Gifted Education Fund (GEF) Programme Series
Off-school Advanced Learning Programme at CityUHK
The GEF offers funding support for different organisations to provide off-school advanced learning programmes to expose gifted students to high quality and challenging learning experiences in their areas of talent or, where suitable, in a wider range of disciplines or even across disciplines.
CityUHK Architecture Laboratory for Arithmetic and Security (CALAS) is proud to be an approved programme provider since 2020, offering hands-on research experiences in cutting-edge areas including RISC-V architecture, cryptographic hardware, AI hardware design, and embedded systems. Our most recent programme (Programme No. 2025-06) for the 2025/26 school year focuses on Generative AI and Cybersecurity (GenAIC) Engineering Skills for Gifted Students Education.
Recent Activities
Student Project
Exhibition &
Closing Ceremony
Join us to celebrate the achievements of our EdgeAIoTM Programme students. Register now for the exhibition and closing ceremony on December 13, 2025.
Programme Recordings
Watch our programme video to see gifted students engaging in hands-on projects, learning from university researchers, and developing cutting-edge technology solutions in Generative AI, Cybersecurity, and Edge Computing.
Programme Highlights
Advanced Learning
Engage with university-level research projects in computer engineering and hardware security
Expert Mentorship
Work directly with PhD students and faculty members from CityUHK CALAS research group
Hands-on Experience
Gain practical skills in FPGA development, embedded systems, and hardware design
Project Showcase
Present research findings and develop portfolio projects for university applications
Research Areas
- RISC-V Architecture: Explore open-source processor design and computer architecture
- Cryptographic Hardware: Learn about hardware security, post-quantum cryptography, and secure system design
- AI Hardware Design: Work on FPGA-based AI accelerators and neural network implementations
- Embedded Systems: Develop IoT applications and embedded software/hardware co-design solutions
- Edge AIoT: Build intelligent edge computing systems combining AI and Internet of Things
- Generative AI: Explore large language models, diffusion models, and generative AI applications
- Cybersecurity: Master security principles, threat analysis, and secure system design
Students work on real research projects alongside our team, contributing to publications and gaining invaluable experience in academic research.
GEF Programme Cohorts
2025/26 Cohort
Generative AI and Cybersecurity (GenAIC) Engineering Skills
Approved for the 2025/26 school year by the Education Bureau's Gifted Education Fund. This programme will focus on cutting-edge Generative AI technologies and Cybersecurity engineering skills for gifted students.
Programme details and application information will be announced soon.
2025 Cohort
Programme: Edge AIoT and Microelectronics (EdgeAIoTM) Engineering Skills
Period: May 2025 - December 2025
Comprehensive programme integrating edge computing, artificial intelligence, and microelectronics engineering. Students gained practical experience in FPGA design, machine learning deployment, embedded systems development, and semiconductor technology through six progressive training phases.
2024/25 Cohort
Programme: Generative AI and IoT (GenAIoT) Coding Skills Education
Period: May 2024 - Jan 2025
Students explored cutting-edge generative AI technologies including large language models and diffusion models, while mastering IoT application development. The programme combined AI model training, prompt engineering, and intelligent device programming to create next-generation smart systems.
2023/24 Cohort
Programme: Coding, Cryptography & Fintech (CCF)
Period: May 2023 - Jan 2024
This programme bridged computer science with financial technology, teaching students advanced cryptographic algorithms, blockchain fundamentals, secure coding practices, and digital payment systems. Students developed real fintech applications while learning about cybersecurity and data protection.
2022/23 Cohort
Programme: AIoT CE2 Skills Education
Period: Jun 2022 - Mar 2023
Focusing on AI-powered Internet of Things with emphasis on Coding and Engineering Education (CE²), students learned embedded programming, sensor networks, machine learning for IoT devices, and developed intelligent edge computing solutions for real-world applications.
2021/22 Cohort
Programme: AIoT Coding & Engineering Skills Education
Period: May 2021 - Jan 2022
Our inaugural cohort introduced students to the fundamentals of AIoT systems, covering Python programming, microcontroller development, basic machine learning concepts, and IoT protocols. Students built hands-on projects including smart home devices and automated sensor systems.
Programme Information
About the Gifted Education Fund
The GEF encourages post-secondary institutions, non-government organisations (NGOs), professional bodies, and technology enterprises to provide diversified off-school advanced learning programmes. Programme providers receive funding support to deliver high-quality, challenging learning experiences for gifted students.
CityUHK CALAS as Programme Provider
City University of Hong Kong’s Architecture Laboratory for Arithmetic and Security (CALAS) has been an approved programme provider since 2020. Our latest programme for the 2025/26 school year (Programme No. 2025-06) continues our commitment to providing gifted students with advanced exposure to university-level research and hands-on experience in computer engineering.
Interested in Joining Our Programme?
For enquiries about the GEF programme at CALAS, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and upcoming sessions, please contact us:
Programme Coordinator: Prof. Ray C.C. Cheung
Email: eegefp@cityu.edu.hk
Phone: +852 3442-9849
For more information about the Gifted Education Fund and off-school advanced learning programmes, please visit the Education Bureau's GEF webpage.
Details about our latest programme can be found on the CityUHK EE Department website.