#InnovationTech
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City I&T Grand Challenge: Hong Kong's Got I&T
To promote an innovation and technology (I&T) culture and enhance the application of I&T in the community, the second City I&T Grand Challenge, organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission together with the HKSTPC, was launched with the theme "Hong Kong's Got I&T". All sectors of the community are invited to put forward I&T solutions focusing on two subjects, namely "I&T for Nature (Yama)" and "I&T for Community (Community Wellness)", to enhance the experience of nature and create a caring society in Hong Kong. A series of workshops and other activities will also be held to promote a positive I&T atmosphere in the community. The City I&T Grand Challenge is open for submission from April 5 to May 16. Primary and secondary school students, local and non-local university and tertiary students as well as all sectors of the community are invited to participate. Winners in all groups will receive a cash prize and a trophy. Winners of the University/Tertiary Institute and Open groups will also have the opportunity to receive funding of up to HK$1 million for research and development and training to refine their I&T solutions for trials at designated venues such as government departments or public organisations.
The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer implemented the "IT Innovation Lab in Secondary Schools" Programme in the school year 2020/21, followed by the "Knowing More About IT" Programme in the school year 2021/22. The two programmes provide funding for publicly-funded secondary and primary schools to organise IT-related extra-curricular activities, with a view to fostering young students’ interest in I&T and spirit of scientific exploration at different learning stages and from an early age, enabling them to build a solid foundation for I&T knowledge. Sharing of the Participating Schools Appeal to Schools for Application Details and Application For more information, please refer to the programme website (https://www.it-lab.gov.hk/en/index.php). Should you have any queries, please contact the One-stop Support Centre.
HKSTP InnoCell provides a smart co-creation community for likeminded people
InnoCell is a smart living and co-creation space designed for I&T talents to spark collaboration within Hong Kong Science Park. All of the spaces are designed with a well-considered balance between aesthetics and functionality. InnoCell’s vision is to develop an I&T co-creation community where its values and structures align with its residents’ needs. At InnoCell, a new way of living has been created with a focus on a genuine sense of community, where the use of shared spaces and smart living technologies helps to build greater personal interaction and collaboration — resulting in a network of likeminded talents who inspire one another and have a positive impact. Eligibility Criteria The 17-storey InnoCell provides over 500 beds. Apart from the Science Park's company founders, Mainland or overseas employees, it is also open to visiting academics, scientists and technology talents. InnoCell’s monthly rent is set up to around 60% of the market price of a similar property in the neighbourhood. The maximum lease period is one year. Experience Innovative Smart Living with Four Types of Unit There are four types of units: THE SOLO, THE TWIN, THE SUITE and THE POWERHUB. THE POWERHUB, with eight individual studios plus a private working area, is an ideal space for a project team to assemble and brainstorm. THE POWERHUB THE SOLO It is not all work and no play at InnoCell. There is an approximately 30,000 sq ft common area that includes meeting rooms, a library area, and a gym, etc., offering tailored communal facilities for the residents. For admission and more information about InnoCell, please visit the website of HKSTP and InnoCell.
STEM Internship Scheme launched
In the 2020-21 Budget, the Financial Secretary has set aside $40 million to subsidise undergraduates and postgraduates taking STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programmes in universities funded by the University Grants Committee to enrol in short-term internships. The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) has set up under the Innovation and Technology Fund the STEM Internship Scheme to encourage STEM students to gain innovation and technology (I&T)-related work experience during their studies and to foster their interest in pursuing a career in I&T after graduation, so as to enlarge the local I&T talent pool. (The video is provided by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau's Facebook Page, click here for more stories) Eligibility of StudentsThe Scheme is open to undergraduates and postgraduates who are -1. local students in accordance with the classification by the Education Bureau for the purpose of admission to post-secondary programmes; and2. enrolling in one of the full-time STEM programmes offered by the eligible Universities. Internship PlacementsInternship places can be newly created or belong to existing in-house internship programmes of the companies/organisations. They have to meet the following requirements -1. local or non-local full-time placements with duration of at least four consecutive weeks; and2. offer meaningful I&T-related work, subject to the vetting of the universities. The Scheme has adopted a broad definition of I&T under which an internship place will be regarded as I&T-related as long as its actual work contains I&T elements (e.g. technology-related intellectual property work, digital marketing, data analysis for the manufacturing industry, etc.). Participating employers may pay a monthly honorarium during the internship period on top of the allowance under the Scheme. They have full discretion in determining the honorarium level with reference to their internal policies, industry benchmarks or market rates. Allowance and FundingThe student interns will receive the allowance subject to the arrangements of individual universities. The allowance for each student intern under the Scheme will be HK$10,500 per month, with a cap as prescribed by individual universities, but not more than three months in every academic year. ITC will disburse the funding to the universities on a reimbursement basis. Application Procedures and ArrangementsIndividual universities have prescribed their respective application procedures and arrangements. Interested students and employers are welcomed to approach the following universities -The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - Career CenterTel: (852) 2358 6688Email: careercenter@ust.hkThe University of Hong Kong - The Centre of Development and Resources for StudentsTel: (852) 3917 2317Email: stem@cedars.hku.hkThe Chinese University of Hong Kong - Ms Zoe FongTel: (852) 3943 9639Email: zoefong@cuhk.edu.hk The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Mr KK Ng (Employer matters)Tel: (852) 2766 4651Email: kk.ng@polyu.edu.hkThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Miss Genette Cheung (Scheme details and application)Tel: (852) 3400 3121Email: genette.cheung@polyu.edu.hk City University of Hong Kong - Miss Cherry ChongTel: (852) 3442 4481Email: cherry.chong@cityu.edu.hk Hong Kong Baptist University - Miss Penny Lo (Career Centre)Tel: (852) 3411 5278Email: pennylo@hkbu.edu.hkThe Education University of Hong Kong - Career Development ServiceTel: (852) 2948 6246Email: careerservice@eduhk.hk Please visit ITC website for more details.
