The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with the Innovation and Technology Commission, officially launched the third InnoHK research cluster, SEAM@InnoHK, at Hong Kong Science Park. This new cluster is dedicated to emerging domains such as sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing, and materials. It is jointly led by top local and international academic and research institutions, showcasing Hong Kong's robust R&D capabilities and global collaboration networks. The launch ceremony was officiated by key government and industry figures, including Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP.
SEAM@InnoHK comprises eight R&D centres that have brought together over 30 top global universities and research institutions, including the University of Cambridge, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Nagoya University, National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, and Peking University. Notably, three centres feature collaborations with Nobel Laureates: Professor Ben L. Feringa (2016 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry) at the InnoHK Centre of Functional Materials for Energy and Sustainability (CFMES); Sir Konstantin Novoselov, known as the "Father of Graphene" (2010 Nobel Laureate in Physics), at the Inno Centre for Heterogeneous Integration and Production (CHIP); and Professor Hiroshi Amano (2014 Nobel Laureate in Physics) at InnoHK Power Semiconductors and Applications Center (PowerSAC). This stellar lineup highlights Hong Kong's unique advantages in assembling world-class research talent and fostering cross-border collaboration.
The launch of SEAM@InnoHK signifies a major step in Hong Kong's strategy to become a global hub for scientific research cooperation. It complements the existing Health@InnoHK and AIR@InnoHK clusters, which focus on healthcare technologies and AI and robotics respectively. Together, these clusters enrich Hong Kong's scientific landscape, accelerate technology transfer, and drive the growth of the I&T industry. The new cluster is expected to deliver tangible societal benefits by addressing critical challenges in energy sustainability and advanced manufacturing, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an international I&T hub.
HKSTP, as the largest I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong, provides comprehensive support to the R&D centres under SEAM@InnoHK, including world-class infrastructure, connections with academic institutions and investors, and matchmaking with funding and industry partners. Ms Cordelia Chung emphasized the success of the first two clusters and committed to supporting the new teams, stating that their success will add to the heartbeat of the ecosystem. The initiative is part of the Hong Kong SAR Government's flagship InnoHK program, which encourages world-leading universities to conduct collaborative research in Hong Kong.
The eight centres under SEAM@InnoHK cover a wide range of cutting-edge areas: the InnoHK Centre for Advanced and Smart Manufacturing (CASM) leads global manufacturing toward Industry 5.0; the InnoHK Centre of Functional Materials for Energy and Sustainability (CFMES) advances functional materials for energy and sustainability; the InnoHK Centre for Heterogeneous Integration and Production (CHIP) focuses on next-generation electronics; the InnoHK Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology (CSMT) establishes a hub for space manufacturing; the InnoHK Hong Kong Center for Renewable Energy and Storage (HKCRES) develops high-performance perovskite photovoltaics and green hydrogen systems; the InnoHK Power Semiconductors and Applications Center (PowerSAC) develops advanced power semiconductors; the InnoHK Research Centre for Intelligent GRID and Energy Technologies (I-GET) develops intelligent grid technologies; and the InnoHK Sustainable Materials & Advanced Renewable Technologies (SMARTCentre) leverages AI for materials discovery and waste upcycling.
This initiative underscores Hong Kong's commitment to innovation and technology, aiming to drive emerging industries and pioneer future innovation. By gathering global scientific excellence and fostering collaboration, SEAM@InnoHK is poised to make significant contributions to sustainable development and advanced manufacturing, both locally and globally. The establishment of this cluster marks a pivotal moment in Hong Kong's journey to becoming a leading international I&T hub, with far-reaching implications for economic growth and technological advancement.
