HKSTP Co-organises Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES) 2024

(Hong Kong, 21 November 2024) – The Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES) 2024, co-organised by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), opens today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. At this year's exhibition, HKSTP is hosting the largest pavilion, which brings together 35 of its Park companies focused on real-world applications, demonstrating the impact of gerontech innovations from the local I&T ecosystem and promoting a silver economy. 

Under the theme "Elevating Caregiving with I&T" the HKSTP pavilion presents medical and health related cutting-edge gerontech solutions that emphasise the tangible benefits of these innovations across seven key domains: health management, rehabilitation training, robotics and automation, cognitive care, fall risk and safety management, assistive technology, and tech-enabled care.

Jointly hosted by the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), and co-organised with HKSTP, GIES is Hong Kong’s premier public education event on gerontechnology. The GIES has been pivotal in raising public awareness and driving the adoption of gerontechnology solutions, particularly in the elderly and rehabilitation sectors. The event has fostered stakeholder collaboration, and propelled policy and socio-economic progress to tackle the challenges of Hong Kong's ageing population and disability issues. 

Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, said, "HKSTP is honoured to once again spearhead this flagship GIES event with our partners to build a more age-friendly city through the power of gerontechnology. With Hong Kong facing the pressing challenge of an ageing population, gerontech offers effective solutions to support our elderly. Our commitment extends beyond innovation; we are dedicated to facilitating the commercialisation of homegrown gerontech that makes a real, positive impact in our community. By providing comprehensive support from incubation to market adoption, HKSTP strives to enhance the quality of life for seniors, promote a silver economy, and reinforce Hong Kong's position as a global I&T hub."

The HKSTP pavilion spotlighted its park companies showcasing gerontech innovations that are applied in the market. Highlighted success cases are as follow:

• Digitising International Health Framework for Enhanced Rehabilitation Care - Genieland Company Limited and Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service have jointly developed an electronic system for the "International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health" (ICF). This newly developed system digitises the traditional personal health status framework introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO). With its streamlined interface and interactive functions, the system allows rehabilitation teams to easily grasp the application of the ICF, thereby enhancing the efficiency of conducting assessments and analysing data. It also serves as a common language among the teams, improving service quality and reducing paperwork.
• Transforming Rehabilitation into Fun - MedMind has gamified the cognitive training system for the elderly, introducing the "NeuroGym” that incorporates local culture. Seniors can engage in cognitive training through fun and interactive games like Mahjong and calligraphy. This system has been widely implemented in over 300 rehabilitation and eldercare service organisations, nursing homes, and has expanded to regions including Taiwan, Singapore, SoutheastE Asia, and overseas Chinese communities. The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, one of the first users of "NeuroGym”, has successfully increased patient engagement and reduced the workload of therapists and caregivers. MedMind has also launched "PhysioPlay," which combines physical therapy to help seniors or stroke patients exercise and undergo rehabilitation training with gaming at home and in care centres. MedMind continues to collaborate with the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation to apply " PhysioPlay " and receiving widespread acclaim.
• Transforming Dining for Seniors' Needs - Carewells Limited's Senior Deli offers transparent gelling, food softening, and molding powders designed for individuals with swallowing difficulties, particularly the elderly. In partnership with Fairwood, they supply frozen soft meal powders to lower production costs and assist in developing new soft meals. Fairwood moved into Tai Po InnoPark in 2009, equipped with manufacturing lines, a product development team and a quality assurance team. Fairwood’s central kitchen has successfully developed the production of soft meals compliant with The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). Additionally, Carewells supports the development process by addressing challenges including powder ratios, heating methods, and flavour enhancement.
• AI-Driven Insights for Elderly Rehabilitation - DRESIO Limited's Accudex AI system stands out with its innovative use of a standard camera to perform 3D biomechanical analyses, significantly enhancing diagnostic efficiency for physical therapists. Implemented by the Lady MacLehose Centre, Accudex has elevated service quality by empowering staff to assess and rehabilitate elderly patients without therapists. This AI-powered solution enhanced elderly care and rehabilitation by saving over 50% of time and resources, and facilitating digitalisation of data analysis and reporting.
• Robotics Solutions for Aged Care - RV Automation Technology Company Limited (RV) addresses workforce challenges in the aged care sector by offering robots and its self-developed Agnostic Robotics Control System (ARCS) for the healthcare sector in Hong Kong. The company has successfully entered overseas markets, implementing its solutions at a care home in Australia. Their solutions include robots for transporting linen and food as well as cleaning robots for large areas. These innovations improve safety by reducing the risks of manual handling and workplace injuries.

The "We Care" Thematic Experience Zone was an immersive showcase at the pavilion. This interactive area featured 12 innovative gerontech solutions within three real-life scenarios - a park, a supermarket, and an elderly home. Visitors can witness firsthand how technology enhances daily living for the elderly, guided by Gerontech Ambassadors comprising physiotherapy students from Tung Wah College and elderly participants from Lingnan University's Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project.

HKSTP remains steadfast in accelerating the commercialisation of Hong Kong’s gerontech innovations. With over 70 R&D companies in its ecosystem spearheading breakthroughs in elderly and rehab care, HKSTP offers robust support – from incubator programmes and top-tier infrastructure to expansive business and investor networks – further cementing Hong Kong’s position as a global I&T powerhouse.

GIES 2024
Date:  21-24 November 2024 (Thur - Sunday)
Venue: Hall 1A-C, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai
HKSTP Pavilion Booth No.: B401

Appendix: List of partner companies exhibiting at GIES 2024

1. AI Guided Limited
2. Andesfit System Limited
3. Applied Technology Group Limited
4. AusMed Global Limited
5. Belun Technology Company Limited
6. BNET-TECH Company Limited
7. Booguu Company Limited
8. Carewells Limited
9. DRESIO Limited
10. Fung Fat Knitting Manufactory Ltd.
11. Genieland Company Limited
12. Growgreen Limited
13. HongKong Kairuipu Medical Technology Co. Ltd
14. Hopebotics Limited
15. iASPEC Services Ltd.
16. Incus Company Limited
17. Intelligent Design Technology Limited
18. Kin Technology Limited
19. Libpet Tech Limited
20. MaxiSense IoT Limited
21. Medmind Technology Limited
22. Motive Force
23. PanopticAI Limited
24. Parami Co. Limited
25. Raphai Health Technologies Limited
26. RhySoul Technology Limited
27. ROBOCORE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
28. RV Automation Technology Company Limited
29. Sharpsight Limited
30. Smart Bright Technology Enterprises Limited
31. Thecon Technology (HK) Limited
32. THINGX TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
33. Vidi Labs Limited
34. We Software Limited
35. Well Being DIgital