The 2022-23 Budget - I&T Highlights
There are a number of measures to enhance economic resilience and enrich industrial development in the 2022-23 Budget. We have summarised measures related to Innovation and Technology Development for your reference. 1️. Set up $5 Billion “Strategic Tech Fund” Invest in local and non-local sizeable tech enterprises with growth potential, and which are of strategic value to HK, to attract them to come to or expand in HK, or to develop strategic partnerships with HK tech enterprises 2️. Increase funding for Technology Start‑up Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU) Double the annual funding from 8 million to $16 million for each university The additional funding will provide further grants to TSSSU beneficiaries, on a 1:1 matching basis with private investments Each start‑up may receive an annual grant of up to $1.5 million for a maximum of 3 years 3️. Further strengthen our Life and Health Scientific Research Earmark $10 billion for life and health research To support hardware, research talent, clinical trials, and data application To enhance our capacity & capability in life and health scientific research, and set up the “InnoLife Healthtech Hub”, so as to develop a better industrial chain 4️. Promote Research and Development Double the funding for State Key Labs & HK Branches of Chinese National Engineering Research Centres To increase total annual funding to $440 million 5️. Promote Technology Adoption Set aside $600M for a comprehensive e‑Govt Audit Better use of IT (eg Cloud Computing, Big Data, AI, Blockchain) to promote & enhance digital Govt services Source: Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau HK Facebook Page
Inno-dictionary: “Supply Chain”
“Incubators" & "Accelerators” Definition: Supply chain refers to various units involved in the production and sales procedures, including raw material suppliers, producers, distributors, retailers and end consumers. More information: With funding from the Innovation and Technology Fund, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region founded the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM) in 2006. Since its inception, LSCM’s mission has been to foster the development of core competencies in logistics and supply chain related technologies in Hong Kong, and to facilitate the adoption of these technologies by industries in Hong Kong as well as Mainland China. Please visit https://www.lscm.hk/ for further information. Source: Talent.gov.hk, LSCM The “Inno-dictionary” series aims to facilitate startup newbies to understand the jargons related to entrepreneurship as well as innovation and technology.
Inno-dictionary: “Incubators" & "Accelerators”
“Incubators" & "Accelerators” Definition: Incubators are organisations which help startups to overcome business challenges and achieve stable development by providing various assistance including mentoring and co-working spaces. Accelerators refer to programmes that aim at assisting startups to achieve rapid business growth. They would usually provide assistance such as funding support and workshops to help startups to connect with large enterprises and attract investments. More information: According to InvestHK’s 2021 Startup Survey, the total number of locations of co-working spaces, incubators and accelerators has doubled from 62 in 2017 to 124 in 2021 despite the challenges brought by the epidemic. For more information on incubation and acceleration programmes, please visit Startmeup.hk. Source: Talent.gov.hk, Startmeup.hk The “Inno-dictionary” series aims to facilitate startup newbies to understand the jargons related to entrepreneurship as well as innovation and technology.
