HKSTP’s thematic start-up acceleration programme GAA progresses to second stage with robotics focus

(Hong Kong, 4 August 2017) - The Global Acceleration Academy ( "GAA" ) first launched by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation ( "HKSTP" ) in April to accelerate start-up development in conjunction with industry partners, has progressed to the second edition on robotics.

HKSTP and SIASUN Robot & Automation ( "SIASUN" ) jointly launched "SIASUN-HKSTP Robotics Accelerator" in July. Seven start-ups have been selected from amongst the enthusiastic applications from Hong Kong and overseas start-ups. They will undergo the three-month programme that offers intensive workshops on business skills as well as an immersive visit to the programme partner's office. The programme will also connect start-ups with potential business partners and investors on the programme's final Demo Day, through which start-ups will showcase their products and explore commercialisation opportunities.

GAA proven successful through inaugural IoT-themed programme

The first edition of GAA, AIEA-HKSTP IoT Accelerator held in partnership with ARM Innovation Ecosystem Accelerator ("AIEA"), successfully served as a platform for promising IoT start-ups to receive focused business training from HKSTP and the programme partner. The IoT GAA participants also met potential investors and explored commercialisation opportunities through a field trip to Chongqing and the Demo Day.

The programme received positive feedback from the nine start-ups admitted to the programme. One of the participants, Mr Newmen Ho, CEO of Zunosaki Limited, said: "This IoT accelerator program has exposed us to the best hardware solutions offered by ARM Accelerator and helped us find a channel to do quick prototyping and testing. This surely has been very helpful for going to market in a shorter period of time."

Robotics theme underscores the technology platform's significance

In the second GAA on robotics, participating start-ups will take part in workshops on structuring their business, pitching for funding, protecting their intellectual properties and taking their innovations to market. They will also make a visit to SIASUN's Shanghai office to find inspiration from the company's pioneering robotics solutions and connect with potential partners.

Commenting on making robotics the theme of this GAA chapter, Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: "Robotics is drawing mounting interest in our ecosystem and in the community at large. HKSTP has thrown its weight behind the development of robotics, through such initiatives as the Robotics Garage, set up for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their project ideas into reality, and the recent AIS on robotics exploring how to leverage artificial intelligence to make robotics more intelligent. The prospect of a much bigger innovation and technology park at the Lok Ma Chau Loop and closer connections with tech developers in Shenzhen  is very exciting. Having the GAA focus on robotics will put participating start-ups in a very favourable position to ride on the momentum of robotics development.”

Yang Luo, Vice President of SIASUN Robot & Automation Co., Ltd said: “SIASUN, as the first listed robotics company in China and one of the world's top three robotics enterprises, is always at the forefront of robotics technology and products. The SIASUN-HKSTP Robotics Accelerator aims at building an open platform closely linking technologies, market and capital for global entrepreneurial teams focusing on robotics and intelligent hardware. Through our strong robotics technology and industry influence, we hope to help participating start-ups achieve their robotics dream and make human life more beautiful with the power of intelligent technology.”

More GAA programmes will kick off before the end of the year to fast track the development of start-ups in the fields of clean tech, sports tech and property management technology.