HONG KONG SAR – The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with 15 local tertiary institutions and supported by leading global tertiary institutions and organisations, today celebrated the 10th anniversary of its flagship international intercollegiate innovation and technology (I&T) event, Hong Kong Techathon+ (HK Techathon+) at Hong Kong Science Park. The occasion also marked the launch of the “Global University Innovation Network” (GUIN), a new initiative designed to deepen international collaboration among tertiary institutions, and further bolster Hong Kong’s position as an international talent and I&T hub.
Establishment of GUIN to Foster Global Innovation and Talent Exchange
The newly established GUIN is a collaborative effort between HKSTP and 15 local institutions: The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, The Education University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, and Tung Wah College.
GUIN is further supported by renowned universities, in the overseas including Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Social Sciences, The University of Queensland (Australia), The University of Newcastle (Australia), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (mainland China), Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Universiti Malaya (Malaysia), and Astana Business Campus of Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan).
The initiative aims to enhance innovation collaboration between Hong Kong and esteemed global institutions, facilitating cross-regional resource sharing, talent exchanges, and the commercialisation of R&D outcomes. GUIN will attract top-tier international I&T teams and startups to Hong Kong, further elevating the city’s position as the international talent and I&T hub.
Profess Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, remarked, “Hong Kong enjoys a unique advantage of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world, converging global innovation resources, including high-calibre talents. The Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. Over the past two years, we have attracted over 200 I&T enterprises with high potential and representativeness to set up or expand their businesses here. I encourage all the young talents to seize this opportunity to collaborate, innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible.”
Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “From a bold vision a decade ago, HK Techathon+ has evolved into a flagship Hong Kong and international intercollegiate I&T event, symbolising the collective commitment of HKSTP, our partnering institutions, and supporters in nurturing innovative talent. HKSTP has been committed to cultivate a vibrant I&T ecosystem, offering comprehensive support to young innovators – from ideation and R&D to business expansion. We look forward to seeing these young talents unleash their creativity and potential, becoming key drivers of Hong Kong’s I&T development and co-creating an exciting new chapter in our city’s innovation journey.”
Key initiatives Under GUIN:
1. Theme-based Global Incubation Programme
Leveraging the research strengths of Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions, this Programme attracts global innovation teams to conduct R&D and commercialisation activities locally. The Programme will develop in various academic sectors. The initial phase includes partnerships with the University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Dentistry to establish the “Global Hub for Future Dentistry” programme, and with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Optometry and InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research to launch the “Global Vision Tech Incubation” programme.
2. Talent Exchange Initiatives
Through HKSTP’s Global Internship Programme and industry academia research frameworks, overseas talents gain valuable practical experience and industry engagement opportunities. This summer alone, HKSTP welcomed over 200 interns from world-leading institutions – including 32 students from The University of Newcastle, Australia, partner of GUIN – to work with five startups in the Science Park on credit-bearing projects.HK Techathon+ Celebrates a Decade of Promoting Intercollegiate I&T Collaboration
Since its inception in July 2015, HK Techathon+ has grown significantly, attracting over 7,000 young innovators, generating more than 2,400 innovative projects, and nurturing hundreds of entrepreneurs and startups. Many alumni have gained global recognition, with several featured on the “Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia” list.
Since expanding into a global event in 2024, HK Techathon+ has welcomed participation from over 30 leading international institutions from mainland China, Taiwan, Macao, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, and the United States, including world renowned institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and The University of Queensland. This international platform enables local and overseas academic innovators and startups to exchange ideas, deepen their understanding of Hong Kong’s vibrant I&T ecosystem, and integrate seamlessly into the city’s innovation landscape.
