Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and a British multinational universal bank and financial services holding company commemorated the achievements of their five-year SPRINTER programme with a showcase of co-created innovative solutions across key sectors in Hong Kong. The programme, launched in 2017, has seen local businesses be enabled to pursue visions and step up efforts to drive technology co-creation and adoption in their respective industries.
The five-year SPRINTER programme drew more than 500 participants, from local corporates, and tech ventures to investors. In addition, the SPRINTER 2 programme saw 30 potential proof-of-concept (POC) cases using AI, Big Data, IoT and robotic solutions tailored for manufacturing, logistics and buildings services companies. The strategic initiative has combined the connectivity of HSBC and HKSTP to energise the innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong.
The CFO of HKSTP stated that the SPRINTER 1 and SPRINTER 2 programmes with the bank were hugely successful in showcasing the powerful innovation potential of ecosystem-wide collaboration between Hong Kong’s tech ventures, corporates and investors.
The innovations and PoCs that were showcased are the desired impact of the two parties’ collective goal to accelerate digital transformation across Hong Kong’s key industries, which further reinforces the strength of the city’s growing I&T status.
The Head of Business Banking, Commercial Banking, of the Hong Kong arm of the bank stated that the bank is not only pioneering the frontier of digital banking but also supporting SMEs in Hong Kong to prepare for the future by adopting new technologies.
She added that the bank’s leadership is pleased that the SPRINTER Programme, a collaboration between HKSTP and the bank, has equipped many start-ups with essential business skills and collaboration opportunities with other enterprises in Hong Kong.
The Programme has successfully made over 230 business matchings to drive transformation across different industries. We look forward to inspiring more innovation and opening a world of opportunity for the business community in the city.
The SPRINTER 1 programme focused on an investment theme to help tech ventures connect with the investor community and gain knowledge and skills to build solid foundations for growth. It empowered close to 180 tech ventures and 50 angel investors. Over HKD138 million of investment was raised in the programme.
Following the success of SPRINTER 1, SPRINTER 2 was a three-stage programme for tech ventures and local businesses from manufacturing, logistics and building services to understand, source and co-create innovative solutions, which help businesses enhance competitiveness and capture future growth opportunities.
In 2021, OpenGov Asia reported on the launch of SPRINTER 2 noting that the second cohort was focused on accelerating innovation among small businesses and mid-cap corporates in Hong Kong’s logistics, buildings and related services.
The Chief Financial Officer of HKSTP had said that as the Hong Kong economy gears up for growth, new opportunities are emerging particularly in the GBA. The urban development sector is in a prime position to harness technology to capitalise on the region’s potential and drive smart city development.
The Park has been collaborating closely with the bank to give thriving corporates a head-start to revitalise their businesses. SPRINTER 2, thus, provided them with the skills, connections and tools they need to succeed.
