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Over 204 Deaths, One Survivor Confirmed in Air India Ahmedabad-London Plane Crash

Rescue officials work at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The London-bound passenger plane crashed on June 12 in India's western city of Ahmedabad with 242 on board, aviation officials said in what the airline called a "tragic accident". (Photo by Sam PANTHAKY / AFP)

LATEST UPDATE 12 June at 10:46 PM

By The Laotian Times and AFP

Air India confirms London-bound flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, with 242 people on board.

What We Know So Far:

  • Air India Flight AI171 crashed just after take-off from Ahmedabad at 13:39 IST on 12 June. The flight was en route to London Gatwick Airport.

  • There were 242 people on board, including 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian nationals.

  • 204 deaths and one survivor confirmed.
  • Flightradar24 received the final signal from the aircraft at 625 feet shortly after take-off.

  • The aircraft issued a MAYDAY call but gave no further response to air traffic control.

  • The plane crashed in a residential area just outside the airport perimeter. It reportedly crashed into the hostel of B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, with unconfirmed reports of student injures/fatalities.

  • Authorities report 204 bodies recovered.

  • Authorities have confirmed that at least five students lost their lives, according to Dean Minakshi Parikh.
  • Air India’s chairman called it a “tragic accident” and extended condolences to affected families. India’s Civil Aviation Minister said he was “shocked and devastated” and is overseeing response efforts.

  • Rescue teams have been mobilized, with medical aid and relief being rushed to the site.

This is a developing story.


Air India has confirmed that Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, crashed in a “tragic accident” shortly after take-off on 12 June.

India’s civil aviation authority just confirmed that there were 242 people on board. Air India says passengers on crashed plane included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, one Canadian.

Authorities report no apparent survivors, with 204 bodies already recovered. The aircraft went down in a densely populated residential area, prompting widespread devastation. Indian and British officials have launched crisis responses, with rescue efforts ongoing.

The aircraft lost signal just seconds after take-off, according to flight tracking service Flightradar24, which received the last signal from the plane at an altitude of 625 feet (190 meters). The crash is believed to have occurred in a residential area.

Air India plane crash, 12 June. (Photo: Turbine Traveller/X)
Air India plane crash, 12 June. (Photo: Turbine Traveller/X)

 

The Air India Boeing 787 aircraft “crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad”, which was at 13:39 IST, the directorate said, ad

ding that “there were 242 persons on board the aircraft consisting of two pilots and 10 cabin crew”.

“It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC (air traffic control), but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft,” it said in a statement, adding that the  aircraft “fell on ground outside the airport perimeter”.

latest reports said the flight reportedly crashed into the hostel wing of B.J. Medical College (BJMC), one of Ahmedabad’s leading medical institutions.

According to early reports, several medical students residing in the hostel might have been severely injured or killed in the crash.

The aircraft struck a campus dining facility while 60 to 80 students were inside. “Most of the students escaped, but 10 or 12 were trapped in the fire,” Parikh said.

India health minister said “many people” were killed in the plane crash.

Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow over the incident: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.”

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he said, adding that an emergency center has been activated and a dedicated support team is assisting families seeking information.

India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was “shocked and devastated” by the crash.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he said in a statement. “I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.”

“Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” he added.

This incident marks the most serious involving an Air India aircraft since August 2020, when a smaller Boeing 737-800 operated by Air India Express skidded off the runway while landing in poor weather at Calicut airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

While Boeing 787 Dreamliners, like the one involved in today’s crash, have had operational issues in the past, including incidents causing injuries, there has been no fatal crash recorded for this aircraft model to date, according to the Aviation Safety Network.

*This is a developing story


© Agence France-Presse

LOCA Launches Green Bond to Boost EV Use in Laos

LOCA Launches Green Bond to Boost EV Use in Laos

LOCA, the Lao-grown ride-hailing and electric mobility startup, has announced the extension of its current fundraising round through the issuance of a USD 2.5 million Green Bond. 

Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025 Kicks Off: Southeast Asia’s Premier Trade Show for Maternity, Baby & Kids Products Empowers Thai and ASEAN Businesses to Enter the Global Market


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 June 2025 – The third edition of Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025 officially inaugurated today at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, continuing its mission to launch Southeast Asia’s maternity, baby, and kids industry onto the global stage. The event is organized through the collaboration of Koelnmesse and key national supporting partners including the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), and Thailand Textile Institute.

Photo 1

This year’s show showcased more than 100 leading brands from around the world including exhibitors from Thailand, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Spain, the Netherlands, and Austria. The event offers an extensive business matching program, knowledge-sharing trend forum and seminars led by renowned international experts, a dedicated Innovation Zone, and the prestigious Innovation Award pitching competition. With registered visitors from more than 30 counties including Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Chiana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and more, Kind+Jugend ASEAN 2025 is truly a meeting place for the industry in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Mr. Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Thailand and Vice President Asia-Pacific, Koelnmesse, stated: Managing Director of Koelnmesse Thailand and Vice President Asia-Pacific, Koelnmesse, stated: “Kind + Jugend ASEAN was launched with a long-term vision: to build a professional, regionally relevant platform for this industry in Southeast Asia—supporting quality brands, fostering partnerships, and enabling sustainable growth. That vision remains firmly in place today.

The baby and maternity industry in 2025 is navigating a complex and uneven landscape, shaped by shifting demographics, evolving consumer expectations, and macroeconomic uncertainty. And yet, these very circumstances underline the importance of coming together—to share insights, build resilience, and identify new opportunities for growth across the region.”

Mr. Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, Secretary to the Minister of Industry, further emphasized: “The Ministry of Industry is proud to support Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025, which serves as a vital platform for Thai SMEs to generate economic value, particularly in the rapidly growing global market for innovative maternity and baby products. In today’s competitive landscape, success is no longer determined by size alone, but by the ability to connect with emerging opportunities on the global stage. This event is more than an exhibition—it is a true ‘bridge’ connecting Thai entrepreneurs with international partners, perfectly aligned with the Ministry’s vision of empowering SMEs to become regional exporters and innovators.”

Dr. Kitsana Vachekrilas, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, added: “The gathering of brands and entrepreneurs from numerous countries today highlights Thailand’s role as a strategic hub within the global supply chain for maternity and baby products. We boast world-class manufacturing facilities, skilled labor, and a new generation of designers with highly competitive ideas. The Thai Chamber of Commerce is honored to contribute to this initiative, as we strongly believe the ‘maternity and baby economy’ holds tremendous potential and is closely tied to the quality of life for Thai and ASEAN families. We are committed to helping our entrepreneurs elevate product standards to meet the needs of modern families and compete successfully on the global stage.”

Dr. Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee, Director of the International Trade Show Industry Department, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), remarked: “The MICE industry not only generates revenue from business travelers and event participants but also serves as a crucial instrument for fostering long-term international cooperation. Kind + Jugend ASEAN exemplifies how MICE can propel niche industries, such as maternity and baby products, onto the world stage. TCEB takes pride in playing a role in advancing events of this calibre and remains fully committed to supporting Thailand’s position as Asia’s premier destination for exhibitions and business matchmaking. We believe this event will spark new ideas, drive positive transformation, and promote sustainable growth in industries directly tied to the nation’s future.”

This year’s edition also introduces three new experiential zones designed to allow attendees to interact directly with products—providing a valuable hands-on marketing experience for participating brands:

  • Stroller Park — A realistic simulation track where visitors can test and compare the functionality and performance of strollers across various terrains in real-time.
  • Gourmet Zone — A live demonstration and sampling area where nutrition experts provide insights on baby food preparation, offering visitors the chance to experience diverse products firsthand.
  • Diaper-Changing Zone — A practical, trial space where visitors can directly test and compare products such as disposable diapers, pads, and skincare items for babies.

One of today’s major highlights is the Kind + Jugend ASEAN Innovation Award 2025, a platform where entrepreneurs and designers present cutting-edge innovations across five categories: Travelling & Moving Kids, Furniture, Textile, Kids Care, and Nutrition. Finalists will participate in a live pitch presentation, with winners to be announced on the same day.

Beyond just an exhibition, Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025 offers a fertile ground for real business opportunities, ideal for businesses aiming to expand both domestically and internationally and buyers and distributors looking to expand product offers.

