This morning, The Chinese University of Hong Kong held a press conference to announce the second batch of projects selected for the “RAISe+.” Professor Ren Wei, as the project applicant, formally introduced the project of LaSense Technology to the public and the media across Hong Kong. Based on proprietary patent technology, the project develops an intelligent laser sensing system to achieve in-situ online monitoring and rapid, accurate early warning in fields such as petroleum, natural gas, and hydrogen energy, thereby supporting Hong Kong's goals of achieving a green energy transition and domestic substitution of advanced equipment.

▲Ren Wei, Chief Scientist at LaSense Technology, Assistant Dean (Research) of the School of Engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Professor of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, introduced the LaSense project.

The “RAISe+” was launched by the Innovation and Technology Commission in 2023 with a total budget of HK$10 billion. The program aims to support the commercialization and industrialization of at least 100 university research projects through matching grants. Each approved project will receive matching grants ranging from HK$10 million to HK$100 million, with a focus on evaluating the project's innovation, commercial potential, and social impact.

On June 17, the second batch of 25 selected projects was announced, with a total funding amount exceeding HK$1 billion. The projects supported under this program span multiple fields, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, new materials, new energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. LaSense Technology has successfully applied for the second phase (market acceleration phase) of the “RAISe+” in collaboration with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This reflects the Chinese University of Hong Kong's significant achievements in the commercialization of cutting-edge technology, as well as LaSense Technology's deep expertise in laser original technology and domestic precision instrument manufacturing. It also underscores the Hong Kong government's emphasis and support for precision manufacturing, Hong Kong's reindustrialization, and energy transition.

▲ Group photo of the chief scientists of the six projects selected for the “RAISe+” at The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The oil, natural gas, and hydrogen energy industries require advanced measurement systems to achieve rapid and accurate oil and gas analysis and leak detection. In response to the global energy industry's urgent need for efficient monitoring technology, this project is based on our leading research achievements in laser sensing technology. It aims to develop and promote a new generation of intelligent laser gas monitoring systems to achieve in-situ online monitoring and accurate, rapid early warning of oil and gas, with significant advantages such as stability and durability. In this project, we will collaborate closely with our incubated company, LaSense Technology Co., Ltd., to drive the commercialization of innovative technologies and business expansion, particularly in areas such as intelligent monitoring of oil and gas fields, safety inspections of gas pipelines, and comprehensive monitoring of hydrogen energy storage and transportation processes. This project involves technological upgrades and equipment manufacturing in the energy sector, aligning with Hong Kong's reindustrialization goals, hydrogen energy development strategies, and national energy planning, further enhancing Hong Kong's international competitiveness in high-end manufacturing and sustainable energy sectors.”

▲Dr. Xu Ke, CEO of LaSense Technology (left), Professor Zeng Hanqi, Dean of the School of Engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (center), and Professor Ren Wei, Chief Scientist of LaSense Technology (right), pose for a photo together.

With the strong support of the “RAISe+,” LaSense Technology will complete a new round of financing this year and fully expand its diversified market layout. The company will establish an intelligent laser sensing R&D and manufacturing center in Hong Kong to deepen the brand value of “Made in Hong Kong.” It will also collaborate closely with local energy companies such as CLP Power, Hong Kong Electric, and Hong Kong Gas to promote the practical application of laser sensing technology in key areas such as oil and gas intelligent monitoring, urban gas safety, and hydrogen energy full-process supervision. This initiative aims to accelerate Hong Kong's industrialization and hydrogen energy development goals, creating a landmark project for advanced manufacturing and green energy transformation.

Information on selected projects sourced from:香港创新科技署

“RAISe+”: www.itf.gov.hk/tc/raiseplus