our existing ductwork, requiring no major renovations and enabling us to maintain our daily operations without interruption. For our staff, this sustainability project also means fresher air in the office, as well as enhanced well-being and productivity”
Following the successful pilot, BEA is now exploring opportunities for a broader implementation across its office building portfolio.
Since completing HKSTP’s incubation stage, the company has raised capital from regional venture investors and family offices in Singapore and the US, and have its systems now installed in various government buildings, hotels and schools.
In addition to ventilation, the Aurabeat team is developing an AI-enabled climate-control suite that integrates temperature, humidity and occupancy data to optimise both heating and cooling.
“Ventilation is step one; thermal management is step two. Our goal is a fully self-learning system that adjusts in real time – cleaner air, lower carbon, zero compromise,” says Szeto.
At Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, HKSTP facilitated around 150 business matchings and showcased 20 of the companies it supports.
