The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has launched a new international initiative to foster deeper collaboration between universities and support global tech innovation.
Announced during the 10th anniversary of its flagship intercollegiate innovation event, Hong Kong Techathon+, the new ‘Global University Innovation Network (GUIN)‘ brings together local tertiary institutions and partners from across Asia, Australia and beyond.
The goal is to facilitate cross-border research, student exchanges, and commercialisation of research, bolstering Hong Kong’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for innovation and talent.
What GUIN aims to do
The GUIN is designed to connect universities across regions through shared innovation programmes, startup incubation and student exchange. Led by HKSTP and supported by 15 Hong Kong-based universities, the network also includes international institutions from Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, mainland China, Thailand and Kazakhstan.
Initial programmes under GUIN focus on research-driven commercialisation. These include the Global Hub for Future Dentistry, launched in partnership with the University of Hong Kong and Global Vision Tech Incubation, developed with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Both initiatives aim to attract international research teams to Hong Kong and turn academic breakthroughs into viable products or businesses.
Talent mobility is also a core focus. Through HKSTP’s global internship framework, GUIN will bring international students to Hong Kong-based startups and research centres. This summer alone, over 200 interns from overseas universities, including 32 from the University of Newcastle in Australia, are working with local startups on credit-bearing projects.
Unique advantage
Profess Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said: “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.”
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, also added: “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.”
Source: https://thefintechtimes.com/
