HKSTP and Chinachem Group Unleash Power of Pilot-first Trials to Accelerate Property Sector Transformation in Hong Kong

(Hong Kong, 18 April 2023) - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (“HKSTP”) and Chinachem Group are joining hands to fast-track property sector transformation with the innovations developed from the “CCG Accel – Powered by HKSTP” accelerator programme, featuring unique pilot-first trials for tech ventures and corporations seeking to accelerate PropTech innovation.

The “CCG Accel - Powered by HKSTP” accelerator programme is a great success and welcomes the conclusion of Cohort 1 & 2 Demo Day held on 17 April, showcased 12 market-ready solutions resulting from the unique pilot testing programme. The tech ventures across the two cohorts to date are proof of the transformative potential of the PropTech innovation emerging from the accelerator which has run successfully since 2021.

Chinachem Group has worked closely with HKSTP to create a unique programme providing real-life testing scenarios for the pilot-first trials. The participating tech ventures has completed the trial of their innovative solutions at Chinachem Group’s nine different designated commercial properties and collect real-life data to validate their ideas. Instant user feedbacks are also provided by Chinachem Group’s professional team so that tech ventures can strengthen market adoption opportunities. This closes the critical gap between ideation and commercialisation which often halts many early-stage ventures, and has proved HKSTP’s Living Lab concept can successfully translate R&D to market-ready solutions, as well as help expand I&T opportunities to other sectors and beyond borders.

"We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance our business operations and contribute to the thriving innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong. This is one of the many examples of how Chinachem Group walks the talk, putting People, Prosperity and Planet on an equal footing," said Damien Wu, Director of Business Transformation and Innovation at Chinachem Group. "We are dedicated to building a sustainable and vibrant community by supporting local tech ventures and promoting co-creation and knowledge sharing. The first cohort of the programme was launched at the Central Market as a test location to integrate technology into our operations and enhance overall visitor experience. The results were excellent, with three of the proposed solutions being adopted by the Central Market after pilot testing. The second cohort expanded the test locations to include residential, office, commercial, and industrial buildings under Chinachem Group for those start-ups to trial run their innovative solutions in different scenarios. In fact, we treasure our partnership with HKSTP and other like-minded organisations which underscores our shared vision for a better future." 

Eugene Hsia, Chief Corporate Development Officer, HKSTP, said, “Making Hong Kong a better place for future generations is the vision we share with Chinachem. At HKSTP, we recognize the importance of rigorous solution testing before implementation in the real world. We're excited to collaborate with like-minded partners like Chinachem to accelerate tech adoption by bringing solutions to the source. We're thrilled to see the success of our partnership and how it has inspired other corporate partners to join us in supporting local tech startups. Always from the heart, we strive to create positive change and drive Hong Kong's growth as an international innovation and technology hub.”

The Demo Day also shared specific "Cohort 1 & 2 Tech Venture Stories," which highlight how Chinachem Group and HKSTP have helped tech ventures adapt and optimise their technology into market-ready solutions via the “pilot-first” approach. Chinachem Group encouraged Achelous Pure Metal Company Limited (APM) to make their efforts more visible by proposing highly trafficked public areas such as food courts and car parks within Chinachem Group’s malls as test sites, it further promoted APM’s expertise in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Apicem Technology Services Company Limited received support from Chinachem Group to modify the air purifying system technology by downsizing machines to fit into commercial premises which were originally designed for industrial use. And Chinachem Group also collaborates with CUBE Robotics Limited to transfer the building ‘façade-inspection’ robotics solution from handling paint-based to tile-based façades suitable for large-scale commercial buildings.

The accelerator programme features three themed cohorts, spanning over three years. Cohort 1 was focused on technology solutions to be adopted at the revitalized Central Market heritage site—from guest experience to sustainability and facility management technology. While Cohort 2 was focused on technologies that enhances property service quality—specifically on green building tech, operational efficiency, plus safety and wellness.

These impactful collaborations and thorough market testing of solutions have sparked rapid development of Hong Kong’s PropTech industry and fulfils the digital transformation needs of CCG and the industry. Through partnership with Chinachem Group, HKSTP is empowering organisations to innovate with confidence but also be battle-hardened for future challenges.

Photos 4 to 9: The “CCG Accel - Powered by HKSTP” accelerator programme is a great success and welcomes the conclusion of Cohort 1 & 2 Demo Day, showcased 12 market-ready solutions resulting from the unique pilot testing programme.  

