HKSAR gov't launches 3rd InnoHK research cluster

HONG KONG, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Tuesday held the third InnoHK research cluster launch ceremony, marking an important milestone in Hong Kong's journey to become an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub.

The new cluster, namely SEAM@InnoHK, focuses on four frontier technology fields, including sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing, and materials. Eight research centers, led by renowned local and overseas universities and research institutions, have been approved for admission to the cluster, with total HKSAR government funding support of around 2.5 billion Hong Kong dollars (about 318.8 million U.S. dollars).

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Sun Dong, secretary for innovation, technology and industry of the HKSAR government, said that by integrating advanced technologies into local industries, the third research cluster demonstrates the HKSAR government's unwavering commitment to promoting real-world applications of research outcomes with a view to accelerating Hong Kong's development into an international I&T center.

InnoHK is a flagship international I&T initiative of the HKSAR government, aimed at bringing together world-class institutions and local universities to establish research centers in Hong Kong. The HKSAR government has invested 10 billion Hong Kong dollars to successfully set up two major platforms -- Health@InnoHK, focusing on healthcare technology, and AIR@InnoHK, focusing on AI and robotics technology. (1 Hong Kong dollar equals 0.13 U.S. dollars)