Landslide Sci-Tech Chamber in drainage tunnel
In 2021, two tropical cyclones, Lionrock and Kompasu, hit Hong Kong one after another. As we know, with heavy rainfall always comes a bigger risk of landslides. In 1972, the catastrophic landslide at Po Shan Road in the Mid-Levels shattered a number of buildings, including the 12-storey Kotewall Court, and took away 67 lives. Afterwards, the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) under the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) implemented a series of landslip prevention and mitigation works in the Po Shan area, among which was the Po Shan Drainage Tunnel. Completed in 2009, the Po Shan Drainage Tunnel reduces the risk of major landslides by controlling the groundwater levels with innovative technology and becomes one of the most iconic landslip prevention and mitigation projects in Hong Kong. Besides, to convey the importance of slope safety to the public, the Landslide Sci-Tech Chamber has been set up by the GEO in the tunnel. Innovative groundwater regulation systemGiven that the Po Shan area was prone to high groundwater levels, making it susceptible to landslides, the GEO designed and built the Po Shan Drainage Tunnel in 2009, it uses an innovative and sustainable groundwater regulation system to control the groundwater levels, replacing the ageing horizontal drains installed in the 1980s. Geotechnical Engineering Graduate of the GEO, Miss Ip Ching-tung, Gloria, tells us that the Po Shan Drainage Tunnel comprises a pair of drainage tunnels (3.5m in diameter and 500m in total length) and 172 sub-vertical drains (with the longest being 100m) installed with the technique of “up-the-hole hammering” inside the narrow tunnels. It is also equipped with an automatic real-time groundwater monitoring system. When the groundwater reaches a relatively high level in times of intense rainfall, the system will alert colleagues with text messages and automatically regulate the switches to keep the groundwater levels within a specified range, thereby improving the stability of the hillside against large-scale landslides to safeguard public safety.Retractable Tunnel Boring MachineMiss Gloria Ip says that, apart from adopting the “up-the-hole hammering” technique for the first time in Hong Kong, project staff introduced a Retractable Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for boring the two drainage tunnels. After boring one of the tunnels, the TBM retracted to its original position to bore the other tunnel. A receiving shaft at the tunnel end to retrieve the boring machine was no longer needed. The adoption of this innovative technique shortened the time required to bore the tunnels to four months and also greatly reduced the environmental impact of the project.Landslide Sci-Tech ChamberThe GEO has set up the Landslide Sci-Tech Chamber in the uniquely designed Po Shan Drainage Tunnel, with guided tours to educate the public on the importance of slope safety. The chamber is divided into galleries of different themes, e.g. the Po Shan Memorial Gallery, which exhibits historical photos and records of the Po Shan Road landslide incident, reminding the public of the tragedy and the lesson learned; the Climate Change Impression Gallery, which illustrates how global warming has led to more extreme rainstorms, and explains the importance of sustained effort to ensure slope safety under extreme weather. Incorporating STEM education elementsAssistant Geotechnical Engineer of the GEO, Mr Fung Yat-fan, Dominic, adds that STEM education and interactive elements are incorporated into the chamber to make the guided activities more fun. For example, the Landslide Wisdom Gallery makes use of video clips to help participants revisit the history of landslides in Hong Kong of more than a century as well as the development of the Hong Kong Slope Safety System; the Drainage Tunnel Expression Gallery utilises Augmented Reality (AR) to visualise the operation of sub-vertical drains and introduce the innovative technology of the groundwater regulation system.Booking a guided tourTwo students who have earlier taken part in the guided tour describe their feelings about the visit to the Landslide Sci-Tech Chamber, remarking that it has been quite a new experience, such as seeing first-hand how the system works to monitor the groundwater levels in real time and to lower the levels automatically and manually. They also got a close look at the “robotic dog” and learned how the GEO mitigates the risks of landslides using innovative technology. The Landslide Sci-Tech Chamber is now open to the public, schools and organisations for guided tours; reservations can be made through the GEO’s Hong Kong Slope Safety website. For those of you who are interested, don’t miss this out! Stay alert to landslide risksClimate change gives rise to extreme weather, making landslide prevention and mitigation even more challenging. As Head of GEO, Dr Cheung Wai-man, Raymond, says, they hope that the guided tours can educate the younger generation on the history of landslides in Hong Kong, keeping them alert to the risks, and that the public can better understand how colleagues in the GEO eagerly utilise technology to manage the risks of landslides. Certainly, the public should stay away from slopes during a rainstorm or when a landslip warning is in force; and it is the responsibility of owners to carry out timely maintenance of private slopes and retaining walls as prevention. (The video is in Cantonese) (The video is provided by Development Bureau)
Adoption of innovation and technology to enhance slope safety management
