Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) formally launched the InnoCell, a smart living and co-creation space at Hong Kong Science Park on 7 April 2021.
The purpose-built space provides the ideal environment for local and overseas innovation and technology (I&T) talent to live, co-create, innovate and forge a thriving community to fulfil Hong Kong’s I&T potential.
Located at the city’s largest research and development base, InnoCell brings together a talented community, with a shared passion for innovation, to exchange ideas and pursue the next I&T breakthroughs. The 17-storey InnoCell will provide residential units with flexible design and ancillary facilities at affordable rents.
With integrated smart living technologies, InnoCell offers diversified communal and private living spaces that aim to foster personalised experiences and collaboration among its residents. The building is a prime example of the “Work.Live.Play.Learn.” innovation culture being nurtured across the entire I&T ecosystem at the Science Park.
The CEO of HKSTP stated, “InnoCell represents a major step forward in our ambition to build a vibrant I&T ecosystem for Hong Kong which brings together talent, culture and infrastructure in an environment geared for innovation. The state-of-the-art space is a shining example of innovation at work, delivering a space with affordable rent and custom-designed for like-minded innovators to harness and hone their talent. InnoCell sets new standards for a smarter lifestyle which goes beyond just living and working.”
Open to the founders, mainland and overseas employees of HKSTP’s park companies, as well as visiting academics, scientists, and technology talent, InnoCell is a showcase of unique technology-infusing experiences, offering four room types including THE SOLO, THE TWIN, THE SUITE and THE POWERHUB.
For project teams on a mission, THE POWERHUB, with 8 individual studios plus a private working area, is an ideal space for members to assemble, focus and race through their sprints.
Partnering with various global corporations, InnoCell combines modern living with cutting-edge technology to deliver a frictionless, personalised way of blended living and working in the digital era.
Tenants can easily access key facilities and services with the InnoCell Living app integrated by Chevalier, and also complete transactions within the building using an e-payment application powered by a major global bank. Other key features include personalised online butler services, a multi-lingual chatbot and a host of online services all enabled with cashless payment.
To support the community experience, a UK-based global commercial real estate services company delivers an array of community cum hospitality management services such as organising innovation-inspiring events and community-centric activities.
Developed and built by Hip Hing Construction, space provides approximately 30,000-sqft of tailored communal facilities, including 392 units of studios and suites and 511 bed spaces in total, installed via 418 modules with high-performance materials.
The ground-breaking construction is also Hong Kong’s first high-rise building using the innovative Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) methodology winning international recognition at the Rethinking the Future Awards 2020. This serves as a blueprint and modernisation path for Hong Kong’s construction industry.
The InnoCell application will be open from 20 April to 21 May. Successful applicants will move in from July 2021 onwards.
The Government released the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0) on 10 December 2021 with more than 130 smart city initiatives.
Blueprint 2.0 includes initiatives that are under implementation or of an ongoing nature such as open data and on-street parking meters supporting remote payment. In addition, over 60 new initiatives were implemented after the first Blueprint was published at the end of 2017.
These include Smart Living under which the Government aims to:
- Use the “iAM Smart” platform to streamline the Transport Department’s licensing services;
- Explore the use of telehealth, video-conferencing and remote consultation in Hong Kong;
Blueprint 2.0 has also put forward the idea of smart village pilot initiatives to explore the use of technologies to address daily life issues faced by residents living in the countryside and further remote areas, such as medical consultation for the elderly and traffic arrangements.
