Hong Kong/Geneva, April 13, 2025 – Backed by the Hong Kong Science Park fund, local startup ZWING has clinched the Gold Award at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva with its patented technology, “Elen - openBIM checker.” Standing out among over 1,000 innovations from 45 countries and regions, ZWING’s achievement brings global recognition to Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sector.
Held from April 9 to 13 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, this prestigious exhibition is one of the world’s most authoritative platforms for inventions, attracting top innovators globally. ZWING’s “Elen - openBIM checker” earned unanimous praise from the international jury for its groundbreaking automated BIM validation technology and AI capabilities, making it a standout in the field of construction technology.
A Smart Solution Revolutionizing the Construction Industry
“Elen - openBIM checker” is an intelligent tool designed for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Independently developed by ZWING’s dedicated R&D team, which comprises experts in architecture, engineering, and information technology, Elen can validate Building Information Modeling (BIM) data in just 5 minutes—far surpassing the hours required by traditional methods. Its AI-powered photo-object recognition feature is a game-changer, allowing users to snap a photo and instantly retrieve relevant BIM data, such as design specifications or compliance status of structural components, without the need to sift through drawings or databases. This technology not only boosts efficiency but also simplifies on-site inspections and data management.
“Winning the Gold Award at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva underscores our strength as a Hong Kong startup,” said Ir Vincent Tam, Founder of ZWING. “Elen makes architecture and property management smarter and more efficient. We are grateful for the support from Hong Kong Science Park and our team, and we look forward to further driving the digitalization of the industry.”
York Tang, Head of R&D at ZWING, added, “Elen has been successfully deployed in multiple private sector projects, earning widespread acclaim from clients. With the Hong Kong government actively promoting the digital transformation of the construction industry while focusing on maximizing cost efficiency, we foresee a significant surge in demand for Elen.”
Industry Advantages: Efficiency, Intelligence, and Flexibility
Applicable Industries: Broad Coverage Across the AEC Sector
Elen’s versatility makes it an ideal tool for multiple industries. Below are its key applications and real-world examples:
| Industry | Application Scenario | Example |
| Architectural Design | Validate BIM models to ensure compliance with standards, minimizing rework risks and waste. | Architects used Elen in a commercial complex project, confirming CIC compliance in 5 minutes, avoiding delays. |
| Engineering Management | On-site comparison of design and construction to ensure accuracy. | An engineer in a residential project photographed a staircase, with Elen instantly displaying BIM data to confirm design compliance. |
| Construction | Validate as-built models to ensure delivery quality. | Contractors in an airport expansion project used Elen to quickly verify thousands of components, ensuring flawless delivery. |
|
Property Management |
Instantly retrieve building component data to optimize facility maintenance. | A shopping mall management team photographed an elevator, with Elen providing its maintenance history and specs, improving efficiency. |
| Public Projects | Ensure BIM models for public facilities meet standards, enhancing quality. | Government departments used Elen in a metro station project to validate models, ensuring compliance with public works standards. |
A Smart Assistant for the AEC Industry
Elen is more than just a technical tool—it’s a catalyst for the digital transformation of the construction industry. Its rapid validation and AI capabilities address inefficiencies and errors, allowing professionals to focus on innovation rather than tedious data tasks. It is understood that Elen has significantly reduced the time required for BIM validation, freeing up substantial resources for project teams. For architecture enthusiasts and tech aficionados, Elen’s photo-recognition feature feels like a sci-fi smart assistant, turning complex data into simple actions.
Having been successfully deployed in private sector projects with high client praise, Elen is poised for growth. As the Hong Kong government actively promotes construction industry digitalization while emphasizing cost control, the market demand for Elen is expected to surge significantly. From skyscrapers to metro stations, Elen is reshaping the construction industry, captivating anyone interested in technology and the future.
About ZWING
ZWING is a Hong Kong-based innovative startup focused on construction technology, dedicated to developing artificial intelligence (AI) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) solutions to enhance efficiency and sustainability in architectural design, construction, and property management. As a participant in the Hong Kong Science Park Ideation Program, ZWING is supported by the Science Park fund and boasts an independent R&D team of experts in architecture, engineering, and information technology, driving the digital transformation of the industry. ZWING’s flagship product, “Elen - openBIM checker,” has become an industry benchmark, showcasing Hong Kong’s global competitiveness in innovation and technology. For more information, please visit www.zwing.ai.
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
ZWING Marketing Department
Orion Wong
Email: marketing@zwing.ai
Phone: +852 2117 0713
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