The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) under the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) recently held the “Innotech Forum on Geotechnology”, providing a platform for industry practitioners to exchange views on the application of innovation and technology in geotechnical engineering. Held via video conferencing due to the epidemic, the forum got the attention of about 1 000 participants including technology personnel, academics and industry practitioners from around the world. This time, some of the staff members of the GEO tell us about the forum and share with us how to adopt innovation and technology to enhance slope safety management for landslip prevention and mitigation.Highlight of the forum – Artificial IntelligenceAfter the “Innotech Forum on Geotechnology” in 2018 and 2019, the Government organised the forum for the third time this year. Deputy Head of GEO (Island), Mr Cheung Ping-yip, says that the forum aimed at encouraging wider adoption of innovation and technology in the geotechnical engineering industry so as to enhance productivity, uplift quality and efficiency and improve practitioners’ safety. One of the highlights of the forum was artificial intelligence (AI). As big data is the main driving force behind AI, the scale and speed of data release are crucial for Hong Kong’s development into a smart city. The GEO has already released 17 sets of spatial data for public use, including 3-dimensional (3D) laser remote sensing survey data, and data on registered man-made slopes and historical landslide catchments. Hot topic at the Forum – Robot dogAnother hot topic at the forum was the GEO’s recent introduction of the robot dog developed by Boston Dynamics. Mr Cheung Ping-yip says that according to the presentation by the responsible officer of the IT company at the forum, special training in mobility is provided to the robot dog with AI to enable it to recognise the surroundings and avoid trees and other obstacles. With such functions, the robot dog can go deep into landslip sites or terrains not accessible to works staff to conduct surveys at rugged hillsides or under harsh environments. The robot dog is equipped with data collection equipment. Coupled with 5G transmission technology, the equipment can send real-time images taken onsite to engineers to facilitate data analysis so that they can assess the risks of the slopes more quickly and formulate mitigation measures. Digital rock joint surveysBesides, through this forum, the GEO hopes to encourage the industry to use digital technology as its commonly used tool to carry out rock joint (i.e. gaps on rock slopes) surveys and analysis. According to Geotechnical Engineer of the GEO, Mr Leung Wai-kin, if a survey is conducted in a traditional approach, i.e. placing a compass close to a rock joint, vegetation on the rock slope needs to be cleared and temporary scaffolding needs to be erected before the survey can be carried out. Apart from the time and money that have to be spent, there are also safety concerns. Currently, there are many advanced remote sensing technologies that can be used to collect topographic data and provide information such as dip orientation and dip angle of rock joints. For example, by scanning with a handheld laser scanner or combining hundreds to thousands of photos through photogrammetry, a 3D digital model can be formed, with which a computer can be used to analyse the stability of a rock slope. This approach is more effective than the traditional survey method and can be done day or night, rain or shine. Automation of slope engineering designRegarding engineering design, Geotechnical Engineer of the GEO, Mr Cheung Ka-chun, Billy, says that the GEO proactively adopts Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology to enhance the accuracy, flexibility and efficiency of planning and design. Quoting a rigid debris-resisting barrier at Shek Pai Wan of Aberdeen as an example, he says that engineers can utilise a digital topographical model and geological data at the design stage to effectively carry out landslide risk assessment and landslide debris mobility analysis. Meanwhile, the GEO has developed a set of computer scripts to optimise the design layout and reduce the amount of earthwork automatically so as to minimise the environmental and visual impacts induced by the barrier. Mr Billy Cheung says that the digital and automatic design workflows can facilitate the understanding of the 3D site environment in advance. When design changes are needed during construction, such workflows, coupled with the Digital Twin technology, will enable engineers to revise the design quickly so as to achieve the objectives of optimising the design, improving the construction workflows, enhancing cost-effectiveness, etc.Adopting technology to enhance project efficiencyThe rainy season generally starts in April in Hong Kong; the Government will not underestimate the devastating effects of rainstorms and will continue to adopt innovation and technology to enhance the quality and economic efficiency of the design of landslip prevention and mitigation works. Meanwhile, private slope owners have the responsibility to maintain their slopes or retaining walls on a regular basis to keep hazards at bay. (The video is in Cantonese) (The video is provided by Development Bureau)
2021 Policy Address – Building a Bright Future Together
There are a number of measures to support Hong Kong to strive ahead with renewed perseverance and plan for the future in the Policy Address 2021. We have summarised measures related to Youth Development and Innovation and Technology for your reference: Youth Development Invite the Youth Development Commission to explore the introduction of a new funding scheme to subsidise eligible NGOs to organise projects that are conducive to nurturing young people’s positive thinking Establish more effective channels to gauge the views of young people of different backgrounds in order to better meet their needs in areas such as education, career pursuits, housing, upward mobility and development of their potential Introduce measures, including the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the GBA Youth Employment Scheme, to support the development of Hong Kong young people in the Mainland, as well as support for enhancing various Mainland internship and exchange programmes Regularise the Member Self‑recommendation Scheme for Youth, under which young people aged between 18 and 35 are recruited on a regular basis to participate in government advisory committee For details on the measures related to Youth Development, please refer to the Facebook page of the Home