The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands, have formed a new strategic partnership focused on art and technology education and research.  

This partnership, inaugurated on December 6, 2024, by HKUST Dean of the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) Prof. QU Huamin and a delegation from TU Delft led by Prof. Maaike KLEINSMANN, Chair of the TU Delft | Campus Rotterdam Program, marks a significant milestone in fostering interdisciplinary innovation, and enhancing knowledge exchange in art and technology to create meaningful social impact. 

Under the collaborative framework agreement, HKUST and TU Delft plan to jointly establish a Machine Creativity lab within five years, promoting interdisciplinary research in machine creativity and pushing the boundaries of creative technology in emerging areas, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the metaverse, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and virtual reality (VR), and more. The collaboration also aims to nurture the next generation of leaders of creative talent and entrepreneurs through joint PhD programs and cross-cultural learning experiences. 

Following the official launch of the partnership, the delegation including Prof. Maaike KLEINSMANN, Prof. Alessandro BOZZON, and Dr. Pan WANG from TU Delft’s Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, engaged in meaningful discussions with Prof. ZHANG Qian, Acting Head of the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD) and other ISD faculty representatives. They explored potential collaboration opportunities such as undergraduate exchange programs. A guided tour to HKUST’s state-of-the-art facilities, including ISDworks!, the Design Studio, and the laboratory of Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), was arranged for the delegation. 

With a shared vision of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, the collaboration between HKUST and TU Delft aspires to drive the development of art and technology in academia and industry, shaping the future world with pioneering creative technology solutions. 

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, while 12 of its subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, with "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" being ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of June 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 14 exits (IPO or M&A).

About the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies of HKUST 
The Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) (https://ais.hkust.edu.hk), the fifth School at HKUST, is a hub for driving new pedagogy and interdisciplinary research particularly in emerging areas with flexibility and agility. AIS currently houses five academically significant and socially impactful divisions, namely the Division of Environment and Sustainability, the Division of Public Policy, the Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas, the Division of Integrative Systems & Design, and the newly established Division of Arts and Machine Creativity. These divisions offer over 10 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, all of which are highly interdisciplinary and relevant to our modern world.

About Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands (TU Delft) (https://www.tudelft.nl/en/) is a modern university with a rich tradition. Its eight faculties and over 30 English-language Master programmes are at the forefront of technological development, contributing to scientific advancement in the interests of society.

Ranked among the top universities of technology in Europe TU Delft’s excellent research and education standards are backed by outstanding facilities, research institutes and research schools. TU Delft maintains close links with (inter)national industry, a strategic alliance contributing to the relevance of its academic programmes and career prospects for its graduates.

Society is TU Delft’s continuous incentive for research. They carry out research to find solutions for society’s present and future demands. Fundamental research is part of this, because they aim to find solutions for tomorrow’s problems. Health, energy, environment and infrastructures & mobility are today's major social issues. That's why TU Delft pays extra attention to developing solutions in these four domains.