CUHK
News Centre

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) welcomes the 2026-27 Budget delivered today by the Financial Secretary. With the theme “Driving High-quality, Inclusive Growth with Innovation and Finance”, this Budget marks the beginning of the National 15^th Five-Year Plan. CUHK is encouraged by the government’s robust support for artificial intelligence (AI), life and health technology, aerospace, intellectual property (IP) trading, and the accelerated development of the Northern Metropolis (NM).

Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, said: “This Budget clearly responds to the strategic deployment of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan. The government’s focus on fostering new quality productive forces and the integrated development of ‘Education, Technology, and Talent’ aligns perfectly with CUHK’s focus on interdisciplinary research, knowledge transfer, and IP protection. The measures to drive the development of AI, life and health, aerospace, and the Northern Metropolis will enhance our research capabilities and international competitiveness. CUHK will actively collaborate with the government and industry with a global vision to deepen GBA cooperation and contribute to Hong Kong’s status as an international education hub and I&T centre.”

Strengthening AI and frontier technology research

The government has established the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy and is promoting AI training for all and the application of robotics technology to align with the National AI+ Initiative. CUHK has long been committed to promoting AI education and research. Its related disciplines have consistently ranked among the top in the world, and it has successfully incubated 54 related spin-off enterprises. CUHK also participates actively in InnoHK Research Clusters.  The University is pleased to see the government expediting the development of the third InnoHK Cluster, which will inject momentum into Hong Kong’s scientific research and talent development. CUHK’s InnoHK Centre for Logistics Robotics has developed Hong Kong’s first self-locally developed, AI-powered robotic platform, demonstrating Hong Kong’s innovative capabilities in robotics and embodied intelligence. And, InnoHK Centre for Perceptual and Interactive Intelligence has also pioneered the city’s first pre-tertiary AI curriculum, helping to advance citywide AI training and nurture a new generation of innovative talent.

Advancing life and health technology and medical innovation

The government is allocating resources to advance the development of the Hetao Hong Kong Park, which will facilitate the coordinated development of life and health technology at the upstream, midstream, and downstream levels. The proposed “One plus Three” model with the three branches to be established by universities will strengthen collaboration between the research, academic, and industry sectors. A new seven-storey Lab Block 2 Building for the CUHK’s School of Life Sciences is under construction, with an expectation that it will evolve into a premier multidisciplinary research hub for life sciences at the University, drawing top global talent to Hong Kong. CUHK also welcomes the exploration of “white list” and “green lane” mechanisms for the cross-boundary flow of research data and biosamples with the Mainland, which will help drive scientific innovation and technology transfer, further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T centre.

Aerospace and low-altitude economy layout

The Budget supports the development of the aerospace industry and LAE. CUHK has long been committed to aerospace technology search. Earlier, the University successfully launched the world’s first AI large-model satellite dedicated to sustainability, “CUHKSat-1” satellite. Together with the previously launched experimental satellite “Hong Kong Youth Scientific Innovation” satellite, it forms Hong Kong’s first low‑Earth‑orbit satellite constellation. Furthermore, the University, in partnership with the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy, will launch a new Master of Science in Aviation Management programme this year. Covering aviation economics, regulations, operations management, sustainability, and strategic thinking, the programme places students at the heart of Asia’s aviation ecosystem. Graduates will be equipped with the capabilities to lead the industry and contribute to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub.

Active participation in the Northern Metropolis and urban-rural integration

The Budget expedites the development of the NM and has earmarked HK$200 million for launching the “NM Urban-rural Integration Fund” as a pilot scheme. CUHK, located near the San Tin Technopole and the core areas of the NM, has long been active in NM development and has been committed to promoting integrated urban–rural development. In 2020, the University established an interdisciplinary research team dedicated to rural revitalisation studies, and in 2025 it founded the Centre for Sustainable Placemaking and Urban-rural Regeneration, focusing on research in the NM and South Lantau. CUHK has also organised rural revitalisation symposia to strengthen exchanges with Mainland and international scholars. Leveraging its research strengths, CUHK will continue to advance organic urban–rural integration, harness rural cultural heritage to develop immersive tourism, and promote sustainable development.

Promoting education and talent nurturing to attract global elites

The government has earmarked HK$10 billion to support campus development in the NM University Town. These initiatives complement CUHK’s efforts to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, enhancing the city’s appeal as an international education hub through improved campus facilities and global collaboration networks. CUHK is also the host of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition, one of the world’s top three international higher education events, which will draw over 3,000 international education leaders and experts from more than 70 countries and regions worldwide, showcasing the global impact of Hong Kong’s higher education.

Strengthening IP protection and position as a regional IP trading centre

Intellectual property protection is vital to scientific innovation. CUHK is pleased to see the government’s efforts in this area, including the establishment of the Intellectual Property Academy. CUHK has long encouraged faculty and students to contribute their research outcomes and expertise to society, supported by its Knowledge Transfer Office, which provides practical assistance to researchers. The University currently holds more than 2,400 granted patents worldwide, and for the past five years has consistently ranked first among Hong Kong universities in annual patent applications. CUHK will continue to collaborate with the government to help consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a regional intellectual property trading centre.