Applied Science and Technology Research
Institute (ASTRI) announced
that it will be partnering with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks
Corporation (HKSTP) and Molecular Hub, to launch a
Blockchain-focused accelerator programme for start-ups. The programme was
launched on Friday, 13 July 2018, in a ceremony held at Hong Kong Science Park.
The first-of-its-kind
in Hong Kong, the programme focuses exclusively on Blockchain technology
development and also other applications such as Smart City solutions. ASTRI, a key
partner, will build and enhance the technological know-how and capabilities of
the participating start-ups, providing them with Blockchain-related training
and will provide vital support to the participating start-ups. The start-ups
will also be able to leverage ASTRI’s R&D infrastructure by accessing the
facilities of the Smart City Innovation Centre operated by ASTRI.
In collaboration with industry leaders, the
programme will offer the start-ups helpful guidance on how to commercialise their ideas.
Dr David Chung Wai-keung, JP,
Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the Hong Kong SAR Government,
was one of the officiating guests at the programme’s launch. Highlighting the
SAR Government’s determination to position Hong Kong as a global innovation
hub, Dr Chung said that since its
establishment in 2015, the Government’s Innovation and Technology Bureau has invested
significantly to I&T development. Investments as large as HK$ 78 billion. Dr Chung added that the Government’s support of
the development of I&T includes many different areas of technologies and
applications with particular emphasis on Financial Technologies, Artificial
Intelligence and Robotics, as well as
Healthcare technologies.
Other dignitaries present at the event
included: the Honourable Dr Elizabeth
Quat, BBS, JP – Member of the HKSAR Legislative Council, as well as senior
leaders from HKSTP, ASTRI, Molecular Hub, leading investment and venture
capital firms, prominent FinTech firms and
other technology companies.
Dr MeiKei Leong, ASTRI’s Chief Technology Officer, commented, “ASTRI
is the largest government-funded applied R&D institute in Hong Kong,
focusing on Information and Communications Technology. We have a strong track record
of commercialising innovative
technological solutions in Smart City, FinTech, AI + Robotics and Health
Technologies. Through this partnership, we look forward to working with HKSTP
and Molecular Hub to provide support to start-ups, aiming to accelerate the
development of I&T in Hong Kong and beyond.”
The Hong Kong Applied Science and
Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI) was founded by the
Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the
mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries
through applied research. ASTRI’s core R&D competencies
in various areas are organised under
seven Technology Divisions, namely Communications Technologies, Electronics
Components, Mixed Signal Systems IC, Advanced Digital Systems, Opto-electronics, Security and Data Sciences,
and Intelligent Software and Systems. Five areas of applications including
financial technologies, intelligent manufacturing, next generation network, health technologies, and smart city are
identified for major pursuit.
Mr George Tee, Chief Technology Officer of HKSTP, said, “Blockchain
technology has enormous potential for use and can be applied into various
industries and in many various ways – from compliance, to finance and
operations.”
Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks
Corporation (HKSTP) is a statutory body dedicated to building a vibrant
innovation and technology ecosystem to connect stakeholders, nurture technology
talents, facilitate collaboration, and catalyse
innovations to deliver social and economic benefits to Hong Kong and the
region.
The other partner in the programme,
Molecular Hub will help the start-ups to explore and tap into Blockchain-related opportunities along the Belt-and-Road
markets including China.
The programme focuses exclusively on
Blockchain technology development and also other applications such as Smart
City solutions. The programme plans to start its worldwide recruitment in
August, with the official launch expected to
take place in November 2018.