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CUHK wins 10 accolades at 16th International Invention Fair in the Middle East
Magnetic micro-robot breaks surgical boundaries to claim Grand Prize
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) achieved remarkable results at the 16th International Invention Fair in the Middle East (IIFME), taking home 10 accolades for four projects and scooping the event’s Grand Prize. The awards included four Gold Medals with the Congratulations of the Jury. Additionally, the four CUHK innovations received six special prizes: one Grand Prize, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) National Award for Inventors, the Prize of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), the Special Prize Awarded by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and two FIRI Awards. This remarkable achievement highlights the University’s powerful research capabilities and commitment to innovation on the global stage.
Developed by Professor Zhang Li from the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor of Robotic Surgery in the Department of Surgery, and their team, the project “Magnet micro-/nano-robot for endovascular treatment” garnered the IIFME Grand Prize, a FIRI Award and a Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury. As traditional surgical tools have limited adaptability and are not small enough to reach many of the human body’s tiny, torturous and distal locations, their invention allows surgeons to access these locations and deliver treatment using magnetic micro-/nano-robots.
CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sham Mai-har said: “CUHK’s outstanding performance at IIFME vividly demonstrates how our researchers are redefining what is possible in science and innovation. The success of the magnet micro‑/nano‑robot project – capable of navigating the body’s most delicate and inaccessible vessels – perfectly manifests CUHK’s innovative spirit. By transforming bold ideas into technologies with real clinical potential, our teams exemplify the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the strength of CUHK’s innovation ecosystem. We are committed to nurturing an environment where breakthroughs like these continue to emerge and have a meaningful impact on the world.”
The award-winning projects were contributed by research teams from the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, and cover a wide range of disciplines. The award-winning innovations were all developed by CUHK startups, a testament to the strength of the University’s signature startup ecosystem. This reflects the University’s diverse academic strengths and its leadership in driving technological progress to foster that ecosystem. (Please refer to the appendix for projects details)
The IIFME, which was held in Kuwait this year, is the largest specialised exhibition of inventions and innovations in the Middle East, as well as the second largest international invention exhibition in the world. A collaboration with the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, the event aims to promote the culture of invention and innovation while strengthening connections among inventors, enterprises and investors worldwide.
CUHK’s innovation projects have won 10 awards at the 16th International Invention Fair in the Middle East (IIFME).
Research team comprised of members from the Faculty of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Surgery and Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology wins IIFME Grand Prize, FIRI Award and Gold Medal with the Congratulations of the Jury.
Research team from the Faculty of Engineering’s Department of Biomedical Engineering wins the Prize of the IFIA, FIRI Award and Gold Medal with the Congratulations of the Jury.
Research team from the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Paediatrics wins the WIPO National Award for Inventors and Gold Medal with the Congratulations of the Jury.
Research team from the Faculty of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering wins the Special Prize Awarded by UNESCO and Gold Medal with the Congratulations of the Jury.
CUHK team wins IIFME Grand Prize.
Group photo of CUHK teams with Mr Hu Hanming, Counselor (Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait (6th right), Dr Mohammed Alsaffar, Head of Development and Competitiveness Programs Sector of the Higher Committee (middle), Mr Alireza Rastegar, IFIA President (6th left) and Ms Guo Yan, Director of the International Department of the China Association of Inventions (1st left).
