i2Cool has been selected for the Fostering Innovation for Resilience and Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Program.
FIRST is a global initiative led by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and officially endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Selected as one of only 30 projects worldwide recognised under the United Nations International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), the project aims to advance sustainability through innovation and collaboration.
The FIRST Program has emerged in response to urgent global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and the need for clean energy transitions.
With a strong focus on innovation and international collaboration, the program aims to accelerate progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Led by CityUHK in collaboration with UNESCO, i2Cool, and a diverse network of international partners, the initiative represents a concerted global effort to build a sustainable future through science, technology, and cooperative action.
Tse Chin-wan, BBS, JP, secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR said it was an important initiative.
"With the endorsement of the UNESCO, the FIRST Program sets a powerful example of how collaboration and innovation can create a more sustainable future for all,” he said.
Professor Freddy Boey, president and University Distinguished Professor of CityUHK, said the program reflects the university’s commitment to offering tangible solutions to global challenges.
“I am delighted that CityUHK will lead this crucial initiative to address sustainability challenges by developing affordable innovations in collaboration with our global partners,” Boey said.
Professor Edwin Tso Chi-yan, co-founder of i2Cool and Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Outreach) at CityUHK's School of Energy and Environment (SEE) has been appointed as the FIRST program director, said the first phase of the program will launch in June 2025.
The first phase will target pilot regions with hot climates and limited access to reliable electricity.
Core Innovations of the Project:
- Passive Radiative Cooling Coatings Using Local Waste Materials for Lowering Temperatures of Houses
- Affordable Printable Solar Films for Generating Electricity in Rural Areas
- Biomass Waste-to-Energy Conversion for Circular Economy
- Human-powered Sanitation System for Generating Potable Water
Among these, passive radiative cooling technology developed and implemented by i2Cool distinguishes itself through its mature product platform and extensive global deployment experience to provide critical support in high-temperature and resource-scarce areas.
Since its founding, i2Cool has been dedicated to advancing "green cooling + social benefit" through its "Cool Down for a Better Summer" initiative.
This initiative has already reached over 7,000 square meters in climate-vulnerable communities worldwide. In total, i2Cool's innovative cooling technology has been implemented across more than 380,000 square meters in nearly 30 countries and regions, resulting in over 200 successful projects.
i2Cool CEO, Professor Martin Zhu, said over the next decade i2Cool will continue validating their solutions in diverse climates and applications to localise radiative cooling technology.
“Our goal is to build an affordable, scalable, and sustainable cooling paradigm. We look forward to working with global partners to empower communities through innovation and inclusive partnerships, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future," Zhu said.
i2Cool is a green and energy-efficient technology pioneer specialising in passive radiative cooling. The company's core products are electricity-free cooling coatings and window films, along with a diverse range of other products such as textiles, membranes, automotive solutions, and ceramics.