(Hong Kong, 27 October 2026) — The annual flagship innovation and technology (I&T) event, InnoCarnival 2026, grandly opened at Hong Kong Science Park recently. As a campaign partner, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has curated a dedicated pavilion themed around aerospace technology, showcasing 10 cutting-edge solutions related to aerospace and deep space exploration, offering the public and the younger generation a first-hand experience of Hong Kong’s I&T strength.
This year marks the commencement of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, with aerospace technology being one of the key areas in building the nation into a leading science and technology power. Aligning with the national development direction, HKSTP has been actively supporting the aerospace sector. Following the “Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours” Thematic Exhibition held in July this year, HKSTP continues its focus on aerospace technology at this year’s carnival under the theme “NOW IS TRACING STARLIGHT, NEXT IS FUELING THE SPACE FRONTIER.” Through product displays and interactive experiences, the pavilion highlights the robust capabilities of Hong Kong’s scientific research teams in contributing to national aerospace development. It also allows the public to experience the boundless possibilities of local I&T up close, further strengthening citizens’ sense of national identity and pride while igniting youth interest in I&T and aerospace.
Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “This year's Carnival featuring a dedicated aerospace thematic zone is particularly meaningful. In May this year, Hong Kong’s first payload specialist, Dr Lai Ka-ying, embarked on a national space mission, and the ‘MUSICO’ has also been successfully deployed aboard the Tiangong Space Station, fully demonstrating that Hong Kong’s R&D talents possess the capabilities to participate in national aerospace engineering projects. AI is a vital element for deep space exploration. Hong Kong Science Park has already brought together over 550 AI-related enterprises and more than 5,000 AI professionals, providing a strong talent and technological reserve for aerospace R&D. HKSTP will fully support the nation's aerospace endeavours, continue to enhance our talent programmes and I&T ecosystem, and drive cross-sector collaboration to nurture the next generation of I&T talent for Hong Kong and the nation."
Three National-Level Mission Exhibits at Science Park Highlight Hong Kong’s Extraordinary Research Achievements
The highlight of this year’s Pavilion is three heavyweight research models that have participated in or are currently supporting national space missions, demonstrating the remarkable contributions of Hong Kong’s research teams. These include:
- MUSICO: The world’s first lightweight, high-precision greenhouse gas (GHG) point-source detection payload, this breakthrough multispectral camera was developed by Stellerus Technology, a park company specialising in meteorological technology. In May this year, it entered China’s Tiangong Space Station alongside Hong Kong’s first payload specialist, Dr Lai Ka-ying, to assist in monitoring GHG emission data, serving as a powerful testament to how Hong Kong’s R&D outcomes play a practical role in national space missions.
- 1st Generation Hong Kong Operation Robot: Developed by the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre (an InnoHK centre located at Science Park), this robot integrates AI autonomy, dual-arm precision manipulation, and advanced thermal control technologies to tackle the complex terrain, extreme environments, and navigation challenges of the lunar surface, providing vital technical support for future autonomous lunar exploration missions.
- Surface Sampling and Packing System for Chang’e-5 Lunar Mission: Developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, this critical system is equipped with two samplers and two high-temperature near-field cameras. It played an instrumental role in helping the nation complete its historic lunar surface sampling mission by sealing and returning the samples to Earth. Visitors can get an up-close look at this history-making home-grown R&D achievement.
Immersive and Interactive Space Exploration Experiences to Inspire the Next Generation of I&T Talent
To spark young people's curiosity about aerospace technology and inspire the next generation of I&T talent, HKSTP has joined hands with park companies to offer a range of interactive experiences that combine education with entertainment. Visitors can generate personalised AI astronaut photos, control a rover to simulate lunar research missions, explore lunar and Mars landing sites as well as the Tiangong Space Station via virtual reality (VR), and take part in simulated flight missions.
Talent is the key to I&T development. In response to the HKSAR Government's efforts in promoting aerospace popular science education across primary and secondary schools, HKSTP has further expanded the scale of its Youth InnoExplorers Programme through this year's Carnival. Upper primary and junior secondary students were specially invited to tour the HKSTP Pavilion and the Experience Centre, and to take part in dedicated aerospace I&T workshops. Funded by the HKEX Foundation, and supported by the HKSTP Foundation and the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Education Services, the programme has, since its launch in October 2025, successfully connected nearly 30 primary and secondary schools, eight local universities, and dozens of park companies, providing nearly 1,200 students with the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies.
“Innovation. Next by Nature.” Orchestrating the Next Wave of Global I&T Development
As HKSTP approaches its 25th anniversary with its new brand theme “Innovation. Next by Nature.”, the Corporation is rolling out a year-long celebrative campaign “25 to NEXT”. Through 25 exciting events and cultural projects, HKSTP aims to connect stakeholders across the I&T ecosystem, embodying its vital role in driving transformative innovation.
The HKSTP Pavilion at InnoCarnival 2026 is one of the signature events under the “25 to NEXT” series. By showcasing bold ideas and tangible outcomes that are changing the world, the exhibition demonstrates to the public that Hong Kong’s pace of innovation is constantly evolving ahead of the curve. True to the belief conveyed by HKSTP’s new brand philosophy, innovation is an instinct that always drives innovators forward. HKSTP invites the entire city to witness the arrival of the next I&T era and join hands in building Hong Kong into a core hub leading the next wave of global I&T development.
InnoCarnival is the annual flagship event of the Innovation and Technology Commission, aimed at promoting science education. Under the theme “Lead with I&T Dream to Fly High”, this year’s carnival brings together over 40 participating organisations to offer a diverse array of I&T activities, transforming Hong Kong Science Park into an exploratory wonderland that combines technology, education, and interactive experiences. HKSTP will continue to propel the development of the local I&T ecosystem, turning the curiosity of the younger generation into tangible momentum to soar to the skies.
HKSTP Pavilion
Date: From now until 1 November 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Weekdays); 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Weekends)
Venue: G/F, Building 10W, Hong Kong Science Park
Learn More: www.hkstp.org/en/park-life/news-and-events/events/event/innocarnival-2026