The event runs from today through June 14, 2025, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 5–6. Admission is open to industry professionals, buyers, distributors, importers & exporters, and investors specializing in maternity, baby, and kids products. June 14 will serve as a public day, welcoming parents and consumers who wish to explore and purchase innovative products at special prices. The public day will also feature fashion shows by Kids’ Planet and The Mall, alongside Meet & Greet sessions with George the Pig, the beloved younger brother of Peppa Pig. Free registration is available at kindundjugend.asia.

Hashtag: #Kind+Jugend

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Arup drives global infrastructure collaboration at IIICF


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 June 2025 – The 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF), co-hosted by the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the China International Contractors Association (CHINCA), took place from 10 to 12 June at The Venetian Macao Cotai Expo. At the event, global built environment consultancy Arup hosted a parallel forum on ‘Unlocking opportunities in global infrastructure collaboration through total engineering’. The event gathered industry leaders from around the world to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by large-scale international infrastructure projects. Participants also explored collaborative approaches to integrated engineering design and project management.

IIICF press release photo high res

The forum opened with keynote speeches by Matt Crossman, Deputy HMTC, Department for Business and Trade, British Embassy Beijing; TC Chew, APAC Managing Director, Arup; and Fang Qiuchen, Chairman of CHINCA. TC Chew remarked:

“The APAC region offers immense potential for infrastructure development, alongside unique complexities. At Arup, we are addressing these challenges using Total Design. This holistic approach brings us a comprehensive view on what’s possible, desirable, and commercially viable. It enables us to integrate diverse expertise through seamless collaboration, creating innovative and sustainable solutions that adapt to changing client needs and regional obstacles. By delivering impactful projects that resonate with local communities, we drive meaningful change, shaping a resilient and sustainable built environment for the future.”

Further keynote addresses were given by Kate West, Chief Officer, APAC Business & Markets, Arup. Kate said:

“The Asia-Pacific region will see one of the highest construction industry growth rates of any region globally over the next 10 years, driven by the outperformance of key emerging markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. This growth is driving huge demand for skills and capital across the building and infrastructure sectors, amid a broader economic expansion. At Arup, we’re harnessing our global expertise and deep local relationships across our integrated APAC region to navigate these complexities—sharing knowledge, building capabilities, and delivering better outcomes for our clients and communities.”

Two panel discussions followed, with prominent industry experts sharing insights on large-scale international infrastructure projects. The first panel, titled ‘Challenges and opportunities of large-scale international infrastructure projects’ was moderated by TC Chew. Panellists included Jacob Kam, CEO of MTR Corporation; Zhou Jiayi, Deputy GM of Power China International Company, GM of the Asia-Pacific Regional Headquarters; and Matt Crossman. Together, panellists discussed the various challenges in international infrastructure development including financing, new technologies, environmental protection, and policies and regulations. They also exchanged ideas on how to make the most of complementary strengths, promote new types of partnerships, and ensure everyone benefits from the outcome.

The following keynote speeches were delivered by Michael McGowan, APAC Transport Market Portfolio Leader, Arup and David Moran, APAC Digital Leader, Arup. Michael, who has led aviation, road, utility, and planning projects, and David, an expert in IT strategy and project management, shared their experiences on large, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects. They also offered perspectives on the future of infrastructure development.

The second panel discussion was moderated by Philip Wong, East Asia Business & Markets Director, Arup, and featured Chan Kuong In, Deputy General Manager, China Construction Engineering (Macau) Company Limited; Lu Yuchun, Chief Engineer of Smart Transportation BU, Huawei; and Charles Im, Southeast Asia Rail Leader, Arup. Drawing on their experiences, the panellists analysed design technology, market culture, ecological demands, and collaborative approaches that can drive progress in smart, green, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Additionally, Theresa Yeung, East Asia Managing Principal, Arup discussed the role of the Mechanism for International Sustainable Infrastructure Promotion (MISIP) in multi-stakeholder collaboration with several experts at another panel discussion. She said:

“MISIP offers a valuable platform that brings together governments, investors, and technical experts to accelerate the development of sustainable infrastructure. At Arup, we believe that the most resilient and future-ready solutions emerge when diverse stakeholders collaborate from the outset. MISIP enables this by fostering shared understanding, aligning priorities, and encouraging innovation across sectors and geographies. It’s a much-needed mechanism to help cities and communities transition toward more inclusive, low-carbon, and adaptive infrastructure systems.”

