Introduction

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has announced an exciting new chapter in the city’s drive towards technological advancement with the launch of Hong Kong's first commercial high-performance computing (HPC) service. Situated within InnoPark, the city’s technological industrial hub, the HPC service is designed to provide cutting-edge computing capabilities, acceleration tools, and data access, aligning closely with national strategies aimed at supercomputing development.

Microelectronics Centre (MEC) Launch

Adding to this momentum, HKSTP plans to open its Microelectronics Centre (MEC) later this year in Yuen Long. The MEC will showcase two advanced pilot production lines focused on Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), spearheaded by the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute. This initiative aims to support companies throughout the entire microelectronics supply chain, from design and prototyping all the way to trial production.

Government Support for I&T Ecosystem

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, stating, "A complete innovation and technology industry chain must be supported by industries. We are committed to attracting and nurturing technology sectors that are essential for both the physical and digital economies, alongside promoting the concept of 'new industrialisation' in Hong Kong."

AI Supercomputing Centre

In addition to the HPC service, the government is enhancing the local I&T landscape further with the introduction of the AI Supercomputing Centre in Cyberport, set to begin operations this year. The Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute will serve as the anchor tenant, utilizing the infrastructure provided at the MEC for optimal results.

Vision for Industrialisation

These transformative projects signal Hong Kong’s ambition to expedite local industrialisation, aligning with the national vision of fostering 'New Quality Productive Forces'. The Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint released by the HKSAR Government underlines the commitment to boosting the advanced manufacturing sector, particularly in semiconductors, and developing the city into a smart city.

Collaboration and Growth

Sunny Chai, chairman of HKSTP, expressed confidence in the potential of both the MEC and HPC services to elevate Hong Kong's capabilities for innovation. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among corporate partners, investors, researchers, and tech startups to realize the vision for new industrialisation.

Support for Technology Enterprises

The HKSTP also extends consultancy services within its Science Park and provides tailored setups for technology enterprises, featuring pre-trained tools and cross-industry data access. Currently, the Science Park supports over 300 companies specializing in AI and data technology.

Hong Kong's First Data Community

To further bolster the local ecosystem, last year, HKSTP launched Hong Kong’s first data community, aimed at integrating cross-industry data to foster business growth and enhance AI innovation.

InnoParks Initiative

With a strategic vision in place, HKSTP is also repositioning its three industrial estates as 'InnoParks', achieving a remarkable utilization rate of nearly 90%. The MEC is projected to contribute to a near 80% occupancy rate, positioning Yuen Long InnoPark as a premier hub for the burgeoning microelectronics sector, evidenced by the identification of several buildings and land plots for further development.

Growth in Workforce and Companies

Hong Kong Science Park currently hosts over 24,000 professionals, including 15,000 dedicated to research and development. The park has also seen a surge in new companies, with over 200 currently engaged in microelectronics-related activities, a testament to the rapid growth and interest in this innovative field.

Comprehensive Microelectronics Infrastructure

With a comprehensive network of microelectronics infrastructure that includes a Hardware Lab, Sensor Lab, and Heterogeneous Integration Lab, HKSTP is poised to support the entire production process—from conception to trial manufacturing—establishing Hong Kong as a formidable player in the global tech landscape.