PolyU and OPPO Launch AI-Driven Joint Innovation Research Centre for Mobile Imaging Solutions
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has reached a collaborative agreement with Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd. to establish the “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Research Centre,” which will be operational starting January 2025. The center is designed to advance research in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven computational imaging and will broaden its focus to include in-depth studies of smartphone AI imaging applications. OPPO has allocated a minimum funding of RMB 30 million over the next five years to support this initiative.
Partnership and Successes
This partnership between PolyU and OPPO has previously led to the successful commercialization of research outcomes and the development of AI talent. Doctoral students from PolyU have worked in collaboration with OPPO engineers on the development of advanced Generative AI algorithms that enhance image clarity on smartphones. These algorithms are currently integrated into OPPO’s flagship devices. The new Joint Innovation Research Centre aims to explore additional complex fields, such as video algorithms and album editing, to improve mobile multimedia content creation while ensuring high-quality image output. The center will also emphasize talent development, strengthen academia-industry collaboration, and promote technological advancements.
Formal Agreement Ceremony
The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony on November 1 at PolyU, which featured attendees including PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng and OPPO Research Institute President Mr. Jason Liao. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President for Research and Innovation at PolyU, and Mr. Zheng Qin, Head of Industry-Academia Affairs at OPPO, signed the agreement. Prof. Zhang Lei of the Department of Computing at PolyU has been appointed as the director of the center.
Strategic Developments
Prof. Teng highlighted the establishment of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January 2025, indicating a strategic move for PolyU to meet emerging technological needs and support talent development. Mr. Liao remarked on the accomplishments resulting from this collaboration, emphasizing OPPO’s dedication to enhancing the integration of industry and academia in the AI sector to provide innovative imaging solutions.
Commitment to Innovation
This initiative aligns with PolyU’s commitment to functioning as a leading innovative university focused on addressing societal challenges through education and research.
Original source: PolyU Media Releases.
