NUK Showcases Three Innovative Technologies at the 2026 Kaohsiung Smart City Summit & Expo, Highlighting Smart Applications and Sustainability
2026-03-20
The National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) participated in the 2026 Kaohsiung Smart City Summit & Expo, coordinated by the university’s Industry-Academia Collaboration and Incubation Center under the Office of Research and Development. NUK presented three major technological innovations: an educational metaverse platform, visible-light photocatalytic environmental materials, and an integrated solar-powered hydrogen energy system. These projects demonstrate the university’s research capabilities in artificial intelligence, green materials, and renewable energy, while highlighting the practical applications of academic innovation in smart city development.
The exhibition was held from March 20 to March 22 at Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, where NUK established its own exhibition booth to engage with representatives from industry, government, and academia.
Kuo Chin-Fu, Director of NUK’s Industry-Academia Collaboration and Incubation Center, noted that as smart cities and net-zero transformation become global priorities, technological innovation is no longer solely an environmental or industrial issue—it is also closely tied to national competitiveness and future development. He emphasized that NUK continues to integrate its research strengths through industry partnerships and incubation mechanisms to accelerate technology transfer and real-world implementation. By leveraging southern Taiwan’s research commercialization platforms, the university aims to promote business applications and strengthen industrial collaboration.
This year’s exhibition brought together research teams from multiple disciplines, providing a platform for industry and society to better understand NUK’s contributions in artificial intelligence, net-zero transition, and sustainable energy solutions.
Educational Metaverse Platform
In the field of digital education, Associate Professor Wang Cheng-Hung and his team from NUK’s Digital Content Design Research Center showcased the EWova Educational Metaverse Platform. The platform integrates virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to create immersive digital learning environments.
Users can enter virtual classrooms through digital avatars for interactive learning and cross-location collaboration, while abstract concepts can be transformed into interactive 3D learning experiences. The system also uses data analytics to monitor learning progress and improve the effectiveness of remote education and vocational training. Future applications may include university classrooms, corporate training, and diverse learning environments.
Visible-Light Photocatalytic Environmental Materials
In green materials technology, Distinguished Professor Wang Jui-Chi from the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering collaborated with Oswald Color Technology Co., Ltd. to develop visible-light photocatalytic environmental materials, along with derivative applications such as degradable masterbatch materials, films, and green purification technologies.
These materials activate photocatalytic reactions under natural light conditions and offer functions such as antibacterial protection, odor elimination, and pollutant decomposition. Potential applications include smart buildings, self-cleaning materials, eco-friendly packaging, and agricultural and aquaculture environments.
Integrated Solar Hydrogen Energy System
In the field of energy technology, Assistant Professor Chi Yi-Kai from the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering presented an Integrated Solar Photovoltaic-Thermal Hydrogen Energy System.
The system combines solar photovoltaic (PV), dish concentrated solar power (Dish CSP), and methanol steam reforming (MSR) technologies to simultaneously generate electricity, utilize thermal energy, and produce hydrogen fuel. It also incorporates energy storage systems to create an off-grid energy supply model.
Through thermal energy recovery and dual-storage design, the system improves operational stability during nighttime hours and under extreme environmental conditions. The technology has potential applications in remote areas, offshore islands, and disaster response bases, offering resilient and sustainable energy solutions.
Through its participation in the expo, NUK continues to demonstrate how university research can contribute to smart city development, industrial innovation, and sustainable transformation.
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