Affairs Bureau. Innovation and Technology Develop the San Tin Technopole Strengthen the development of the Eastern Knowledge and Technology Corridor Build landmark Innovation and Technology (I&T) facilities in Lau Fau Shan Reserve land for The University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong for research use Start planning for the construction of the second Advanced Manufacturing Centre Set up an InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Hong Kong‑Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Lok Ma Chau Loop Set up a dedicated fund to encourage local researchers to participate in national research and development projects Explore collaboration between the Hospital Authority (HA) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation on the use of the HA’s clinical data for research and development Continue to implement the Global STEM Professorship Scheme and other talent-nurturing schemes Establish incubator networks in the GBA campuses of Hong Kong universities Set up the GBA InnoAcademy Set up the GBA InnoExpress to to nurture start ups and support I&T enterprises to go global and attract foreign investment Explore the extension of the Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduates to cover graduates of Hong Kong universities’ GBA campuses so as to facilitate the flow of talents within the GBA Expand the Innovation and Technology Bureau into the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau to support the development of re-industrialisation For details on the measures related to the I&T development so as to integrate into the national and GBA development, please refer to the Facebook page of the Innovation and Technology Bureau. After the delivery of Policy Address, the Innovation and Technology Bureau continued to engage stakeholders on the I&T initiatives, which some startups agreed that the measures would bring benefits to the I&T development in Hong Kong. Let’s take a look at the sharing video below to know more! (The video is in Chinese only) The Policy Address Supplement used more infographics to make the document more readable and listed out those ongoing and new initiatives. You may wish to refer to the following chapters of the Supplement - Chapter V - Unlimited Business OpportunitiesChapter VII - Nurturing TalentChapter VIII - Caring Society
Maximum of HK$8300 subsidy for work placement in "Digital Tech Recruits" Scheme
Cyberport, the Labour Department and Employees Retraining Board (ERB) have joined hands to present digital talent cultivation programme “Digital Tech Recruits”.This scheme aims to provide 100 tech-related work placements, provided by Cyberport community companies, to ERB trainees who have completed or are currently enrolled in "Innovation and Technology" training courses. The scheme facilitates trainees of the ERB to apply their knowledge and gain practical experience working in I&T companies, matching the needs for digital tech and I&T talents in the labour market and bringing more human resources to the industry. Participants of the Digital Tech Recruits will be matched with Cyberport community companies according to the “ABCDE” training courses they took (the mnemonic “ABCDE” stands for Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Big Data and eCommerce). During the placement, participating companies will provide participants with on-the-job training, and assign an experienced staff member to be their mentor. Upon completion of the 30-day placement, each participant can receive a maximum of HK$8300 subsidy, and part of the amount will be covered by the participating companies. In addition, Cyberport Academy will work with the community companies to organise career orientation and technology skills training, providing a complete career development path in the I&T industry for participants to consider. For the vacancies of the tech-related work placements, please visit the website of iTalent.
Inno-dictionary: What is GP / LP?
“GP, LP” Definition: The help from a venture capital fund (VC) may be needed for business development during the prototype stage of a start-up. A VC is formed by GPs (General Partners) and LPs (limited partners). GP (General Partner): A GP is responsible for the practical operation of a VC which include planning investment directions and recruiting LP to provide funding. When sufficient funding is raised, a GP will search for investment projects and “add value” to the selected ventures, such as expanding their network. A GP is entitled to receive a 1.5-2.5% management fee on an annual basis from the total investment of the VC. When the VC withdraw from a profited investment, a GP may receive a share profit of over 20% of the investment return; if the investment of the VC recorded a good performance, a GP may even receive an amount of 30% or more. The shared amount is also called carried interest. LP (Limited Partner): A LP is mainly an institutional investor. Usually he/she is required to identify himself/herself under the “Securities and Futures (Professional Investor) Ordinance”, which means he/she owns an investment portfolio of not less than HK$8 million (please refer to the webpage of Investor and Financial Education Council for more information). More information: The limited partnership fund (“LPF”) regime is introduced on 31 August 2020 to attract investment funds (including private equity and venture capital funds) to set up and register in the form apart from limited partnership in Hong Kong. An eligible fund should have one general partner and at least one limited partner. The LegCo has also passed a bill in April 2021 to provide tax concessions for carried interest distributed by eligible private equity (“PE”) funds operating in Hong Kong. For more information on VCs, please visit Startmeup.hk. Source: Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau Facebook Page, Company Registry, news.gov.hk Published by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau Facebook Page, the “Inno-dictionary” series aims to facilitate startup newbies to understand the jargons related to entrepreneurship as well as innovation and technology.