There has been an increase in international cooperation in infrastructure construction, thanks in part to national policies such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Arup believes this forum, which has brought together experts and leaders from various sectors, will promote more project resource sharing and multidisciplinary collaboration. It will also help industry professionals stay informed about market trends, challenges, and opportunities, and ultimately support the international infrastructure development.

Hashtag: #Arup

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About Arup

Arup is a global built environment consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We create safe, resilient, and regenerative places, bringing a Total Design approach to our work for our clients.

With over 40 years of experience in China, we are at the forefront of industry development. Our projects span landmark architecture, large-scale infrastructure, as well as regional and city-scale planning, strategic management consultancy and digital services.

Our portfolio includes iconic projects such as the Sydney Opera House, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Queensferry Crossing in Scotland, and Singapore’s Changi Airport.

In China, we have contributed to a series of significant projects such as CCTV Headquarters in Beijing, the National Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre (the ‘Bird’s Nest’ and ‘Water Cube’), the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, and the Shanghai urban drainage master planning. Through these projects, we have not only witnessed China’s urban growth and prosperity but also demonstrated our technical excellence and extensive project experience.

Latest from the National Assembly: Laos Unveils New Measures to Curb Inflation, Tackle Debt

Laos Shakes Up Cabinet in Sweeping Reform, Names New Central Bank Chief
Lao government officials stand up in the cabinet meeting (photo credit: Pasaxon News)

In the first nine days of the 9th national assembly, which will continue through 26 June, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and senior cabinet members delivered a sweeping update on the government’s efforts to address Laos’ deepening economic challenges. 

Toxic Arsenic Contamination Spreads from Northern Thailand into the Mekong River

Arsenic levels in the river surge beyond safe limits; local communities call on the government and region to take urgent action. (photo: Living River Association)

Arsenic contamination in northern Thailand has reached critical levels, with toxic pollutants now spreading into the Mekong River, according to Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD).

The scope of contamination is alarming. Between 26-30 May, the PCD tested 20 sites across three major waterways, and every single location showed arsenic levels exceeding both national surface water quality standards and the World Health Organization’s safety threshold of 0.01 milligrams per litre. 

All 15 monitoring points along the Kok River, three in Chiang Mai Province and twelve in Chiang Rai Province, registered arsenic concentrations between 0.013 and 0.023 milligrams per litre, with the highest levels detected at Pong Na Kham village. 

The Sai River showed even more severe contamination, with all three sampling locations recording concentrations ranging from 0.027 to 0.038 milligrams per litre, peaking at the 2nd Friendship Bridge in Mae Sai District. Even the Mekong River itself showed elevated arsenic levels of 0.018 and 0.014 milligrams per litre at two points in Chiang Saen District.

Water quality tests conducted between 26–30 May along the Kok, Sai, and Mekong Rivers revealed dangerously high arsenic levels, according to Thailand’s Pollution Control Department. (photo: Thailand’s Pollution Control Department)

Water samples collected near the Thai-Myanmar border revealed both abnormally high turbidity and elevated heavy metal concentrations, particularly arsenic, providing clear evidence of pollution from upstream mining operations in Myanmar’s Shan State. 

The environmental and health impacts are already visible. 

The Living River Association reported on 10 June that communities along the Kok and Mekong rivers have observed increasing numbers of fish with visible infections and nodules, clear indicators of heavy metal bioaccumulation in the aquatic food chain.

Infected fish with severe nodules have increased in the Kok, Sai, Ruak, and Mekong Rivers. This growing contamination has raised serious concerns among local communities and severely impacted the livelihoods of fishermen in Chiang Rai and Chiang Rai Provinces. (photo: Living River Association).

