InnoHK HKCeND Showcases Research Innovations at HKUST Unicorn Day 2026

InnoHK Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (InnoHK HKCeND) showcased its latest research innovations at HKUST Unicorn Day 2026 on 2 June 2026. At the technology showcase, HKCeND representatives shared recent advances in the development of diagnostics, prognostic tools, and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, and engaged with stakeholders from academia, research institutions, industry, and the investment community to exchange insights and explore collaborations that can accelerate translation into real-world impact.

Booth visitors expressed strong interest in HKCeND’s advances in blood-based biomarkers and AI-powered risk prediction and disease management. These research and development advancements enable earlier, more accessible, and more personalized approaches to Alzheimer’s assessment and care, as well as more proactive, preventive health management.

One highlight was a newly developed blood assay that measures brain-derived phosphorylated tau 217 (BD-pTau217), a highly specific and sensitive blood biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease. By enhancing the accuracy of detecting and staging Alzheimer’s disease-related brain pathology, this work lays an essential foundation for the development of a high-performance diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s disease in clinical settings.

HKCeND also presented research findings that integrate multi-pathway blood biomarkers and an AI-based model to predict an individual’s 14-year risk of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the risk of common comorbidities, including hypertensive diseases, diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and renal failure. Importantly, the team employed an innovative Explainable AI (XAI) technique that, for the first time, reveals the underlying interactive mechanisms linking lifestyle factors, blood protein biomarker changes, and disease risks. These insights provide a foundation for developing actionable, personalized lifestyle interventions, supporting risk reduction across these interconnected conditions.

As one of Hong Kong’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship events, HKUST Unicorn Day 2026 brought together over 1,800 participants, including students, faculty, and alumni, as well as international and local government representatives, industry partners, investors, innovation and technology entrepreneurs, and researchers. More than 100 HKUST-nurtured institutions and startups showcased innovations and applications spanning healthcare, electronics, AI systems, new materials, green energy, and sustainability. The event also featured pitching sessions and an “International Pavilion”, providing a vibrant platform for discussions, collaboration, and investment opportunities.

InnoHK HKCeND will continue to advance neurodegenerative disease research and translate scientific discoveries into innovative diagnostics and therapeutics to revolutionize disease management and improve quality of life worldwide.