Appendix

“CCG Accel – Powered by HKSTP” Accelerator Program Cohort 1 & 2 – List of tech ventures and solutions

About the company	Focus Area	Product Image
1. Achelous Pure Metal Co Ltd (APM) APM is an environmental technology company, focusing on sustainable development with efficient, green and low-carbon waste or wastewater treatment, and resource regeneration technologies. CIONEX is the latest decarbonisation technology which is developed in response to the "Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050". Wastewater treatment and resources regeneration projects in Jiangsu and Inner Mongolia in the mainland China are using self-developed and patent-pending ion exchange technology developed by the company.	Green Buildings
2. Apicem Technology Services Company Limited (ATS) ATS is a provider of advanced air technology products with an aim to provide cutting-edge, efficient and affordable solutions to customers. The technologies include the patented Baal Decontamination Technology which has a 20kV high voltage electrostatic field; the Metal Material Module technology with 90%+ airflow efficiency; cloud-based IAQ Monitoring; and the integration of existing central and distributed air conditioning technologies to serve different scenarios. Purifying effectiveness includes carbon reduction, antimicrobial activity, odours improvement and prevention of cross-area contamination.	Safety and Wellness
3. BNET-TECH Company Limited BNET-TECH aims to increase the safety, mobility of elderly, and reduce the risk of fall by using innovative fall detection technology.	Operation Efficiency
4. CUBE Robotics Limited & CUHK Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering (CUBE Robotics) CUBE Robotics is dedicated to developing robotics solutions for façade inspections that can help protect workers working at heights and avoid accidents. Their solution aims to offer efficient, accurate, and safe construction processes with an affordable price.	Operation Efficiency
5. Dayta AI Limited (Dayta.ai) Dayta.ai provides a real-time plug and play solution that collects visitor data in shopping malls, retail outlets and exhibitions. It is an all-in-one service which integrates with existing cameras and provides data analysis and visualisation of visitors. In the programme, Dayta.ai helps address market needs at Central Market via its building management services platform and provides performance indicators to continuously perfect operation quality. Using this platform, management staff can learn more about its frequent customers and market demographic, and tailor more caring experiences for visitors using real data.	Operation Efficiency
6. Formwork IO Formwork IO is a climate-tech startup accelerating the transition to net zero carbon emissions in the buildings and construction sector. The carbon removal technology developed by Formwork IO delivers on a new generation of carbon neutral building products while upcycling CO2 during the production process. Circular by design, the technologies future-proof projects towards carbon neutrality, provide carbon savings during construction and reduce Scope 3 emissions under Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG).	Green Buildings
7. i2Cool Limited (i2Cool) i2Cool, a technology-based startup incubated by the CityU HK Tech 300 program and HKSTP IDEATION Programme, aims to promote a novel energy-free and environment-friendly electricity-free cooling paint for energy-saving and decarbonization. The technology features an edge in solar reflection and thermal emission, resulting in a significant sub-ambient cooling effect, without consuming electricity and ozone-depleting refrigerants.	Green Buildings
8. Immune Materials Limited (IML) IML is a medical and health science technology startup founded by a team of PolyU researchers. IML develops antiviral and antibacterial materials and plastic products that kill COVID-19 and common bacteria through 3D printing, and traditional processing like injection moulding.	Safety and Wellness
9. Novelte Robotics Limited Novelte Robotics’ Heritage corner guiding robot gives a futuristic and interactive experience for visitors wanting to learn more about the physical property site. This robot is fully automated, increasing the appeal of the area with its personalised service which decreasing staff workload. It also adds to the customer’s experience while visiting to be able to enjoy a unique heritage tour at Central Market.	Operation Efficiency
10. NXT Smart Technology (Hong Kong) Company Limited (NXT) Founded in 2015, NXT is the smart IoT technology-based property management service provider in Greater China. The Hong Kong division was established since 2019, mainly targeting AI ambient monitoring solutions for property and hotel sectors.	Operation Efficiency
11. Rice Robotics Limited Rice Robotics’ Portal robot is an unmanned, autonomous robot that guides customers during the day and patrols for security at night. It is fully integrated with building elevators and gates, and seemingly becomes part of a building’s day-to-day operation. It increases shopping outlets appeal with its futuristic functions, alleviates staff workload from repetitious and tedious tasks and gives a unique and enhanced visitors experience.	Operation Efficiency
12. SquareDog Robotics Limited SquareDog Robotics is a technology company specialising in smart service robots, developed with the latest artificial intelligence and robotic automation. Products include a welding robot designed for application on construction sites, and a wall robot for external wall inspection and cleaning for commercial use.	Operation Efficiency