Recognizing the transboundary nature of this environmental disaster, the PCD has recommended coordinated water testing from the Lao side of the river to fully understand the contamination’s regional scope. The department will launch another round of comprehensive testing, though seasonal factors complicate assessment as the initial testing occurred during the early rainy season when water conditions typically fluctuate.

The contamination’s severity first became apparent in late April, when researchers from Mae Fah Luang University and the Northern Natural Disaster Research and Prediction Institute discovered arsenic levels reaching 0.19 milligrams per litre, nearly 19 times the WHO safety threshold, at nine sites following flash floods in Chiang Rai. The worst contamination was found at the Golden Triangle, where the Ruak River meets the Mekong at the convergence of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.

Meanwhile, environmental activists and residents are calling on the Thai government to take immediate action, including investigating and potentially shutting down unregulated or illegal mining activities upstream, particularly those believed to be operating in Myanmar’s Shan State.

Boonsuk Suwandee, a fisherman from Sop Kham Village in Chiang Saen District, told the Living River Association that toxic substances in the rivers are severely affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen. (photo: Living River Association).

Boonsuk Suwandee, a fisherman from Sop Kham Village in Chiang Saen District, told the Living River Association that toxic substances in the rivers are severely affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen. 

The fisherman stressed that fish vendors have completely stopped buying their catch and are now unreachable, with some even turning off their phones. He urged the government and relevant agencies to step in and provide immediate support to those affected, noting that, since the contamination incident, their income from fishing has nearly vanished.

InvestHK and London ETO strengthen HKSAR-UK innovation ties at London Tech Week 2025


LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 June 2025 – Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) are wrapping up a strong presence at London Tech Week 2025 (June 9 to 13, London time), underscoring Hong Kong’s role as a strategic gateway for the United Kingdom (UK) technology companies expanding into Asia and highlighting the growing momentum for bilateral collaboration between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the UK in innovation and technology.

As the official Founders Fuse Partners at London Tech Week, InvestHK and the London ETO hosted a series of fireside chats moderated by the Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion at InvestHK London Office, Ms Daisy Ip. Speakers included members of InvestHK’s Innovation and Technology teams, who outlined Hong Kong’s strengths as a hub for global start-ups, research and development and business expansion. The Senior Manager, New Ventures Development at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Ms Josephine Chan, and Associate Director of Ecosystem Development (Artificial Intelligence) at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited Mr Sean Chen also shared the latest developments in the region’s vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem.

Complementing these were case studies from UK-based founders who have successfully entered the Hong Kong market with support from InvestHK. Featured speakers included the Founder of Comms8, Ms Carol Chan; Co-founder and Managing Director of HOMETAINMENT, Mr Antoine Melon; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Assureful, Mr Rohit Nair; Chief Executive Officer and Founder of upLYFT, Mr Aalok Rai; Founder of Owl + Lark, Mr Hafiz Shariff; Chief Executive Officer of Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, Ms Yang Ming; Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Guildhawk, Ms Jurga Zilinskiene. Their experiences reflect the diversity of sectors, from artificial intelligence (AI) and lifestyle to technology-enabled marketing and consumer products, where British businesses are thriving in Hong Kong’s vibrant and globally connected economy.

InvestHK also co-organised a networking reception with the London ETO on June 9 (London time) for participants of the London Tech Week to promote business opportunities in Hong Kong, attracting over 130 participants from the UK Government, as well as the financial, innovation and technology, and business sectors.

Ms Ip said, “Hong Kong is a dynamic launch pad for British entrepreneurs to Asia’s fastest-growing markets in innovation, backed by over HK$200 billion in government support for technology growth in AI, biotech, Web3, and more. With initiatives like the Top Talent Pass Scheme and access to the 87 million consumers with a Gross Domestic Product of US$2 trillion in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong offers start-ups and scale-ups unparalleled opportunities. This week’s engagement reflects the strong appetite for collaboration between our two technology ecosystems. We see great potential for long-term partnerships that drive global innovation and growth.”

According to InvestHK’s 2024 Startup Survey, the UK is the second-largest source of international start-up founders in Hong Kong, underscoring the city’s strong appeal among British entrepreneurs.

