HONG KONG, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ant Digital Technologies today signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish the "PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies Joint Lab on AI and Web3". This collaboration will drive breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies, innovation ecosystem and incubation, as well as a source of innovation and technology. By exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technologies, the Joint Lab is poised to be a global innovation hub. Ant Digital Technologies plans to invest up to HKD100 million over the next three years to support the Joint Lab's research work and project incubation.
Witnessed by Mr CHAN Ho Lim, Joseph, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; and Mr Eric Xiandong JING, Chairman of Ant Group, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr Wenbiao ZHAO, Chief Executive Officer of Ant Digital Technologies.
The Joint Lab will focus on three core domains: trustworthy AI agents, AI-enhanced blockchain security architecture and data privacy verification technologies. Related initiatives will accelerate the development of intelligent services and help ensure the secure circulation of digital assets. To foster the development of innovation ecosystem and incubation, an "AI + Web3 Education Fund Platform," will be established to fully leverage PolyU's strong research capabilities and Ant Digital Technologies' extensive industry resources, supporting Hong Kong's development into a digital technology talent hub. The Joint Lab will host international technology seminars and innovation competitions, solidifying its position as a world-class academic brand.
Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, "The Joint Lab is a strategic initiative designed to foster interdisciplinary convergence of cutting-edge technologies, propelling Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology hub and a global hub for digital asset innovation. We anticipate this strong partnership will drive deep integration and breakthrough innovation in AI and Web3 applications, yielding globally impactful solutions that accelerate the growth of a digital economy in Hong Kong and beyond."
Mr Wenbiao Zhao said, "Harnessing its robust technological expertise and comprehensive service scenarios, Ant Digital Technologies will partner closely with PolyU to bridge industry, academia and research capabilities. This collaboration will accelerate breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies and facilitate their widespread commercial implementation."
Mr Eric Jing said, "Ant Group is optimistic about Hong Kong's future and remains committed to investing in the City. We look forward to this collaboration, which unlocks Hong Kong's transformative potential at the intersection of AI and Web3 – accelerating its growth as a global hub for innovation and technology, finance, and trade."
Reflecting its academic leadership in AI and Web3 technologies, PolyU was ranked first in CoinDesk's Best Universities for Blockchain 2022, outperforming 240 other universities globally. Building on this excellence, PolyU established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January 2025, combining the expertise of its Department of Applied Mathematics, Department of Computing, and Department of Data Science and AI. The University offers comprehensive programmes in AI, big data computing, blockchain technology and metaverse studies – all designed to develop future-ready technologists with both visionary thinking and practical skills. This strong academic foundation creates an ideal platform for this collaboration.
As Ant Group's digital technology subsidiary, Ant Digital Technologies possesses industry-leading expertise in AI and Web3 innovation. The company's pioneering solutions – including its Agentar AI development platform and financial large language model – have achieved widespread adoption across the financial services sector. In 2024, Ant Digital Technologies participated in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's Ensemble project, applying its advanced blockchain technology to facilitate multi-enterprise tokenisation of renewable energy real-word assets. The company further strengthened its Hong Kong presence this April when it was named a "Key Enterprise Partner" by the HKSAR Government and established its international headquarters in the City. This extensive industry experience positions the Joint Lab to forge industry connections and create valuable partnership opportunities.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies establish AI and Web3 Joint Lab
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Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
