CityUHK and Pharmaron sign Agreement to Promote Life & Health Technology and Start-up Development

City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and Pharmaron (Hong Kong) International Limited (Pharmaron) signed a Collaborative Framework Agreement on 17 October 2025, whose aim is to foster talent incubation, digital medicine innovation and knowledge sharing. By leveraging academic and industry resources, the collaboration aims to transform innovative solutions in smart healthcare, biomedicine, and life and health technology into practical applications, contributing to the long-term social and economic advancement of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

The agreement was signed by Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, CityUHK Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise), and Mr Gilbert Li Shingchung, CFO and Board Secretary of Pharmaron. It was witnessed by Mr Charles Chin Ying-on, CityUHK Council Treasurer, and Mr Lou Xiaoqiang, Co-founder and President of Pharmaron.

The agreement was witnessed by Mr Charles Chin Ying-on, CityUHK Council Treasurer (1st from right), and Mr Lou Xiaoqiang, Co-founder and President of Pharmaron (1st from left), and signed by Professor Michael Yang Mengsu (2nd from right), CityUHK Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise), and Mr Gilbert Li Shingchung, CFO and Board Secretary of Pharmaron (2nd from left). (Credit: City University of Hong Kong)

The ceremony was officiated by Dr Raymond Leung Siu-hong, CityUHK Council Member and Board Chairman of CityU Enterprises Limited, Professor Anderson Shum Ho-cheung, CityUHK Vice-President (Research), Professor Michael Tse Chi-kong, Associate Vice-President (Innovation), Professor Johnny Ho Chung-yin, Associate Vice-President (Enterprise), and representatives from Pharmaron.

Representatives from CityUHK and Pharmaron with guests after the ceremony (Credit: City University of Hong Kong)
Mr Charles Chin Ying-on, CityUHK Council Treasurer. (Credit: City University of Hong Kong)

In his welcome address, Mr Chin highlighted the urgent need for digital medicine and health technology. He stated, "As a world-class university, CityUHK serves as a powerhouse for driving research innovation, digital medicine and talent development. We aim to further enhance the transformation of technology into practical applications by leveraging the university’s resources and networks to benefit society."

Mr Lou Xiaoqiang, Co-founder and President of Pharmaron. (Credit: City University of Hong Kong)

Mr Lou said, "CityUHK's research achievements are internationally recognised, and its vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with the values of Pharmaron. Through our collaboration, we can jointly advance the life and health technology industry by leveraging CityUHK’s talent, research accomplishments and global networks alongside Pharmaron’s cutting-edge technology, experience and connections."

Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, CityUHK Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise).  (Credit: City University of Hong Kong)

“CityUHK is dedicated to fostering collaboration among the government, industry, academia, research, investment and application sectors through initiatives such as HK Tech 300 and the Institute of Digital Medicine (IDM),” said Professor Yang. “Pharmaron, a leader in the life sciences field, will collaborate with CityUHK to complement each other's strengths. Together, we aim to further enhance our research capabilities and technology transfer, achieving a seamless transition from technological breakthroughs to industrialisation and commercialisation.”

Following the ceremony, the guests participated in a sharing session. Also participating and sharing his valuable insights was Mr Bryan Peng Wenjun, Executive Director of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Professor Johnny Ho Chung-yin, Associate Vice-President (Enterprise), shared CityUHK’s achievements in technology transformation and start-up incubation. Professor Yu Xinge, Associate Director of the IDM, and experts from the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Biostatistics, Biomedical Engineering, and the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences shared their visions for scientific research collaboration and the development of cutting-edge technologies. (insert photo_04)

CityUHK is committed to advancing the development of digital medicine, innovation and entrepreneurship. Since the launch of HK Tech 300 in 2021, it has nurtured over a thousand start-up teams. Furthermore, in 2024, CityUHK established the Institute of Digital Medicine (IDM). In collaboration with renowned universities, medical schools, clinical and industry partners, and health tech investors from around the world, the IDM utilises CityUHK’s strengths in engineering, data science and life science to develop innovative technologies that explore digital health solutions for the long-term benefit of doctors and patients.

Pharmaron is a premier service provider in the life sciences industry, listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities, establishing a broad spectrum of research, development and manufacturing services throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical and clinical development processes. Pharmaron has expertise in multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and cell and gene therapy (CGT) products. With over 22,000 employees and operations across China, the U.S. and the U.K., Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions for its partners in North America, Europe, Japan and China.