Shanghai startup expands to HK and showcases smart transportation innovations to improve safety

In a concerted effort to highlight the latest advancements in AI technology and showcase cutting-edge innovation solutions of the innovation and technology (I&T) industry, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) spearheaded the participation of 16 partner companies at InnoEX 2024.

InnoEX 2024, held at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre, is an international I&T event in the spring season. The event aims to serve as a platform for fostering connections among potential partners and facilitating regional collaborations, as well as cross-sector partnerships.

This year, under the theme From Smart Vision to Intelligent Future, HKSTP exhibited pioneering research and development achievements from its partner companies across various sectors, including Smart City, AI and Robotics, Digital Business, and Marketing Tech, underscoring the region’s prowess in research and innovation.

Among the participating companies, Neuvix Intelligent Technology (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, a Shanghai-based startup specializing in providing digital innovation solutions for the transportation segment, shared their insights with The Standard.

In an exclusive interview, Neuvix CEO Yanan YU explained their expansion to Hong Kong, emphasizing Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a gateway to broader markets, stating, “We think Hong Kong is the ideal portal for us to go overseas, especially for the entire Asia and South East Asia market.” He continued, “Another reason is that we value the Hong Kong government’s and HKSTP’s consistent support and substantial investment in the local I&T industry. We believe that the market will fuel our company’s rapid growth in the future.”

Discussing how their products can contribute to the advancement of smart city development, Mr Yu highlighted two key aspects. “Firstly, we aim to leverage new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and improve the safety of public transportation. Secondly, it is to optimize urban infrastructure and services through data and service integration.”

In order to tackle challenges within the transportation sector and foster smart city development, Neuvix has created two flagship product series that can improve transportation safety: NEX-Core artificial intelligence and NEX-Meta digital twin solutions. Mr Yu illustrated their successful application in mainland China, saying, “For instance, we installed our system at major bus stops and bus stops with complex traffic to regulate and enforce driver behavior. By detecting the distance between our bus and platform, we ensure the driver’s adherence to safety standards with a gap of 30-40 centimeters, thereby reducing accident risks and hidden dangers, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups like the elderly. For example, it mitigates the risk of the elderly tripping or falling due to wide gap distance between the bus and the platform.”

In the field of water transport, Neuvix has facilitated the digital transformation and construction of digital operation centers for over 60 public ferries and sightseeing ships operating on the Huangpu River and Suzhou River in Shanghai. The primary focus has been on enhancing ship navigation safety measures and ensuring passenger safety. As of 2021, the system has successfully detected three individuals who fell into water, promptly notifying rescuers for their immediate rescue. Additionally, potential ship collisions have been proactively detected and swiftly warned to prevent any accidents.

Elaborating further on how their product ensures passenger safety, Mr Yu explained, “Following the renovation, the ferries are equipped with an automatic detection system that triggers the alarm in the event of dangerous behaviors, such as passengers who went over the guardrail of the ferry. If any hazardous actions are detected, the system instantly alerts the crew members, enabling them to take immediate rescue measures.”

Looking to the future, Mr Yu highlighted the company’s upcoming plans, expressing their commitment to explore diverse opportunities both in Hong Kong and overseas. Their aim is to expand their potential customer base, foster collaborations with government entities and major transportation companies, as well as implement their smart solutions to improve the efficiency, safety, sustainability, and overall performance of the territory’s transportation system.

Dr HL Yiu, Chief Corporate Development Officer of HKSTP, underlined the pivotal role of I&T in driving China’s development of ‘new quality productive forces.’ Innovation and technology can bolster the effectiveness of urban management and improve the lives of citizens. Therefore, HKSTP is delighted to witness the emergence of a greater number of smart transportation solutions aimed at enhancing transportation safety and advancing the development of a smart city. He also believed that HKSTP’s participation at InnoEX is presenting market-ready solutions to both local and overseas buyers, capturing their attention and garnering brand exposure. Looking ahead, more support will be provided for nurturing startups, expediting the transition from research and development (R&D) to commercialization, thereby fostering the development of intelligent living.