The Catch the Innovation Campaign was launched on 30 June 2020 with a competition inviting government staff to submit proposals that can effectively adopt robotics technologies in enhancing public services.
In the first stage of the Leading Towards Robotics Technologies Innovation Competition, government staff can submit the proposals on an individual or team basis by 31 August 2020.
The judging panel will shortlist 10 finalists from the proposals received for the second stage of the competition. The shortlisted proposals will be matched with the industry, including local start-ups, for a six-month proof-of-concept exercise to test their feasibility by allowing the participants to apply the appropriate technologies and local research and development results.
All 10 shortlisted proposals will be put on trials in relevant government departments to enhance the quality and efficiency of public services, thereby allowing the public to enjoy the advantages of innovation and technology (I&T) in the delivery of quality public services.
The competition results will be announced in mid-2021.
The Government Chief Information Officer called on colleagues from different departments to take part in the competition, noting that the Catch the Innovation Campaign aims to nurture a more vibrant I&T culture within the Government and forge closer collaboration with the industry.
He stated, “As one of the key trends in smart city development, robotics technology will definitely open up enormous opportunities for us.”
Organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, the campaign consists of seminars on emerging technologies, workshops, information technology case sharing and online exchanges.
About the competition
Further details about the competition were provided by HK’s Smart Government Innovation Lab.
Eligibility
- Contestants must be serving staff in the HKSAR Government;
- Contestants can submit a proposal(s) for the Competition on an individual or team basis. Each team can have up to five members (including the Team Leader), who are not confined to the same B/D;
- Individuals/Teams can submit more than one project proposal;
- Each project proposal must be supported by a directorate grade officer; and
- No limit on the number of project proposals is set for each B/D.
Stages
Stage 1 – contestants have to submit a project proposal based on business needs in delivering public services and put forward an innovative and unique solution by adopting robotics technologies. The proposed innovative projects should be cost-effective, practical and could be implemented to enhance the public services.
Stage 2 – with the assistance of the Smart Government Innovation Lab, contestants of the short-listed project proposals will work with IT suppliers to implement their project proposals via a PoC within a six-month period. Contestants are required to submit a report for their PoC and present the PoC results to the Judging Panel on the Pitching Day.
Fostering opportunities for collaboration and discussion
According to another press release, Hong Kong’s Smart Government Innovation Lad announced an online seminar providing opportunities for attendees to connect and co-create!
The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, Cyberport, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation jointly organised a series of technology forums for industry players to share their innovative information technology (IT) solutions and success stories, and how such innovative solutions can help improve the quality of public services.
The forums included rosters of experts who specialised in various emerging technologies. They presented their innovative solutions and a wide range of products to help government departments improve operational efficiency and enhance the delivery of public services.
