VNI has identified five priority research areas, including the development of multimodal AI systems and enhancing logical reasoning in AI.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) inaugurated the Von Neumann Institute (VNI) on May 9, 2025, marking a significant step in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) innovation.

VNI is the first industry-focused AI research institute in the Greater Bay Area, established to align with the HKSAR Government’s strategy to develop AI as a core industry.

The institute is committed to talent development, planning to train over 100 PhD students and launching the 'AI Explorer' program to inspire secondary school students in AI and STEM fields.

One key area is the advancement of multimodal AI systems for processing diverse data formats, which is essential for applications such as autonomous vehicles and intelligent assistants.

Another priority is enhancing logical reasoning in AI to improve the reliability and trustworthiness of systems used in law, finance, and decision support.

The institute aims to create a comprehensive AI ecosystem by fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions.

The focus of VNI includes developing capable and versatile AI systems that are aligned with real-world applications across multiple sectors.

VNI emphasizes the importance of collaboration, operating as a resource-intensive facility designed to meet the needs of various industries.

VNI also aims to advance robotic intelligence, focusing on human-like motion and real-time interaction for applications in manufacturing and healthcare.

In healthcare, VNI plans to apply large-scale AI models to improve diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient outcomes, leveraging HKUST’s computational resources.

During its inauguration, VNI showcased Vonnex, an advanced AI robot that utilizes a multi-modal perception system to interpret various inputs, highlighting HKUST’s AI research capabilities.