(Hong Kong, 30 September 2022) – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and HSBC celebrated the achievements of its five-year SPRINTER programme, showcasing co-created innovative solutions across key sectors in Hong Kong. Since 2017, the programme has successfully inspired local businesses to set out visions and step up efforts to drive technology co-creation and adoption in their respective industries.
The five-year SPRINTER programme attracted a total of over 500 participants, from local corporates, tech ventures to investors. In addition, the SPRINTER 2 programme saw 30 potential proof-of-concept (PoC) cases using AI, Big Data, IoT and robotic solutions tailored for manufacturing, logistics and buildings services companies. The strategic initiative has combined the connectivity of HSBC and HKSTP to energise the innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong.
Aldous Mak, CFO, HKSTP, said: “The SPRINTER 1 and SPRINTER 2 programmes with HSBC have been a huge success in showcasing the powerful innovation potential of ecosystem-wide collaboration between Hong Kong’s tech ventures, corporates and investors. The innovations and PoCs on show are exactly the desired impact from HKSTP's and HSBC’s collective goal to accelerate digital transformation across Hong Kong’s key industries, which further reinforce the strength of the city’s growing I&T status.”
Christina Ong, Head of Business Banking, Commercial Banking, Hong Kong, HSBC, said: “At HSBC, we are not only pioneering the frontier of digital banking, but also supporting SMEs in Hong Kong to prepare for the future by adopting new technologies. We are pleased that the SPRINTER Programme, a collaboration between HSBC and HKSTP, has provided many startups with essential business skills and collaboration opportunities with other enterprises in Hong Kong. The Programme has successfully made more than 230 business matchings to drive transformation across different industries. We look forward to inspiring more innovation and opening up a world of opportunity for the business community in the city.”
The SPRINTER 1 programme focused on an investment theme to help tech ventures connect with the investor community and gain knowledge and skills to build solid foundations for growth. It empowered close to 180 tech ventures and 50 angel investors. Over HKD138 million of investment was raised in the programme.
Following the success of SPRINTER 1, SPRINTER 2 was a three-stage programme for tech ventures and local businesses from manufacturing, logistics and building services to understand, source and co-create innovative solutions, which help businesses enhance competitiveness and capture future growth opportunities.
