The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has entered into a strategic partnership with Ant Digital Technologies to launch a joint laboratory focused on the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technologies. The initiative, formally named the “PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies Joint Lab on AI and Web3,” is designed to act as a catalyst for innovation, fostering breakthroughs across advanced technology domains, innovation ecosystems, and project incubation.
Ant Digital Technologies has committed to investing up to HKD100 million over the next three years to support the lab’s research initiatives and technological developments. The collaboration aims to position the Joint Lab as a global centre of excellence for innovation, uniting academic prowess and industry insights.
Focus on Security, Privacy, and Trustworthy AI
The Joint Lab will concentrate on three primary areas: the development of trustworthy AI agents, enhancing blockchain security frameworks using AI, and advancing technologies for data privacy verification. These focal points are expected to strengthen intelligent services and enable the secure management and circulation of digital assets.
An additional educational initiative, titled the “AI + Web3 Education Fund Platform,” will also be introduced as part of the collaboration. This platform will aim to nurture talent and support Hong Kong’s growth as a hub for digital technology professionals by combining PolyU’s research strengths with Ant Digital Technologies’ industry experience. As part of this initiative, the lab plans to organize global tech seminars and innovation competitions to elevate its academic and technological influence.
Leadership Vision Supports Global Ambitions
PolyU’s leadership emphasized that the collaboration is designed to drive interdisciplinary convergence and support Hong Kong’s aspirations to become both an international innovation centre and a leader in digital asset advancement. They expressed confidence that the partnership would produce globally significant innovations in AI and Web3 applications, advancing the digital economy both locally and internationally.
Executives from Ant Digital Technologies underlined their intention to closely integrate academic research with industry implementation. They conveyed that this effort would facilitate rapid progress in emerging technologies and promote their commercial use across various sectors. Ant Group’s leadership echoed optimism regarding Hong Kong’s potential, stating that the partnership would reinforce the city’s position as a global hub for innovation, financial technology, and trade.
Building on a Strong Academic and Industry Foundation
PolyU has consistently demonstrated leadership in AI and blockchain education. In 2022, it was ranked the top university worldwide by CoinDesk’s Best Universities for Blockchain. Furthering this momentum, the university established its Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January 2025, unifying departments in applied mathematics, computing, and data science. It currently offers comprehensive programs in AI, blockchain, big data, and metaverse technologies, aiming to produce forward-thinking technologists equipped with real-world capabilities.
Ant Digital Technologies, a subsidiary of Ant Group, brings to the partnership deep industry expertise and innovation in AI and Web3. The firm’s notable products include the Agentar AI development platform and a sector-adopted financial large language model. In 2024, the company contributed to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Ensemble project, focusing on blockchain-based tokenization of renewable energy assets. It also expanded its regional footprint by establishing its international headquarters in Hong Kong and being recognized as a “Key Enterprise Partner” by the HKSAR Government.
By combining academic excellence with industry expertise, the Joint Lab is positioned to spearhead advancements in next-generation technologies while cultivating talent and forging impactful industry collaborations.