(Hong Kong, 11 January 2021) - The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) announced that it has signed a Cooperation Framework Agreement with China Everbright Limited (CEL) to establish the CEL Hong Kong Innovation Centre (the “CEBIC Centre”) in the Hong Kong Science Park. Through different activities and engagement with entrepreneurs, incubation support, introduction of innovative startups and investments, the CEBIC Centre will help create a more vibrant innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, as well as enhance research innovation and commercialisation.
The CEBIC Centre will be located in the Hong Kong Science Park with an area of circa 24,000 square feet and will be ready later this year. It will be China Everbright Group’s first technology innovation centre in Hong Kong, bringing together start-up incubation, industry research and commercialisation. Its incubation programme will focus on nurturing early-stage startups and companies that are focused on semiconductor and hardware technologies.
Furthermore, the centre will establish a business accelerator program for growing and mature technology companies, as well as a digital infrastructure research institute to research specialised topics in collaboration with partners such as HKSTP.
CEL also announced the establishment of the CEL HK Innovation Fund with US$100 million funding in its first phase, which aims to focus on applying scientific research results into industries and setting the foundation for new infrastructure in Hong Kong. To play a part in driving Hong Kong’s innovation and transformation, the CEL HK Innovation Fundwill prioritise and invest in companies within HKSTP’s ecosystem.
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, "Following the establishment of the China Everbright Green Technology Innovation Research Institute in Science Park in 2019, HKSTP has been strengthening its cooperation with China Everbright Group. With the signing of this cooperation agreement, we will work with China Everbright Limited in four key areas, including fund investment, enterprise incubation, industry chain introduction and market matching, to drive the development of I&T in Hong Kong, unleash the entrepreneurial enthusiasm among Hong Kong’s younger generation, and provide critical support to the entire I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong.”
Zhao Wei, Chairman of the Board of Directors and the CEO of China Everbright Limited, said, "Hong Kong has an important strategic position in the international environment with remarkable regional economic advantage and professional talent. Hong Kong is the breeding ground of China's innovation industry and the gateway to connect with the global economy. China Everbright Limited will fully leverage its strengths in industry integration and cross-border capital management to build an emerging technology incubation ecosystem by combining the strengths of the Hong Kong Science Park."
