In a landmark move, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ant Group's technology arm, Ant Digital Science (AntDS), have joined forces to establish the "PolyU-AntDS AI+Web3 Joint Laboratory" in Hong Kong. This strategic alliance aims to harness the cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technologies, positioning the lab as a global epicenter for technological innovation. AntDS is committing up to 100 million Hong Kong dollars over the next three years to fuel the lab's research endeavors and project incubation.
The collaboration was formalized under the watchful eyes of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr. Chan Ho Leung, PolyU's President, Professor Jin Guang Teng, and Ant Group's Chairman, Mr. Jing Xiandong. The agreement was signed by PolyU's Vice President for Research and Innovation, Professor Zhao Ruheng, and AntDS's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Zhao Wenbiao.
The AI+Web3 Joint Laboratory is set to concentrate on three pivotal technical domains: trustworthy AI agents, AI-enhanced blockchain security frameworks, and data privacy along with verifiable technologies. These areas are crucial for the rapid emergence of intelligent services and the secure circulation of digital assets. The lab is also geared towards fostering an "AI + Web3 Education Fund Platform," leveraging PolyU's robust research capabilities and AntDS's extensive industrial ecosystem resources to bolster Hong Kong's status as a digital technology talent hub.
The laboratory is poised to host international technical seminars and innovation contests, aiming to establish a world-class academic brand. President Jin Guang Teng emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "The establishment of the 'AI + Web3 Joint Laboratory' with AntDS is a significant strategic move for PolyU to promote the integration of frontier technologies, serving the construction of Hong Kong as an international innovation and digital asset innovation hub. We anticipate this collaboration to accelerate the deep integration and innovative applications of AI and Web3 technologies, producing globally impactful outcomes and empowering the flourishing of Hong Kong's and the world's digital economies."
CEO Zhao Wenbiao highlighted AntDS's solid technical foundation and diverse service scenarios, expressing the company's commitment to integrating industry-academia-research resources with PolyU to drive innovation and scale-up applications in real-world scenarios. Chairman Jing Xiandong reiterated Ant's confidence and investment in Hong Kong, expressing hope that this collaboration will unleash new energy for 'AI+Web3' in Hong Kong, aiding in the rapid development of Hong Kong as a global center for science, finance, and trade.
PolyU holds a leading academic position in AI and Web3-related technologies, being recognized as the world's top blockchain university by CoinDesk in 2022, ranking first among 240 institutions globally. In January of this year, PolyU established the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, integrating the strengths of applied mathematics, electronic computing, data science, and artificial intelligence departments. The school offers a diverse range of courses in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, big data computing, blockchain technology, and the metaverse, dedicated to nurturing tech talents with forward-looking vision and practical skills. PolyU's solid academic prowess lays a robust foundation for this collaboration.
As Ant Group's tech subsidiary, AntDS boasts leading technological advantages and deep industrial practice in AI and Web3 domains. Its intelligent agent development platform, Agentar, and financial reasoning large models have been widely implemented in the financial sector. In 2024, AntDS was deeply involved in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's Ensemble project, providing leading blockchain technology to help multiple companies tokenize renewable energy assets (RWA). In April of this year, AntDS became a "Key Enterprise Partner" of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, officially establishing its overseas headquarters in Hong Kong. AntDS's industrial application experience will aid the laboratory in connecting with industries and expanding collaborative opportunities.