The ASTRI Technovation Centre (ATC) was launched by the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI). The centre aims to provide a platform for collaboration in innovation and technology (I&T) among various sectors, including government, industry, academia, and research, to highlight Hong Kong’s leading research and development outcomes.
The launch ceremony was attended by prominent figures such as the Presidents, Vice-Presidents, professors, and research teams from six esteemed local universities, namely City University of Hong Kong (CityU), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and University of Hong Kong (HKU).
Long-term partnerships and collaborations were also established between these universities and research institutes, which aims to promote technology transfer and implementation of research and development outcomes, thereby enhancing the I&T ecosystem of Hong Kong and contributing to its development as an international I&T centre.
Hong Kong’s local universities have played a crucial role in developing the city’s R&D capability, nurturing R&D talents, and technology startups. The launch ceremony brought together key leaders who have made significant contributions to the R&D landscape in Hong Kong and achieved remarkable success in academia. They expressed their support and emphasised the importance of enhancing the I&T ecosystem outlined in the “Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint,” promoting closer connections between upstream and midstream research and downstream markets in the ecosystem.
Since its inception, ASTRI has made the implementation of R&D outcomes its mission. The organisation has actively promoted collaboration among various sectors, including the government, industry, academic and research sectors, and has fostered I&T development in Hong Kong across upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.
As top-tier universities in Hong Kong, they offer advanced equipment and academic resources to researchers and use their influence to promote internationalization, innovative and cross-disciplinary research, and attract international talents to start their careers in Hong Kong. ASTRI and universities will work together to strengthen their collaboration, building an R&D commercialization platform.
In terms of the upstream sector, ASTRI is working to continue supporting advanced and basic research in universities. As for the midstream sector, there is a focus on promoting technological innovations, facilitating collaboration among the industry, academic, and research sectors, and accelerating the “from 1 to N” transformation and commercialization of R&D outcomes.
In the downstream sector, ASTRI plans to implement facilitation policies on technology industries, with a focus on the development of priority industries, such as life and health technology, AI and data science, advanced manufacturing, and new energy. The goal is to explore and discover cutting-edge technologies that provide solutions to cope with societal challenges.
The Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry for Hong Kong stated that the innovation and quality research capabilities of local universities, coupled with Hong Kong’s international advantages under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, provide a solid foundation for accelerating the development of smart cities and improving the quality of life for residents.
To achieve this, all parties must work together across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. With the immense development potential of the Greater Bay Area, the Hong Kong I&T sector has an opportunity to contribute to the country’s technological development and seize the opportunity for growth.
ASTRI’s Chairman stated that ASTRI conducts nearly 100 R&D projects annually with the aim of achieving commercialization. Local universities are an important I&T partner for ASTRI, and they collaborate on scientific research to support the development directions outlined in the “Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint”.
He noted that in the future, ASTRI plans to continue partnering with universities to build an R&D commercialization platform. This partnership will involve cooperation in various aspects, such as talent, resources, and R&D, creating a unique environment and opportunities for technological knowledge transfer. This collaboration aims to seize new opportunities in the I&T era together.
The CEO of ASTRI remarked that this partnership aims to foster the commercialisation of R&D outcomes and assist in launching more I&T products into the market. In addition, ASTRI aims to support start-ups from universities in converting research achievements and technology into products and services. Various recruitment schemes and Joint PhD programs will be launched to raise the competitiveness of local R&D talents globally.
The collaboration seeks to enhance the I&T ecosystem from the perspective of nurturing talents and R&D capacities, with the ultimate goal of building Hong Kong into a smart city and making significant contributions to the I&T development in both Hong Kong and China.
