Two health-tech startups from the Chinese University of Hong Kong are focusing on the growing elderly care and rehabilitation markets through wearable robotics technologies.

RT HealthTech, founded in 2024, has developed inflatable joint support devices designed for elderly individuals and those with minor injuries.

The devices feature a rechargeable air-pumping system that allows for adjustable support.

They are expected to be available in two months for around HK$1,200 (US$153) each, according to co-founder Raymond Tong Kai-yu.

Manufacturing is managed by Vincent Medical Holdings, and the company intends to distribute the products in mainland China. The startup has filed a patent for its design and is seeking 8 million yuan (US$1.1 million) in funding.

RT HealthTech recently received an award at a startup competition organized by the Trade Development Council.

Hopebotics, another startup from the same university, specializes in stroke rehabilitation and movement disorders in children.

Its device uses brain-computer interface technology to amplify brain signals. This allows users to control a wearable robot for movement training.

🔗 Source: South China Morning Post

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Universities shift from licensing to startup creation in healthcare innovation

Professor Tong’s experience shows how university innovation strategies have evolved dramatically in the medical device sector.

In 2012, his “Hand of Hope” robotic invention was commercialized through traditional technology licensing, which was the standard approach for universities at that time.

Now, CUHK actively encourages faculty to establish startups like RT HealthTech and Hopebotics to commercialize their innovations directly, reflecting international trends in academic entrepreneurship.

This shift is partly driven by university rating systems that increasingly value societal impact alongside research output, creating institutional incentives for direct commercialization.

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park’s tenant relationship with Hopebotics illustrates how university innovation ecosystems have expanded to include incubation infrastructure that supports academic entrepreneurs.