Call for Expression of Interest - HKUST-WeBank Joint Laboratory Sponsored Research Projects

Purpose of the Scheme

This scheme funds high-impact projects to translate cutting-edge HKUST research into impactful solutions for needs identified by WeBank. Partner with a leader in digital finance to accelerate the development of pioneering technologies and bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Applicant Eligibility

1. Project Investigator (PI): All full-time academic staff at HKUST Clear Water Bay are eligible to apply as PI;
2. Project Team:
   • All full-time academic staff at HKUST Clear Water Bay are eligible as Co-I;
   • Student and/or post-doctoral researcher participation is highly encouraged.

* Note the WeBank project team will assign one member to each project.

Assessment Criteria

Shortlisted applications will be evaluated by the Joint Lab's Scientific Committee based on the following criteria, including:-

1. Research significance and innovation: Alignment with the research areas WeBank interested (e.g., Metaverse, Blockchain, AI, NLP, etc.);
2. Feasibility and methodology: The clarity and practicality of the proposed research plan;
3. Team Composition: The expertise and synergy of the research team.

Research Requirements and related Areas

1. 微粒贷非腾广告渠道精准投放与弱IP归因增强研究 (Appendix 1)
2. AI赋能微粒贷多渠道营销投放的效果归因分析与精准量化研究 (Appendix 2)
3. 多源动态系统下的数据智能校验研究 (Appendix 3)
4. 面向金融场景的成本—风险感知大模型智能路由（Cost- & Risk-aware LLM Routing）(Appendix 4)
5. 面向金融级安全的多模态深度合成（Deepfake）主动防御与检测技术研究 (Appendix 5)

Funding Amount

The total funding for each project will be approximately HKD 500,000, subject to the final decision by the Scientific Committee based on the proposal's scope and justification.

Duration

12 months

Application Procedures

1. Interested applicants please complete and send the Expression of Interest Form (EOI) to HKUST-WeBank Joint Lab (Please note: the EOI must be completed in Chinese);
2. WeBank will communicate with shortlisted candidates regarding the project’s research direction and technical specifications, after which PIs will be invited to submit their full proposals.

Document to be submitted for application

• • Expression of Interest Form: please refer to Appendix 6.

Submission Deadline

10 July 2026

Date of Result Announcement

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to engage with WeBank to develop a full proposal within two months of their EOI submission.

Disclaimer  

Please note that all applications are subject to final review and formal approval by WeBank. WeBank reserves the right and discretion to make all definitive decisions regarding the evaluation and selection of the projects.