HKU and ASTRI join hands to expand R&D talent pool in Hong Kong to inject new impetus into development of innovation and technology

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and ASTRI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (September 19) for a closer cooperation in research and technology transfer, and in nurturing R&D talents for the future. Professor Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of HKU and Dr. Denis Yip, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, signed the MOU on behalf of both parties.

Under the agreement, HKU and ASTRI will determine their respective intellectual property rights and ownership of R&D results, so as to facilitate the commercialisation of joint R&D or implementation projects under the jurisdiction of both parties or affiliated institutions of HKU, shorten the research time of joint R&D projects, and effectively make use of resources to improve and increase the implementation of R&D results.

HKU and ASTRI will cooperate on a project basis to promote the exchange and development vision between them, including the determination of the contribution of each stakeholder in the development of R&D results, as well as the ownership, funding arrangements, project implementation responsibilities and intellectual property protection of R&D results of relevant joint projects, so as to explore opportunities for technology commercialisation with the intellectual property owned by both parties, and make the implementation and mass production of local R&D more effective.

HKU and ASTRI are cooperating to focus on and make good use of resources to improve the R&D quality, accelerate and improve the commercialization process, bring more practical technologies to the government, industry and society, and support Hong Kong to become a world-class smart city.

Professor Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of HKU, said: “I am delighted that HKU and ASTRI have signed the MOU. I believe that the in-depth cooperation between HKU and ASTRI will effectively combine the cross-disciplinary R&D strengths of both parties, seize more opportunities for technology transfer and commercialization of results, and nurture R&D talents in Hong Kong, which will be of great benefit to the development of I&T in Hong Kong and the entire region.”

Dr. Denis Yip, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, said: “In recent years, the SAR Government has invested a lot of resources to support the development of I&T and encourage youngsters to embark on the R&D road. The collaboration between ASTRI and HKU this time provides a better platform for aspirants. We allocate more resources to promote I&T and build Hong Kong into an I&T hub in the Asia-Pacific region.”

About the University of Hong Kong
Founded in 1911, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the first and oldest institution of higher education in Hong Kong. For over a century, the University has dedicated itself to creating knowledge, providing education, and serving society. Today, HKU has an established worldwide reputation for being a research-led comprehensive University with ten Faculties and a strong commitment to intellectual freedom, liberty and diversity. HKU has a proud record of academic recognition in researches through honours and awards received from both local and international bodies. HKU has been repeatedly awarded a significant share of competitive government research funding, including the General Research Fund, Areas of Excellence Scheme and Theme-based Research Scheme. The University strives to attract and nurture outstanding scholars through excellence and innovation in its research and knowledge exchange activities. Its research areas cover a wide range of issues with the aim of benefitting industries, businesses and the community. Regarded as Asia’s Global University, HKU brings together experts from diverse disciplines, partnering with prestigious universities and research institutes around the world. It has the most Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering of any local institution, and 139 HKU professoriate staff rank in the top 1% scientists worldwide according to ISI’s Essential Science Indicators.

HKU is in pursuit of teaching and learning excellence in a broad range of disciplines and professions. With the holistic design of the undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, along with award-winning teaching and learning resources and support, students at the University can fully develop intellectual and personal strengths while gaining lifelong learning opportunities to contribute to the community. Regarded as Asia’s Global University, HKU is a diverse community with over 33,000 students, including more than 13,000 students from 90 countries around the world, and over 67% of its professoriate staff are non-local. The University also strives to enhance students’ international exposure by offering overseas learning opportunities and connecting with more than 400 exchange partners in 47 countries. HKU has established a number of scholarships and awards to support students’ aspirations. It will continue to cultivate outstanding leaders and bring together young talents from all walks of life. For more information about the University, please visit www.hku.hk.

About ASTRI
Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research. ASTRI’s core R&D competence in various areas is grouped under four Technology Divisions: Trust and AI Technologies; Communications Technologies; IoT Sensing and AI Technologies and Integrated Circuits and Systems. It is applied across six core areas which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, Re-Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Digital Health, Application Specific Integrated Circuits and Metaverse.

Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research, I&T talents and received numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations as well as outstanding business and community contributions. As of 2021/22, ASTRI has transferred almost 1,250 technologies to the industry and has been granted over 1,000 patents in the Mainland, the US, and other countries. For more information, please visit www.astri.org.