Inno-dictionary: "Series A, B Investments"
"Series A, B Investments" Definition: Series A investment usually refers to the first investment a startup received from institutional investors after the stage of seed / angel investment. The startup would have developed a product prototype at this stage, yet it may usually generate limited revenue or zero profit. Series B investment refers to the second investment received from institutional investors. The startup would usually expand its business or market share, and develop a better business and profit model. Nevertheless, the definitions of Series A and B investments vary across industries and areas, and may change according to market conditions. More information: HKSTP Ventures and Cyberport Macro Fund provides investments to nurture early-to-growth stage startups. As announced in the 2021-22 Budget, $350 million and $200 million will be injected into the two Funds respectively and their scope will be extended to cover Series B and later stage investments. For more information on institutional investors, please visit Startmeup.hk. Source: Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau Facebook Page Published by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau Facebook Page, the “Inno-dictionary” series aims to facilitate startup newbies to understand the jargons related to entrepreneurship as well as innovation and technology.
Inno-dictionary: “Angel Investors”
“Angel Investors” Definition: “Angel Investors” are people who provide angel investments to potential startups. Angel investors provide not only funding but also business networks and operational experiences and advices to startups. Etymology: Why would the term “angel” be used for “angel investors”? The jargon “angel” originally comes from the Broadway theatre, which was used to describe investors for theatrical productions. In 1978, Professor William Wetzel in the U.S. began using the word “angel investors” to describe individuals who provide funding support for startups. More information: Investment Matching Gatherings (IMGs) are held frequently by Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks and Cyberport to connect angel investors and entrepreneurs. For more information on angel investors, please visit Startmeup.hk. Source: Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau Facebook Page Published by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau Facebook Page, the “Inno-dictionary” series aims to facilitate startup newbies to understand the jargons related to entrepreneurship as well as innovation and technology.
Cyberport Academy: Free Resources for Entrepreneurs
It’s easy to start your own business with Cyberport! The Cyberport Academy has launched a new online platform which connects the world's top technology learning resources and offers a wide range of enrichment courses, training programmes and internship opportunities for students, teachers, youth, entrepreneurs and practitioners from all walks of industries. Check out the four useful resources below from the platform! Free Online Learning Tools Provided in Partnership with World Class Platforms The Academy partners with global technology giants AWS, IBM and Microsoft to offer a free online learning portal "AIM for Students". Secondary school students and university students can keep themselves updated with latest technology trends and knowledge, while teachers can embrace EdTech by utilising the platform to create an interactive learning environment. Free Online Entrepreneurship Learning Platform The online portal is connected to the Startup School of Y Combinator, a leading start-up accelerator in the United States. Start-ups can get chances to connect with internationally renowned start-ups such as Airbnb, Stripe and Coin base, and get access to free entrepreneurial advice and consultations. Certificate courses and workshops Provide recognised training programmes and courses including accredited programmes, special short courses, seminars, workshops, delegations, etc. The programmes cover areas in innovation and technology including FinTech and Smart Living with the aim to provide students with credible qualifications and level hierarchy recognition. Talent cultivation programmes Cyberport Academy provides internships and career opportunities, including collaborating with faculties in various tertiary institutions and encourages university students to participate in multi-disciplinary credit-bearing externship programmes to gain hands-on experience in managing start-ups. There are also internships and entrepreneurial activities such as Cyberport Digital Tech Internship Programme and Cyberport University Partnership Programme. The Academy also holds annual Career Fair to further connect the I&T industry with job seekers and cultivate tech talents. Please stay tuned for the latest updates on the official website of Cyberport.
[Chang’e 5 series #3] Innovation and Technology in Hong Kong
In last episode of the Chang'e 5 series, Professor YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, talks about the development of Innovation and Technology in Hong Kong. (The video is broadcasted in Cantonese) For details about PolyU-made space instruments complete lunar sampling for Chang’e 5, please visit the PolyU website. (Content and video of this story are provided by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau's Facebook Page, click here for more stories) Know more about Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University PolyU ISE (Industrial and Systems Engineering)https://www.polyu.edu.hk/iseBEng (Hons) Scheme in Product and Industrial Engineering (JUPAS Code: JS3557)https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ise/pieBSc (Hons) Scheme in Logistics and Enterprise Engineering (JUPAS Code: JS3571)https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ise/lee
[Chang’e 5 series #2] No second chance for the lunar sampling!
