(Hong Kong, 27 May 2016) - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (“HKSTP”) today announced a new partnership with Le Comptoir de l’Innovation (“CDI”), the first global network of green and social start-ups from France, and Hong Kong Children & Youth Services (“HKCYS”) to launch the “Jockey Club Social-Tech Incubation and Youth Entrepreneurship Programme”, which encompasses a series of initiatives running from technology and social innovation, to youth training and start-ups incubation. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Programme will, on the one end, support local youth with dreams and passion yet lacking in opportunities by providing them with trainings and guidance that aspire them to develop a career in the innovation and technology industry; while on the other end, leverage CDI’s experience and network to help technology companies strengthen their social impact, get connected with potential investors in Europe and explore opportunities for business expansion.
As one of the key driving forces of innovation and technology development in Hong Kong, HKSTP has always been adhering to its 3C strategy – Connect, Collaborate and Catalyse – to promote partnership among local and international industry players. Besides focusing on supporting local technology companies on R&D and business expansion, HKSTP is also committed to offering training and internship opportunities to the young generation, helping them unleash their potential and plan for the future, while inspiring them to take advantage of innovative technology to improve people's quality of life and tackle social issues.
Resonating with such mission, the newly launched Programme consists of two parts: the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme – Social-Up Youth Project and the Social-Tech Incubation Programme – So In So Good Project. The former will, through a series of workshops and visits such as robotics workshop and business proposal writing training, help participating youth not only discover their own talents, but also acquire entrepreneurial spirit, practical communication and problem-solving skills. They will also be given the chances to experience how innovative technology can address social issues, through which they are guided to draw up their growth plan and future career goals. The latter will focus on nurturing technology companies, empowering them to develop innovative products and services that enhance people's quality of living and tackle social challenges. It will also utilise CDI’s grading system and network to help Hong Kong technology start-ups enhance their operation performance, create bigger social impact, and connect them with potential overseas investors to pave the way for business expansion beyond Hong Kong and into European market.
Fanny Law, GBS, JP, Chairperson of HKSTP, said, “We are delighted to partner with CDI and HKCYS to launch this Programme with the funding support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It is indeed a cross-region and cross-industry collaboration connecting different stakeholders – from France to Hong Kong, from innovation and technology to social issues, from ideas to applications. By launching this Programme, we reaffirm our dedication to taking up the role of “super-connecter”. In preparation for their future career, the youth participating in the Programme can get a better understanding of the development of Hong Kong’s technology industry while experience for themselves its power in changing the society. As for local technology companies, this Programme is a great springboard that helps them accelerate development, expands operations beyond Hong Kong and creates greater social and economic impact.”
“Today, we are supporting over 600 technology companies here in Science Park. With the spirit of ‘Innovation for Good’, they are committed to developing novel solutions that help make our city a more liveable, lovable one – the robot that detects forestry fire, the wheelchair that makes moving up and down stairs possible for the physically disabled, the waste management solution that addresses the environmental issue are just a few to name. I am sure we will be nurturing more innovations, turning more ‘what ifs’ into ‘what’s next’”, Law added.
“The Club puts strong emphasis on youth development and this incubation programme is a component of our strategy in the coming few years for empowering youth for a hopeful future," explained the Club's Executive Director, Charities and Community, Leong Cheung. "Not only does it provide them with training and internship opportunities to develop their talents and pursue their dreams, it is also part of the SocTech concept for solving social issues. In this digital age, the Club is taking a proactive approach and initiating various technology-driven programmes, one example being our four-year Coding Education for Primary Schools programme.”
CDI, one of the Programme partners, developed the CDI Ratings which has now become one of the key considerations for European investors when evaluating a company’s business development, financial performance, social impact and growth potential. Through its network around the world, CDI provides social enterprises with a wide range of support. Nicolas Hazard, Chairman of CDI said, “As our first move to Asia, we are excited to collaborate with HKSTP and HKCYS to launch this social-tech programme that aims to nurture youth and start-ups to address social challenges through innovation. With the high recognition of HKSTP as one of the top incubators across the globe, I am confident that we will be able to help start-ups expand beyond Hong Kong, and reach out to the vibrant global market. We hope to nurture around 120 young entrepreneurs and 25 social-tech enterprises or green companies through this Programme. By helping them unleash their hidden potential, it is also our wish to help create new industries and career opportunities for the society.”
HKCYS is the other Programme partner. Their Chairman of Executive Committee, Theresa Leung remarked, “We are honoured to join this programme, making way for youngsters to learn, explore, broaden their perspectives and dive deep into how innovation and technology can help solve society’s issues. With all these brand-new experience for the youth, we hope they would be aspired to plan ahead for a career in this industry in the future. As frontline social workers, we can see the limitless creativity in today’s youngsters. They are always curious and adventurous and enjoy thinking out of the box. With guidance as well as training and internship opportunities offered for the youngsters through this programme, we would be delighted to see them empowered with confidence and skills to make things happen and discover a new way of life.”
The Programme will run for a period of three years. For the Social-Up Youth Project, there will be a total of four intakes of participants, with 30 youngsters to be recruited each time. The all-expense-paid training period will last for approximately six to nine months. Interested youngsters are welcome to contact HKCYS at 2667 7780 for enquiries. As for the So In So Good Project, it is now open for application for companies under HKSTP’s incubation programmes. Interested parties are welcome to contact HKSTP at 2629 6707 for details.
