|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and China-based battery manufacturing company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the CATL Research and Development (R&D) Centre at Hong Kong Science Park.
This initiative is marked by CATL’s substantial investment of no less than HK$1.2 billion and its ambitious plan to recruit 500 skilled R&D professionals. The overarching goal is to propel innovation in new energy technologies, nurture local talent, and expand market reach, catalysing sustainable development in Hong Kong.
The collaboration is under the guidance of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. The MoU was formally inked by the CEO of HKSTP, and CIO of the partnering company, in the presence of notable witnesses, including the Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, and Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry.
The initiative aligns seamlessly with the objectives outlined in the “Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint,” emphasising the government’s commitment to supporting the new energy technology sector, particularly in addressing climate change and achieving carbon neutrality targets.
The company’s commitment to invest HK$1.2 billion in the establishment of the R&D Centre at Hong Kong Science Park underscores the company’s confidence in the city’s technological capabilities. The collaboration aims to harness CATL’s expertise in production, technology, and talent development, with HKSTP providing robust support. This includes actively exploring business development opportunities in key sectors such as energy, transportation, industry, and infrastructure.
The Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government underscored the significance of CATL’s decision to establish its global headquarters and R&D Centre in Hong Kong. He emphasised that this move represents a strategic and essential investment, aligning with the Chief Executive’s recently announced Policy Address. The address adopts an industry-oriented, multi-pronged approach to promote new industrialisation and support the development of representative strategic enterprises in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the partnering company, a global leader in new energy innovative technologies, has garnered recognition for providing premier solutions and services for new energy applications worldwide. The company’s commitment extends to high-efficiency power systems, advanced battery technologies, and renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower. Its diverse product portfolio includes battery systems, battery materials, and active involvement in the research and development of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage batteries.
As of June 2023, the company has a workforce of more than 18,000 R&D professionals, with five R&D centres and 13 production hubs strategically positioned worldwide. The company has consistently been recognised as one of Forbes China’s 50 Most Innovative Companies for six consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to new battery technologies and the development of electrochemical energy storage systems.
HKSTP, aligned with its mission to advance Hong Kong’s new industrialisation, is actively fostering a new energy and green tech ecosystem. With over 100 companies at the Science Park focusing on green tech, new energy, and third-generation semiconductors, and five local universities ranking among the top 100 globally, Hong Kong is poised for technological advancements.
Recent additions to the Science Park include new energy vehicle technology enterprises, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position in the development of microelectronics and intelligent vehicle ecosystems.
The collaboration signifies a monumental milestone in Hong Kong’s journey to become a global hub for innovation and technology. The new CATL’s R&D Centre, with its substantial investment and commitment to technological advancement, is poised to contribute significantly to Hong Kong’s emergence as an international green technology and finance centre. The synergistic efforts between HKSTP and CATL underscore their dedication to fostering sustainable development, nurturing talent, and driving innovation in new energy technologies, thereby positioning Hong Kong at the forefront of the global technological landscape.
