HKSTP and CIC's ConTech Accelerator Reaches Milestone Propelling Innovation in Hong Kong Construction

(Hong Kong, 1 August 2023) Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and The Construction Industry Council (CIC) are delighted to announce the inaugural ConTech Accelerator (Powered by CIC x HKSTP), Hong Kong's premier construction technology acceleration initiative, is successfully held. Launched in July 2022 and culminating in a Demonstration Day at Science Park, the programme facilitated technology trials, promoted adoption of new technology, and demonstrated success stories, highlighting disruptive innovation in the construction sector.

The ConTech Accelerator creates a unique platform to propel construction technology (ConTech) trials and its uptake across sites and premises. Through this joint initiative, HKSTP and CIC aim to accelerate tech trials and adoption across Hong Kong construction projects, plus support the industry in building a better future through innovation,and attract global ConTech solutions to Hong Kong. The programme, opens to corporates and startups, is focused on safety, sustainability, and productivity in construction.

The Demo Day featured 12 tech showcases and highlighted 10 confirmed proof-of-concepts (PoCs) and trial implementations. The programme successfully supports enhancements in safety and productivity, helping build a stronger future for Hong Kong construction through innovation technology.

Mr Albert WONG, CEO of HKSTP, said, "We are thrilled to celebrate this groundbreaking first cohort of the ConTech Accelerator programme. By continuing to join forces with CIC, we will empower local builders with revolutionary technologies from across the globe. The future of construction in Hong Kong is brighter than ever, and we are committed to realising a vision of world-class safety, sustainability and productivity."

Ir Albert CHENG, Executive Director of CIC, said, “We firmly believe that the ConTech Accelerator program has been successful in its mission to bridge the gap between contractors and tech ventures. We have provided a platform for innovative ideas to be explored and tested, and we are confident that the solutions presented here today will have a significant impact on the industry.”

The ConTech Accelerator matches CIC's extensive corporate network with HKSTP's startups and tech ecosystem. In its first cohort, the programme consolidates over 165 pain points from 20 main contractors that could potentially be addressed by tech ventures. 10 PoC/trial cases are facilitated at first! The programme is a great success, through the network of the CIC and HKSTP, 211 tailored solutions are received, 85.7% locally and 14.3% from overseas. The result is made by 126 business matching sessions.

Some of the successful cases including Ailytics, a leading video analytics provider in Southeast Asia, has partnered with two corporate contractors through the accelerator program, and their solutions have been adopted at nine local construction sites. The successes are showcasing the programme's ability to attract innovative overseas solutions and increase awareness of advanced technologies in the region. Ailytics is now considering establishing a local office in Hong Kong.

Another noteworthy achievement is the smartwatch developed by corporate contractor and Team Concepts to monitor workers’ health and safety . This device, equipped with heat stroke prediction and location tracking, was created collaboratively between a corporate partner and tech venture. It underwent a three-month testing period at a construction site, providing valuable data for refinement. The solution is now deployed at a partner’s site, with further development underway to include hazardous gas detection.

With support from tech enabler Amazon Web Services and 20 other corporate partners, the CIC and HKSTP connected with local and global tech ventures.

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