CityUHK established the CityU Shenzhen Research Institute in Mainland China. The institute was fully funded and set up by the University, and it is an integral part of the University's research efforts. It serves as an extension of the University's research and development in mainland China, while also shouldering the mission of transferring the university's technological achievements to the Mainland market.
CityUHK collaborated with the Futian District People's Government of Shenzhen to co-establish a mainland legal entity registered in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, known as the CityU Shenzhen Futian Research Institute. In May 2024, it was renamed the CityU Matter Science Research Institute (Futian), adopting a "one institute, two zones" operational management model. This allows the institute to share innovative resources between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, breaking down the tangible and intangible barriers to Shenzhen–Hong Kong technology cooperation, and facilitating the efficient and convenient flow of elements such as personnel, capital, technology and information.
CityUHK signed a cooperation agreement with the Shuangliu District People's Government of Chengdu to co-establish the CityU Chengdu Research Institute. This was the second strategic development platform established by CityUHK in Mainland China. It serves as a conduit for the University to exchange and cooperate with governments, universities, research institutes and industries in the western region, and is an important platform for Sichuan–Hong Kong technology innovation collaboration.
CityUHK and Qingdao’s West Coast New Area signed an agreement to establish the CityUHK Qingdao Innovation Center in Qingdao’s West Coast New Area in August 2024, aiming to promote and implement collaboration between higher-education institutions in Hong Kong and Qingdao. Leveraging CityUHK's world-renowned academic research achievements and international reputation, the collaboration seeks to complement each other's strengths and cultivate innovation and technology talent in both regions to create synergy.
