On May 16, 2025, Corvinus University of Budapest and The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute (CUHK SZRI) signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement in Budapest, at Corvinus’ Gellért Campus, to establish a joint R&D-based innovation and incubation system. The collaboration is supported by a shared fund of €14 million in total, contributed equally by both institutions. 

According to the agreement with CUHK, ranked 36th in the QS World University Rankings, the resources will be dedicated to managing the Academic & Innovation Matrix (AIM), a collaborative platform for academic, research, and entrepreneurial initiatives created by the parties last spring. The funds will enable shared research facilities, infrastructure, and administrative and legal services at both organisations’ headquarters. 

The agreement was signed on behalf of Corvinus by Rector Bruno van Pottelsberghe and Professor Peter Baranyi, while CUHK was represented by Vice President Anthony T. C. Chan and Director Yeung Yam of the Shenzhen Research Institute. The AIM platform, the foundation of this partnership, was initiated by Professors Yeung Yam and Peter Baranyi, building on a cooperation that dates back to several decades. 

This new strategic partnership aims to develop a joint innovation and incubation system grounded in R&D, aligning the partners’ innovation strategies—including legal frameworks and institutional operations—and promoting efficient technology and knowledge sharing. 

The collaboration also emphasises scientific and academic activities by supporting networking and cooperation across business, technology, and scientific researchers, while encouraging academic and professional exchanges that enhance the mobility of students, researchers, professors, and professionals. Joint educational programs will be developed with curricula and training initiatives compatible with both institutions. 

The agreement is expected to accelerate joint research and the introduction of innovative solutions that are beneficial to the industry. It will also strengthen support for researchers in establishing ventures based on their results. The AIM initiative aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to deepen cooperation between the two nations. 

With the signing of this Strategic Partnership Agreement, the partners also officially launch their joint AI development project, supported by nearly €1 million from the National Research, Development and Innovation Office. This project focuses on pioneering a new paradigm of artificial neural networks, known as neural mesh technology.