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The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has initiated operations for several key infrastructure projects at InnoPark, including the city’s first commercial High-Performance Computing (HPC) service. The Microelectronics Centre (MEC) is slated to be launched later this year. These strategic infrastructure enhancements will advance Hong Kong’s position in the industrial sector and align with national ambitions to elevate ‘New Quality Productive Forces’.
HKSTP’s new HPC service is now available to the public, offering advanced computing power, acceleration tools, and data access to support the city’s smart city initiatives. As the first of its kind in Hong Kong, the service aligns with the broader national strategy for supercomputing and innovation.
The new HPC service is expected to play a crucial role in these developments. It provides comprehensive support for the innovation and research communities by offering tailored solutions for technology companies and enterprises. The facility, located at the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, is equipped with a data centre server system by an American multinational technology company, establishing it as the city’s first commercial AI-focused HPC cluster.
The deployment of the HPC service can significantly enhance development consistency and efficiency by offering pre-trained tools and access to cross-industry data. The infrastructure will support over 300 companies specialising in AI and data technologies, optimising R&D processes and helping businesses identify new opportunities. HKSTP also offers consultancy services within Science Park to customise solutions for its technology partners, ensuring that the HPC service is fully integrated into the broader innovation ecosystem.
HKSTP is advancing the new industrialisation agenda through its transformation of three industrial estates into InnoParks. These facilities are now utilised at nearly 90% capacity, underscoring their role in driving the local manufacturing industry forward. The MEC, located in the Yuen Long InnoPark and expected to be operational later this year, is a key initiative in bolstering the microelectronics sector. It will feature pilot production lines for Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), which have been developed by the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute.
Once the MEC is operational, its occupancy rate is expected to reach nearly 80%, signalling the strong demand for microelectronics manufacturing capabilities in Hong Kong. With the sector poised for rapid expansion, HKSTP plans to establish Yuen Long InnoPark as a central hub for microelectronics. The organisation has already earmarked adjacent plots and buildings to support the anticipated growth in this field.
The evolving microelectronics ecosystem at Hong Kong Science Park has contributed to the city’s industrial growth. Currently, the park hosts a working population of over 24,000, including 15,000 R&D personnel. The number of companies based in the park has risen to 2,000, with those engaged in microelectronics-related activities reaching over 200 in the past four years. This growth is backed by a range of dedicated facilities, such as a Hardware Lab, a Sensor Lab, and a Heterogeneous Integration Lab, supporting every phase of microelectronics development – from design and prototyping to trial production.
The integration of HPC services and microelectronics infrastructure is set to facilitate substantial data generation and application across various industries. As artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics become increasingly integral to business processes, the demand for HPC services is expected to rise. The MEC’s advanced facilities will enable enterprises to explore new avenues for innovation and enhance product development. By leveraging the capabilities of the HPC infrastructure, companies can streamline their operations, accelerating the commercialisation of new technologies and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading I&T hub in the region.
