Hong Kong science park's tie-up with hi-tech firms to boost city's innovation hub ambitions

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has signed partnerships with 11 advanced manufacturing enterprises as part of the city's push to become an innovation hub.

These hi-tech firms will set up their research and development centres, as well as operation and production bases at the HKSTP's Science Park and InnoPark. Science Park is the city's start-up hub, while InnoPark is the HKSTP's large-scale production space to boost technological innovation.

This will generate synergies with local businesses, research and higher education institutions to drive the development of diversified industrial chains and create Hong Kong's vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem, Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said at a signing ceremony on Friday.

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"These outstanding companies have chosen to set up their businesses and expand their advanced manufacturing operations in the city, which is a vote of confidence in Hong Kong's efforts to build an international innovation and technology hub," said Sun.

The enterprises, many of which are industry leaders, span sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, semiconductors, new energy vehicles and green energy, said Sun.

The overall investments of these firms will reach HK$14 billion (US$1.8 billion), which could generate more than 2,200 jobs, he added.

The 11 firms are Adaspace Technology, Advanced Isotopes Technology Asia, BeyonCa HK, China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong), Enpower Greentech, Henan Oriental Materials, Jacobson Pharma, Jiangsu National Chip Intelligence Equipment, Mission Information Technologies, Pudu Robotics HK and Unity Drive.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong (front row third from left) at an advanced manufacturing strategic partnership signing ceremony organised by the HKSTP on Friday. Photo: Xiaomei Chen alt=Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong (front row third from left) at an advanced manufacturing strategic partnership signing ceremony organised by the HKSTP on Friday. Photo: Xiaomei Chen>

Hong Kong has strong advantages in research and development (R&D) as well as talent, which can help Pudu Robotics' development of its pioneering technology, said founder and CEO Felix Zhang.

As Hong Kong is part of the Greater Bay Area, it can leverage the region's supply chain advantages, Zhang said. "We are very confident that we can help contribute to the development of Hong Kong as an advanced manufacturing hub."

Pudu Robotics will join HKSTP in August and will have about 100 R&D staff in Hong Kong in three years, Zhang said, adding that the firm will invest HK$500 million over the next three years to develop its technology.

The government has been actively bringing innovative technology companies from the mainland and overseas to Hong Kong, according to the innovation and technology minister.

"Over the last two years, we have negotiated with more than 100 innovation and technology companies to set up their business or expand in Hong Kong, including at least 20 industry-leading firms," said Sun.

"The government will [continue] to attract more enterprises to develop their business in Hong Kong, and accelerate the development of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre."

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright © 2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

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