Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Innovation and Technology Commission today launched SEAM@InnoHK, the third research cluster under the InnoHK initiative, at Hong Kong Science Park. The new cluster focuses on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing, and materials, and is led by top local and international academic institutions. This move is expected to bolster Hong Kong's position as an international innovation and technology hub, driving economic growth and societal benefits.
SEAM@InnoHK brings together eight research centres involving over 30 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 (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 international scientific lineup highlights Hong Kong's ability to attract world-class talent and foster cross-border research collaboration.
The launch ceremony was officiated by Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor Sun Dong, HKSTP Chairman Ms Cordelia Chung, and other government and industry leaders. In her remarks, Ms Chung emphasized the success of the first two InnoHK clusters, Health@InnoHK and AIR@InnoHK, and reiterated HKSTP's commitment to supporting the new teams. "InnoHK has demonstrated the power of collaboration amongst world eminent scholars, researchers, and global partners," she said, adding that the success of these teams will enhance the entire innovation ecosystem in Hong Kong.
The new cluster is part of the HKSAR Government's flagship InnoHK initiative, which aims to position Hong Kong as a global hub for scientific research cooperation. By establishing R&D centres in Hong Kong, the initiative encourages world-leading universities and institutes to conduct collaborative research with local institutions. SEAM@InnoHK complements the existing Health@InnoHK and AIR@InnoHK clusters, creating a comprehensive research portfolio that spans healthcare, AI and robotics, and now sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
The eight research centres under SEAM@InnoHK are poised to address critical challenges in their respective fields. For instance, the InnoHK Centre for Advanced and Smart Manufacturing (CASM) aims to lead global manufacturing toward Industry 5.0 by integrating AI, advanced materials, and digital twins. The InnoHK Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology (CSMT) will establish a hub for space manufacturing research, while the InnoHK Hong Kong Center for Renewable Energy and Storage (HKCRES) focuses on developing high-performance perovskite photovoltaics, green hydrogen systems, and next-generation batteries. These initiatives are expected to accelerate technology transfer and startup incubation, contributing to Hong Kong's new industrialization and smart manufacturing goals.
HKSTP, as the largest I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong, provides comprehensive support to the R&D centres, including world-class infrastructure, access to talent and investors, and matchmaking with funding and industry partners. This support is designed to help teams transform breakthrough research into scalable, high-impact commercial solutions. With over 2,400 technology companies and 17,000 research professionals, HKSTP has a proven track record of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.
The launch of SEAM@InnoHK comes at a time when global attention is focused on sustainable development and advanced technologies. By investing in these areas, Hong Kong is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation, not only in the region but globally. As Ms Chung noted, "We commit to provide all the support we can to the InnoHK teams, as your success will add to the heartbeat of the ecosystem—not only for HKSTP, but for Hong Kong's entire innovation landscape."
For more information about HKSTP and its initiatives, visit www.hkstp.org.
