Hong Kong, 28 May 2020 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today hosted its first-ever Virtual Incubation Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the graduation of a record-breaking 108 start-ups completing their incubation programmes and Science and Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP). The graduation ceremony represents a historic milestone for the graduates as well as Hong Kong’s I&T sector, with 78 graduates from HKSTP’s incubation programmes, Incu-Tech, Incu-App and Incu-Bio, and 30 from the new pre-incubation STEP.
The 78 incubation graduates come from six markets around the world, including Hong Kong, China, India, Taiwan, UK and US, reflecting Hong Kong’s continued status as a major draw for global innovation. Collectively, this year’s graduates have applied or registered for 41 patents which is the highest in the past three years, while also receiving 56 international and local invention awards.
This year also marks a breakthrough moment for the Incu-Bio programme with a record high of six graduates. The growth in this sector reinforces the thriving biotech ecosystem being cultivated at Hong Kong Science Park and proves Hong Kong’s emergence as a regional hub for biomedical technology. Joining the current 140+ biotech partner companies at Science Park, this year’s Incu-Bio graduates will continue their R&D in this ecosystem, ultimately bringing to market ground-breaking innovations that enhances human wellbeing, enables more accurate diagnosis and cures.
Designed to identify and nurture future technopreneurs, the STEP programme established a year ago, has produced its first-ever batch of the graduates this year. The programme has been a huge success with several participants confirmed their admission to HKSTP’s incubation programme, which they will receive further support and assistance from HKSTP to continue their entrepreneurial journey.
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “HKSTP has always been an ideal breeding ground for global innovators, entrepreneurs, as well as research and development talent. We feel unbridled pride to witness our graduated incubatees who have come far to achieve a remarkable milestone on their entrepreneurial journey.”
“As a key enabler of the city’s I&T ecosystem, HKSTP will continue to nurture talent and leverage our expansive network to broaden their business perspectives globally. We strive to help our start-ups scale up and make their mark on the global stage with their innovations influencing people in Hong Kong and beyond.”
With this year’s graduates, over 700 start-ups and companies in total have now graduated from HKSTP’s Incubation Programmes. Such encouraging results give the impetus to HKSTP to continue its mission to strengthen the I&T development in Hong Kong, reinforcing the city as a world-class talent hub for technology and innovation.
