The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) recently announced the official opening of HKSTP-HKU iAXON (iAXON), the HKSTP Western District Hub aimed at aiding and nurturing deep technology start-ups and spin-offs from HKU.
iAXON is a 4,000 square feet facility located at Pacific Plaza, 410 Des Voeux Road West, in the Western District, adjacent to the HKU campus.
The facility hosts deep technology start-ups founded by HKU students, faculty members, staff and alumni that are currently doing academic research at the university and planning to translate the knowledge into commercialised research and development (R&D) results.
HKU deep technology start-ups, established on many years of research excellence at the University and under intellectual property rights protection, are playing an increasingly important role in generating local and global impact. Currently, most of HKU’s deep technology start-ups are based at Science Park in Shatin.
This collaboration allows HKSTP to extend its footprint beyond its current premises as well as its comprehensive support to the admitted start-ups. For the start-ups, it will provide them with an office space close to campus and the ability to leverage university’s resources such as talents, professional knowledge as well as R&D capabilities, to facilitate better cross-discipline knowledge sharing and tap into HKSTP’s incubation support services. The start-ups will also have access to the Hong Kong government’s various talent schemes.
This new university collaboration model is part of HKSTP’s strategy to extend its footprint beyond its premises, first announced in November last year. HKU is the first university partner of this programme, and more universities are expected to join this initiative soon.
The CEO of HKSTP stated that the universities form the bedrock of Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities where many spin-offs are often founded.
These start-ups, given the right support and guidance, have the potential to be commercially successful companies. HKSTP has always been exploring ways to extend our support and reach for start-ups beyond the campus in Shatin.
The university is excited to collaborate with HKU to make our first step forward in our university collaboration model, and we hope many more will join us and create an environment where our start-ups can succeed.
The Chief Innovation Officer and Senior Advisor to the President of HKU stated that they are grateful that HKSTP is keen to partner with HKU to create an innovative environment for deep technology start-ups.
The commercialisation of first-class research at HKU will not only create a financial return that will provide more resources for better research, but it will also support the development of career opportunities for young people and new high-tech industries, which will increase the diversity of Hong Kong’s economy. HKU will continue to work with its partners to expand the scope of such translational efforts.
There are currently four HKSTP incubatees who have confirmed their admission to iAXON.
HKSTP is dedicated to building a vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem to connect stakeholders, nurture technology talents, facilitate collaboration, and catalyse innovations to deliver social and economic benefits to Hong Kong and the region.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the first and oldest institution of higher learning in Hong Kong and was founded in 1911.
The University is committed to creating knowledge, providing education, and serving society. It has grown with Hong Kong and generations of its graduates have helped shape the city from which the University takes its name.