Briefing Session on Health@InnoHK and AIR@InnoHK

I as Adjunct Professor in SEEM Dept., CityU attended the Briefing Session on Health@InnoHK and AIR@InnoHK organized by ITC on 6^th Nov 2018.  InnoHK is a major initiative of the HKSAR Government to develop Hong Kong as the hub for global research collaboration.  The Health@InnoHK will focus on all types of healthcare-related technologies, whereas the AIR@InnoHK will focus on the development of artificial intelligence and robotics technologies.  

I met Mr. Peter Fung (Former Chairman, HKSQ) and took a photo for memory.

Ms Annie Choi (Commissioner for Innovation and Technology) was the speaker of briefing session.  Firstly, she introduced InnoHK vision and mission.

Vision: Be the Hub for Global Research Collaboration.

Mission: Converge top-notch researchers from all over the world to conduct world-class and impactful collaborative researches.

Health@InnoHK and AIR@InnoHK clusters were located in Science Park Expansion Stage 1 (SPX1) to be opened in Q3/Q4, 2019.  A twin tower development providing R&D offices for start-up companies in with approx. 76,000 m2 GFA.

Then Ms. Annie Choi explained the admission criteria included:

i)                    Academic Standing & Research Achievements (e.g. global top ranking in relevant subjects and solid track record);

ii)                  Experience in Collaboration & Partnership (e.g. good track record in research collaboration);

iii)                Technological Adoption / Commercialization;

iv)                Research Programmes (See diagram below);

v)                  Expertise of the Research Laboratory (e.g. strong experience, expertise, network & time commitment);

vi)                Local Talent Development (e.g. strong commitment to nurturing local research talent);

vii)              Benefits / Contributions to the HK Community.

And then she mentioned Financial and Non-Financial Support in the InnoHK initiative.  For Financial support, collaborating institutions are non-profit-making entities (e.g. company limited by guarantee); and local institution must have a share of IP ownership.  Continuous compliance with all legal, regulatory, lease and funding requirements are mandatory.  The package included Capital Support, Operation Support, Research Support and Reimbursement to Collaborating Institutions.  An example was showed in the following diagram.

After that Ms. Choi stated Non-Financial Support including Infrastructure Support (mainly in Science Park), Talent Support (e.g. Technology Talent Admission Scheme), Startup Support (Incubation programmes in HKSTP & Cyberport).

Finally, she explained the governance of InnoHK included Governing Board and different committees.  

At the end, she described the content of proposal including Parent Institutions, Proposed Research Laboratory.  Q&A session arranged after the talk and many professors interested in the initiatives. 

Prof.Joseph JY Sung (沈祖堯) discussed how to collaborate with industries and commercialization research discovery.

Reference:

CityU SEEM Dept. Adjunct Professor - http://www.cityu.edu.hk/seem/staff-others.htm

ITC - https://www.itc.gov.hk/en/welcome.htm

20181011: Speech by CE at unveiling ceremony of "A Great Leap Towards Industry 4.0 - Now & Beyond" - https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201810/11/P2018101100541.htm