HKSTP and HKU Co-launch iAXON, the HKSTP Western District Hub to Further Promote and Nurture University Deep Tech Start-ups and Spin-offs

HKSTP-HKU iAXON is the first step of a larger university collaboration model that aims at strengthening academia-industry alliances, and fostering commercialisation opportunities of start-ups in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, 8 April 2020 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) today announced the official opening of HKSTP-HKU iAXON (iAXON), the HKSTP Western District Hub aimed at aiding and nurturing deep technology start-ups and spin-offs from HKU.

iAXON is a 4,000 square feet facility located at Pacific Plaza, 410 Des Voeux Road West, in the Western District, adjacent to the HKU campus. The facility hosts deep technology start-ups founded by HKU students, faculty members, staff and alumni that are currently doing academic research at the University and planning to translate the knowledge into commercialised research and development (R&D) results.

HKU deep technology start-ups, established on many years of research excellence at the University and under intellectual property rights protection, are playing an increasingly important role in generating local and global impact. Currently, most of HKU’s deep technology start-ups are based at Science Park in Shatin.

This collaboration allows HKSTP to extend its footprint beyond its current premises as well as its comprehensive support to the admitted start-ups. For the start-ups, it will provide them with an office space close to campus and the ability to leverage university’s resources such as talents, professional knowledge as well as R&D capabilities, to facilitate better cross-discipline knowledge sharing and tap into HKSTP’s incubation support services. The start-ups will also have access to the Hong Kong government’s various talent schemes.

This new university collaboration model is part of HKSTP’s strategy to extend its footprint beyond its premises, first announced in November last year. HKU is the first university partner of this programme, and more universities are expected to join this initiative in the near future.

Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “Our universities form the bedrock of Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities where many spin-offs are often founded. These start-ups, given the right support and guidance, have the potential to be commercially successful companies. HKSTP has always been exploring ways to extend our support and reach for start-ups beyond our campus in Shatin. We are excited to collaborate with HKU to make our first step forward in our university collaboration model, and we hope many more will join us and create an environment where our start-ups can succeed.”

Dr Yiwu He, Chief Innovation Officer and Senior Advisor to the President of HKU, said, “We are grateful that HKSTP is keen to partner with HKU to create an innovative environment for deep technology start-ups. Commercialisation of first-class research at HKU will not only create a financial return that will provide more resources for better research, it will also support the development of career opportunities for young people and new high-tech industries, which will increase the diversity of Hong Kong’s economy. HKU will continue to work with its partners to expand the scope of such translational efforts.”

There are currently four HKSTP incubatees who have confirmed their admission to iAXON: Brain Investing Limited High Performance Solutions Limited; Interlitho Technology Limited and Physight Limited.