(Hong Kong, 14 January 2026) The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) has collaborated with a local technology company and academic teams from the Chinese Mainland to develop an advanced non-invasive imaging technology and establish the “Near-Infrared Screening Imaging System for Detecting Breast Cancer” (hereafter referred to as “the System”). The System assesses abnormalities in the blood flow of female breast tissues and employs artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse screening data, enabling the identification of abnormal blood flow region in the breast. It assists healthcare professionals in making quick screening, facilitating the early detection and treatment of breast cancer in women. The invention was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2025 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF).
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Hong Kong. Although diseases can be detected early through traditional screening, some cases may go undetected due to factors such as expensive fee and poor experience, resulting in delays in treatment. With the support of the Innovation and Technology Commission’s “Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme,” THEi has collaborated with WSC Holding Limited and the North University of China to employ diffuse optical and correlation tomography to collect data on blood flow, blood oxygen levels, and oxygen metabolism in breast tissue. By analysing the imaging of abnormal metabolic conditions, it helps healthcare professionals quickly evaluate patients’ health status.
The research team utilised AI algorithms to establish the connection between abnormal blood flow, blood oxygen levels, and oxygen metabolism with potential irregularities in breast tissues. They found that the redder the imaging area, the higher the likelihood of abnormal metabolic responses, which indicates an increased risk of cancer. From November 2024 to May 2025, the AI model analysed more than 1,000 subjects’ breast blood flow data and conducted clinical verification, identifying abnormal breast tissues with an accuracy rate of 86.5%. The research team is confident that the system’s accuracy can be significantly improved through additional optimisation of the AI algorithms.
Aiming to Establish a Women’s Breast Hemodynamic Database to Promote Breast Cancer Screening
Dr CHAN Shun-wan, Head of Department of Food and Health Sciences at THEi, explained that during the screening process, personnel will place the detector on the woman’s breast and obtain imaging feedback within 15 minutes using near-infrared signal technology. He said, “This advancement marks a significant breakthrough in abnormal breast tissues detection. We plan to establish a female breast hemodynamic database, which will allow healthcare professionals to evaluate cancer risk efficiently and support medical decision-making. As the screening cost of this new technology is lower than that of current screening systems, we plan to promote it within the community, enabling more women to detect breast abnormalities at an earlier stage, extend the treatment window, and reduce the burden on the public healthcare system.”
Professor Alan LAU Kin-tak, President of THEi, believes that this collaborative project among Government, industry, academia and investment aims to address challenges in healthcare and promote the practical application of technological achievements in the medical field, thereby advancing the development of “applied sciences” in the Greater Bay Area. He said, “The Institute is preparing to upgrade to a University of Applied Sciences (UAS) within this year. As a contribution to the promotion of applied sciences in Hong Kong, the Institute will continue to support academic staff in developing applied research, encourage innovation, collaboration, and diversity, and facilitate interdisciplinary research and practice by introducing or developing cutting-edge technology.”
Dr Tiffany TANG Hoi-ching, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development at WSC Holding Limited, stated that THEi provides all-rounded solution for the industry, this collaboration puts a focus on the physical and mental needs of women in Hong Kong. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the project facilitates the conversion of research findings into practical applications by utilising advanced technology in healthcare, fostering a synergy between academia and industry. This approach not only enhances the project’s commercialisation potential but also addresses current healthcare challenges, delivering lasting benefits to society.
Fashion x Product: Creative Fusion of Design Disciplines Enhancing Aesthetics and Functionality
Students and academic members from Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Product Design programmes have created an Examination Gown and Screening Workstation for this project, merging fashion aesthetics with product functionality to showcase the interdisciplinary integration of technology and art.
- Examination Gown: Specifically designed for breast scanning, this gown is made from breathable cotton fabric for the outer layer, while the inner layer consists of opaque fibre material. It features a pleated design that completely covers the equipment, ensuring optimal results during scanning. The gown comes in soft pink shades and includes square openings for enhanced safety and comfort. Additional functional elements include Velcro on the shoulders, slightly wide cuffs, and a cinched waist. The loose, longer fit provides ample space for easy handling of equipment.
- Screening Workstation: Tailored to the average height of female screening professionals, this workstation incorporates ergonomic design principles, with an adjustable detector support height to ensure optimal comfort during operation. It features warm colour tones to help ease patients’ anxiety and is equipped with essential instruments and storage space for convenient access to equipment, thereby enhancing overall work efficiency.
THEi is seeking subjects for a study on non-invasive breast health screening technology utilising hemodynamic imaging systems and AI image analysis. Women aged 30 to 65 are welcome to join at no cost. The data collected will contribute to the development of a women’s breast hemodynamic database to aid medical decision-making. Throughout the scanning process, no images of the subjects’ breasts will be produced. Information obtained in the study will be kept strictly confidential and used for research purposes only. The data will be encrypted and stored on a password-protected computer, accessible only to researchers, and will be disposed of according to established procedures. Quota: 600. For more details, please call 3890 8411.
Photo Caption:
- Picture 1: THEi has collaborated with WSC Holding Limited and North University of China to establish a “Near-Infrared Screening Imaging System for Detecting Breast Cancer.” From the left: Ms Jenny CHEUNG, Assistant Professor of the Department of Design and Architecture at THEi; Mr Edmund Li Tak-man, Vice President (Operation and Enterprise) at THEi; Professor Paul TSANG Wai-kei, Vice President (Academic) at THEi; Professor Alan LAU Kin-tak, President of THEi; Mr Winston CHAN Si-Yeung; and Dr Chan Sui-wan, Head of Department of Food and Health Sciences at THEi; and Dr Tiffany TANG Hoi-ching, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development at WSC Holding Limited.
- Picture 2: During the screening process, personnel will place the detector on the woman’s breast and obtain imaging feedback within 15 minutes using near-infrared signal technology.
- Picture 3: Professor Alan LAU Kin-tak, President of THEi, stated that the Institute will continue to support academic staff in developing applied research and facilitate interdisciplinary research and practice by introducing or developing cutting-edge technology.
- Picture 4: The Examination Gown is specifically designed for breast scanning. It features a breathable cotton fabric for the outer layer and an opaque fiber material for the inner layer, ensuring a balance of comfort and functionality.
- Picture 5: The Screening Workstation is designed according to the average height of female screening staff and incorporates ergonomic principles. The workstation is equipped with the necessary instruments and storage space for easy access to equipment by the screening staff.