(Reference: China`s Chang e 4 lunar probe landed on the surface of the moon.) Talking about the challenges of the Chang'e 5 project, Professor YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) said, “As our system needed to operate on the sun-facing side of the Moon where the ground temperatures could be as high as 110 degree Celsius, this innovation had to be highly sophisticated and capable of functioning under extremely high temperatures. It also needed to withstand the extreme space environment during travel to and landing on the Moon which meant enduring impact and shock during lift-offs and landings, high vacuum on the moon, exposure to solar wind and cosmic rays, as well as high-speed re-entry to Earth’s atmosphere.”“To meet the limited payload requirement, we had to be innovative in our mechanism design and be stringent in weight control. For example, the two samplers are more than a tool to acquire lunar regolith. They are also used to pick up and move the sample container from the lander to the ascender atop,” Professor Yung continued.(The video is broadcasted in Cantonese) For details about PolyU-made space instruments complete lunar sampling for Chang’e 5, please visit the PolyU website. (Content and video of this story are provided by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau's Facebook Page, click here for more stories) Know more about Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University PolyU ISE (Industrial and Systems Engineering)https://www.polyu.edu.hk/iseBEng (Hons) Scheme in Product and Industrial Engineering (JUPAS Code: JS3557)https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ise/pieBSc (Hons) Scheme in Logistics and Enterprise Engineering (JUPAS Code: JS3571)https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ise/lee
(Image source: City I&T Grand Challenge website) Will you be Hong Kong’s next GREAT INNOVATOR? Anyone can be an innovator, whether you are a student, employee, entrepreneur or retiree. The City I&T Grand Challenge Hong Kong invites you to help transform the future of Hong Kong, one idea at a time. If you enjoy tackling big picture issues, discovering creative solutions and moving the city forward into the future, the Grand Challenge is the perfect place for you to put your creativity and innovative skills to the test. Winners will have the chance to receive mentorship and shadow startups and advisors. Selected projects may even be productised, featured in exhibitions and roadshows, and enter incubation programmes!Ready to bring your ideas to life and help alleviate Hong Kong’s imminent challenges? Get involved now.Tools & Tips 101 No ideas where to start yet? The training videos below and the "Tools and Tips 101" aim to equip you with the critical soft skills and knowledge to get started with your idea development for the Grand Challenge.Watch the videos to learn more about the two sub-themes – Environmental Sustainability and Social Connectivity, the principles of Design Thinking and Lean Canvas Model to develop your ideas and combine innovative technologies with design ideas to imagine and create new opportunities and embark on your innovation journey! "Tools and Tips 101" for University / Tertiary Institute & Open Group
[City I&T Grand Challenge Hong Kong] Tools and Tips 101 (for Secondary School Group)
(Image source: City I&T Grand Challenge website) Will you be Hong Kong’s next GREAT INNOVATOR? Anyone can be an innovator, whether you are a student, employee, entrepreneur or retiree. The City I&T Grand Challenge Hong Kong invites you to help transform the future of Hong Kong, one idea at a time. If you enjoy tackling big picture issues, discovering creative solutions and moving the city forward into the future, the Grand Challenge is the perfect place for you to put your creativity and innovative skills to the test. Winners will have the chance to receive mentorship and shadow startups and advisors. Selected projects may even be productised, featured in exhibitions and roadshows, and enter incubation programmes!Ready to bring your ideas to life and help alleviate Hong Kong’s imminent challenges? Get involved now.Tools & Tips 101 No ideas where to start yet? The training videos below and the "Tools and Tips 101" aim to equip you with the critical soft skills and knowledge to get started with your idea development for the Grand Challenge.Watch the videos to learn more about the two sub-themes – Environmental Sustainability and Social Connectivity, the principles of Design Thinking and Lean Canvas Model to develop your ideas and combine innovative technologies with design ideas to imagine and create new opportunities and embark on your innovation journey! "Tools and Tips 101" for Secondary School Group
Will you be Hong Kong’s next great innovator?
