HKSTP Launches InnoAcademy to Drive Continuous Talent and Leadership Development for Hong Kong’s I&T Success

(Hong Kong, 07 October 2020) – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today announced the launch of “HKSTP InnoAcademy”, which is dedicated to the continuous nurturing of young technology talent to inspire and drive success in Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) industry.

HKSTP InnoAcademy aims to boost Hong Kong’s I&T competitiveness with a sustained series of programmes, including training and value-added support to upskill technology talent from various sectors into future leaders. Today also marks the inauguration of eight high-potential talents from the first cohort of HKSTP InnoAcademy’s signature “Technology Leaders of Tomorrow” (TLT) programme, as they embark on an extensive 26-month journey within the Hong Kong Science Park ecosystem.  

Since enrolment began in July, the TLT programme received an overwhelming response with over 600 applications from graduates in Hong Kong and across the globe, which are the world’s top 50 universities in 2020. Among the many applicants, 60% of them were holders of a Master’s degree or PhD, majoring in Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, Information Technology or Data Science.

Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “Talent development, attraction and retention are crucial factors in sustaining the growth momentum of Hong Kong’s I&T sector. HKSTP recognises that grooming quality talent into inspiring and standout leaders is a critical ingredient to maintaining the city’s global competitive edge.”

“Our mission at HKSTP InnoAcademy is to build the ideal I&T breeding ground to nurture future technology leaders and pioneers. With HKSTP’s extensive ecosystem, we will work with our partners to develop forward-looking learning and training programmes tailored to young graduates and mid-level professionals.”

HKSTP InnoAcademy will focus on developing young talent across HKSTP’s strategic technology areas, including Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Biomedical Technology, Data and Smart City and FinTech, as well as establishing partnerships and connections with key industry leaders, training providers and tertiary education institutions. The continuous learning approach provides talent with multiple career pathways to join the I&T industry, while supporting future skills acquisition.

TLT Programme Offers Diverse Opportunities

The eight selected talents from the first cohort of the TLT programme will first enter a two-month HKSTP internship and enjoy valuable exposure to Hong Kong’s leading I&T ecosystem. From there, each talent will take a 24-month full-time R&D role at one of HKSTP’s partner companies, including Intact Financial, Lee’s Pharmaceutical, SenseTime, TCL and UMEC for continued career mentoring and development.

Beyond the current TLT programme, InnoAcademy will continue to roll out an extensive range of talent development and training initiatives, in collaboration with major academic and industry partners such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Hong Kong, and IBM Hong Kong, to unleash the potential of young graduates and equip them to become a driving force in the future of Hong Kong’s I&T sector.

Please visit https://innoacademy.hkstp.org/ for more information on InnoAcademy and the TLT programme.

Meanwhile, please see below Appendix for a summary of the 2020 cohort of TLT programme and their corresponding HKSTP partner companies.

Appendix:

The 2020 cohort of TLT programme are highlighted below with their corresponding HKSTP partner companies, arranged in alphabetical order.