CityUHK wireless charging Qi standard

City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) highlighted the wireless power transfer technology developed by Professor Ron Hui Shu-yuen and his team, which became the foundation of the Qi wireless charging standard. The research, initiated in the 1990s with contributions from Professor John Boys of University of Auckland, led to the world's first multi-layer coil-array design for wireless charging pads. This technology was adopted by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), formed in 2008 with companies including LG Electronics and Convenientpower, and the Qi standard was launched in 2010. Over 430 companies, including Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Hyundai, Toyota, Qualcomm, Infineon, WiTricity, EKA Mobility, and Powermat Technologies, have adopted Qi. CityUHK transferred about 148 patented technologies to industry, with over 60 related to wireless charging. The research also inspired the next-generation Qi2 standard, which enhances efficiency and user experience while preserving key technologies. Between 2019 and 2025, billions of Qi-compatible smartphones were sold, and wireless charging has expanded to various consumer and industrial products.