The City I&T Grand Challenge believes that anyone, regardless of age, can be an innovator to transform the future of Hong Kong! Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission together with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the first City I&T Grand Challenge will be launched. In light of the new normal under the epidemic, the theme of the competition this year is “Innovating for Hong Kong’s New Normal”. All sectors of the community are invited to develop innovative smart solutions to tackle problems facing by the city and people in their daily lives as well as to make Hong Kong a more sustainable, connected and efficient city. Participants are invited to submit innovative solutions to tackle one of the following focused issues: “environmental sustainability” or “social connectivity”. Participants are required to address the environmental problems arise from disposable plastic tableware and household food waste, and the physical and social well-being of senior citizens and children under the new normal of social distancing and distant learning. (The video is broadcasted in Cantonese) The Challenge is open to various participant categories including Primary School, Secondary School, University / Tertiary Institute, and Open Group. Each proposal will be evaluated based on its originality, uniqueness and effectiveness, application of innovation and technology, as well as social benefits and impact. Winners will be awarded a cash prize and a trophy. For the winners of the University and Open categories, they will also have a chance to receive R&D resources and training for refining their I&T solutions for trying at a designated venue such as a government department or a public organisation. The Challenge is open for application from today till 30 June 2021. For further details on the Challenge and registration method, please visit the official website. A host of workshops, seminars and training activities will also be organised to introduce knowledge on technologies and entrepreneurship as well as topical daily life issues. All are welcome to join.
[Chang’e 5 series #1] Why the lunar sampling is related to Hong Kong?
In support of the Nation’s first lunar sample return mission, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) developed and manufactured one of the key systems for this historic undertaking, namely the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology. The PolyU-developed system accomplished the tasks of automatic sample collection and packaging on the lunar surface following the soft landing of the Chang’e 5 probe on 1 December 2020. Chang'e-5 is the world’s first lunar-sample return mission in more than 40 years, aiming to bring back a large amount of lunar samples of up to two kilograms via robotic means. The probe adopts two methods of moon surface sampling: one uses a robotic arm for multiple-point surface sample collections, and the other is to drill underground. The team led by Professor YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU, was tasked in 2011 to develop the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, a comprehensive system for lunar surface sampling, packaging and sealing. (The video is broadcasted in Cantonese) For details about PolyU-made space instruments complete lunar sampling for Chang’e 5, please visit the PolyU website. (Content and video of this story are provided by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau's Facebook Page, click here for more stories) Know more about Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University PolyU ISE (Industrial and Systems Engineering)https://www.polyu.edu.hk/iseBEng (Hons) Scheme in Product and Industrial Engineering (JUPAS Code: JS3557)https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ise/pieBSc (Hons) Scheme in Logistics and Enterprise Engineering (JUPAS Code: JS3571)https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ise/lee
2020 Policy Address - Striving Ahead with Renewed Perseverance
Following 2019's social unrest and amid the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, there are a number of measures to support Hong Kong to strive ahead with renewed perseverance in the Policy Address 2020. We have made reference to the "Highlights - Striving Ahead with Renewed Perseverance" leaflet and summarised measures related to education, entrepreneurship and career pursuit for your reference: Quality Education Enhance moral, civic and national education, as well as strengthen education on the Constitution, the Basic Law and national security Reform the liberal studies subject in the senior secondary curriculum Enhance the training of teachers upon appointment, during service and before promotion to enhance their quality Set aside $2 billion under the Quality Education Fund to launch a three-year programme to support e-learning and to ensure that students from disadvantaged families will enjoy equal learning opportunities Support the provision of new teaching facilities and a student hostel for the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Youth Development Launch the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), under which subsidies will be provided for about 200 youth start-ups, and earmark $100 million under the Youth Development Fund for this purpose Launch the GBA Youth Employment Scheme under which enterprises operating business in both Hong Kong and the GBA Mainland cities will be provided with subsidies to recruit and deploy local university graduates to work in the GBA Mainland cities with a quota of 2 000 Creating Employment In addition to providing about 10 000 civil service job openings and creating about 30 000 time-limited jobs under the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund (of which over 11 000 jobs are suitable for university graduates) this financial year, the Government will create more sector-specific job opportunities, covering environmental protection, construction and engineering, innovation and technology, property management, legal, creative industries, etc., for young people graduating in recent years Provide 20 000 places with training allowance under the Employees Retraining Board's new tranche of the Love Upgrading Special Scheme to be implemented in January 2021 for six months International Innovation and Technology Hub Jointly develop the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone with Shenzhen, and explore with Shenzhen government the idea of allowing the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation to lease and manage certain areas of the Innovation and Technology Zone in Futian, Shenzhen, before the completion of the first batch of research and development (R&D) buildings in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park at the Lok Ma Chau Loop Launch a five-year Global STEM Professorship Scheme at a cost of $2 billion to attract outstanding R&D talent from overseas to engage in R&D work in Hong Kong Release the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0 in December 2020 with more than 130 smart city initiatives Launch the iAM Smart one-stop service platform in December 2020 for the delivery of a number of government and public utility electronic services The Policy Address Supplement used more infographics to make the document more readable and listed out those ongoing and new initiatives. You may wish to refer to the following chapters of the Supplement - Chapter V - Unlimited Business OpportunitiesChapter VII - Nurturing TalentChapter VIII - Caring Society