Hashtag: #InvestHK

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PolyU startups showcase innovation and entrepreneurial achievements at London Tech Week 2025


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 June 2025 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) took part in the world-renowned London Tech Week 2025 held from 9 to 11 June in London, UK, as the only participating university from Hong Kong. Four PolyU startups showcased their ground-breaking innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing technologies and healthcare solutions. The event attracted business leaders, industry experts and investors from around the world, providing the PolyU startups with valuable opportunities to explore potential collaborations and establish partnerships.

PolyU participated in the world-renowned London Tech Week 2025 held from 9 to 11 June in London, UK. Group photo of Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) (front row, 5th from right), PolyU delegation and Ms Daisy IP, Head of Investment Promotion of InvestHK London (front row, 2nd from right).
PolyU participated in the world-renowned London Tech Week 2025 held from 9 to 11 June in London, UK. Group photo of Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) (front row, 5th from right), PolyU delegation and Ms Daisy IP, Head of Investment Promotion of InvestHK London (front row, 2nd from right).

PolyU is committed to translating cutting-edge research into impactful solutions that address real-world challenges. Below are introductions to the four PolyU startups.

PolyU Startup Founder(s) Introduction
Advantage Data Vision Limited Prof. Lawrence Wing Chi CHAN
Associate Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics; and Director, Advantage Data Vision Limited
The startup has leveraged massive real‑world, multi‑omics datasets and patented AI algorithms to create a cloud‑based platform that accurately predicts patients’ response to cancer immunotherapy. The deep‑learning engine guides clinicians, optimises hospital resources, reduces adverse events and accelerates pharmaceutical trials through precise patient stratification and risk assessment, delivering tangible value worldwide.
Light-weight Technologies Limited Prof. Jianguo LIN
Chair Professor of Materials Technologies, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; and Co-founder and Chairman, Light-weight Technologies Limited

Dr Qingsong WENG
Research Associate, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; and Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Light-weight Technologies Limited

The startup uses their globally unique light alloy manufacturing technologies, such as advanced hot stamping and extrusion techniques, with its self-developed smart industrial software and advanced simulation platform to produce ultra-thin, ultra-wide light alloy profiles and complex curved profiles that are unattainable with existing manufacturing processes. The startup provides high-strength, lightweight, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions that enable energy saving and emission reduction for the automotive, aerospace, railway, marine, and other engineering sectors, gaining wide recognition from leading global OEMs.

UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Prof. Jiannong CAO
Dean, Graduate School; Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science; Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing; Director, Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things; Director, University Research Facility in Big Data Analytics; and Co-founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Dr Zhixuan LIANG
PolyU GBA Postdoctoral Fellow; and Chief Executive Officer, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

The startup is committed to the intersection of robotics, AI and smart city solutions, with a view to developing cutting-edge autonomous robots designed to address complex challenges in modern urban and industrial environments.
viAct Mr Gary Chun-kui NG
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, viAct

Mr Hugo CHEUK
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, viAct

viAct is a pioneer in AI monitoring technology dedicated to enhancing safety and efficiency in heavy industries such as construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing. The startup made it onto Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list in 2022. Its leading, globally deployed technology “Scenario-based Vision Intelligence”, was showcased at renowned international events such as the World Economic Forum.

At the event’s panel discussion themed “Creating the Future from Campus: Why are University Spinouts so Important for Innovation?”, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), shared his insights into knowledge transfer, the nurturing of university spinouts, and the support and resources available to PolyU startups. Prof. Chao remarked, “Supported by PolyU’s signature startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, our startups are spearheading translational innovations that generate long-lasting global societal impact. Our ecosystem not only provides invaluable development opportunities but also fosters the international growth of our entrepreneurs. I am delighted to see PolyU startups shine at London Tech Week, inspiring global audiences with their creativity and determination to make a difference.”

This year, the London Tech Week attracted over 45,000 participants from more than 90 countries, including startups, technology giants, investors and innovators. The event provided a platform for startups to engage in person with venture capitalists, corporate investors and angel investors; promote their solutions on dedicated stages; connect with industry leaders at the forefront of innovation; and gain valuable insights from successful entrepreneurs who have expanded globally. For more information, please visit the event website.

Hashtag: #PolyU

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.