The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI).
The signing was the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Governor of Jiangsu Province.
The MoU offers a framework for research collaboration to develop basic research in science and technology, as well as for developing and implementing applied research projects in Jiangsu Province.
Held during the 2nd Jiangsu-Hong Kong Summit on Interconnected Development in Nanjing, the signing ceremony was attended by the Associate Vice President (Research Support) of PolyU, and the President of JITRI.
The signing marks a milestone in joint research efforts between Hong Kong and Jiangsu. The aim is to commercialise high-level innovative technology outputs in global markets, basic research collaboration in a number of disciplines.
Disciplines that will be explored include biomedical science and engineering, pharmaceutics and medicines, environmental science and engineering, new-generation information and communication technology and high-end manufacturing and equipment.
The Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU stated that the university has a proven record in translating impactful research results into applicable technologies and solutions to benefit society.
Leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths in advanced innovative technology and high-calibre talents, as well as JITRI’s expertise in technology research for enterprises, it is believed that the collaboration will help elevate the profile of research and development for both parties.
The advantages of each of the two institutions are complementary, and the university is pleased to join hands with JITRI and to facilitate applications in innovation and new technology development.
The President of JITRI added that the Institute is dedicated to serving as a bridge linking industrial research and development, as well as global resources, with a view to fostering technological innovation in Jiangsu Province. The signing of the MoU will further attract high-level innovative technology outputs for commercialisation in Jiangsu.
JITRI has established matching funding of RMB40 million which includes RMB20 million from JITRI headquarters in Nanjing and RMB20 million from local JITRI institutes/partner companies initially for five years, to support collaborative research projects with PolyU which have potential for technology development or commercialisation in Jiangsu.
Five research projects have already been successfully matched to apply for this funding support. Meeting the growing needs from the industry, these funded research projects are in areas including industrial robotic arms, printable transparent organic solar cells, and enhancing human-robot interactions through thermal point clouds.
Committed to strengthening the collective efforts in research-related activities between the two parties, it is expected that this partnership will help explore more innovative technologies and advance applied research and commercialization in the field of science and technology in Jiangsu Province.
Hong Kong and China Aim to Boost Tech Collaborations
In an earlier article, OpenGov Asia reported that at the latest Fintech Week, Hong Kong (via the Hong Kong Monetary Authority) announced a number of new initiatives aimed at fostering the development of the fintech ecosystem in Hong Kong.
Various other HKSAR agencies are working with financial institutions, end-users, start-up firms, technology service providers, investors and regulators to drive innovation, enhance customer experience and facilitate financial inclusion.
In a bid to echo this sentiment, PolyU will work JITRI to further collaborative approaches to I&T development to provide its HK students with new opportunities as well as contribute to enhancing the ties between Hong Kong and China.