Beyond Research: Finding the Balance Between Social Value and Economic Benefits
– Interview with Dr Fu Hong, Associate Professor at Department of Mathematics and Information Technology
On a sunny Septemberday, excitement rippled through Toronto as the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) won seven awards at the 2025 International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada (iCAN). Among these, Dr Fu Hong's project, ‘Dynamic SyncAnUp’, was awarded a gold medal and Organizer's Choice Award. This innovative system provides sportswomen and men with visual analysis to assist in the optimisation of athletic performance and training standards across different sports, utilising just two cameras and requiring no wearable devices. It delivers high-precision motion capture by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and eye tracking, offering a portable, low-cost solution that overcomes the high-cost, multi-camera limitations of traditional 3D motion capture systems. Additionally, it won a silver medal from the 2025 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF) in August.
Dynamic SyncAnUp represents a vital part of Dr Fu’s start-up firm, Focus Tech Lab, which aims to empower various fields with AI. Over a decade ago, Dr Fu was a pioneer in using AI to diagnose strabismus. Today, her team develops a variety of products that integrate AI with medical, educational and sports applications, including hand function assessment and robotic hand perception, providing AI multi-modal customisation services for different types of enterprise. Their work has gained international recognition, including for the world’s first AI strabismus diagnostic device that mimics examinations by real doctors, a Smart Vest for improving behavioural performance in schoolchildren with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the ‘Smart Writing’ system with multimodal handwriting assessments.
From Research to Industrial Practice
Dr Fu's passion for research drives her work. “I would immerse myself in research, publish papers and lead projects. After each cycle, I was longing for technology that created real value,” she says. Her transition from research-based innovation and technology into applications began with the establishment of EdUHK’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Research (CEAR). The team has already developed a prototype for first commercial project, the AI strabismus diagnostic device, is gearing up for production. Once licensed, it is set to become the world’s first certified AI device for this condition.
The device captures eye movements using an infrared camera and processes the data through AI. Test subjects need only sit in front of the device for two minutes to generate an accurate report. Ms Chu, president of the Hong Kong Association of Squint and Double Vision Sufferers, expressed her gratitude to Dr Fu, “You’ve achieved something truly beneficial for us!” she said. This system is currently being used to detect latent strabismus in Hong Kong, providing valuable insights for both the medical and special education fields. Although the system was initially developed for children, the results have been unexpectedly impressive. “We tested individuals from three different ethnic backgrounds, and the results were equally remarkable. The infrared camera has no effect on pupil colour,” Dr Fu explains. This finding showcases potential for adult applications and international markets.
“Medical research and development is a long journey,” Dr Fu reflects. “If we want to translate research into clinical applications, we must overcome practical challenges like doctors’ habits, patient experiences, and supply chain management.” Despite the hurdles in entrepreneurship, she feels optimistic, “We are finally beginning to see the light.”
Lighting the Way for Special Education with AI
Many of Dr Fu team’s projects focus on special educational needs (SEN). The ADHD Smart Vest and Smart Writing system are crucial in this area. The Smart Vest detects hyperactive behaviour and captures motion data via two built-in six-axis inertial measurement units. It provides real-time feedback to help children with ADHD adjust their behaviour. Meanwhile, the Smart Writing system combines eye trackers, cameras, and writing pads to evaluate posture, eye movement, pressure, writing speed to identify dyslexia.
Dr Fu envisions a future where children with SEN thrive in mainstream schools, fully integrated into the classrooms and society. This commitment is personal. “I saw a child who couldn’t sit still, running around during a parent-teacher meeting, while the parents looked visibly embarrassed. That child was perfectly intelligent and just behaved differently. In that moment, I thought I needed to do something for them.” Dr Fu is seeking commercialisation opportunities for the Smart Vest, while the Smart Writing system is being trialled in schools across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, with discussions underway for medical certifications.
Michael Wong, a registered occupational therapist from UP Innovations, praises Dr Fu’s team for their rich experience in rehabilitation and clinical research. “If widely adopted in schools and social welfare organisations, these innovations could benefit over 90% of SEN students,” he says.
Bridging the Gap Between Ideas and Reality
Dr Fu appreciates EdUHK’s invaluable support during her transition to becoming an entrepreneur. “CEAR has provided an excellent incubation platform, connecting us with investors, assisting with finding laboratory space, and fostering collaborations.” By participating in competitions and exhibitions beyond the University, her team has earned accolades and expanded their essential network.
When asked about her daily focus, Dr Fu is candid. “It's all about funding,” she says. Without consistent financial support, the lab cannot operate. Over four years, she has successfully raised over HK$20 million in external funding from government and corporate sources, but the pressure remains. “We need to continue seeking new projects and exploring business opportunities to create more chances for sustaining our operations,” she adds.
As she looks to the future, Dr Fu envisions breakthroughs in robotic perception and multimodal sensing that will earn academic recognition and create social value. “To make this happen, we need stronger support from the government and recognition from the private sector. By addressing profitability and sustainability, we can focus on ongoing innovation and leverage technology to enhance the lives of many,” she says.
—Ends—
Beyond Research: Finding the Balance Between Social Value and Economic Benefits – Interview with Dr Fu Hong, Associate Professor at Department of Mathematics and Information Technology
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