HKSTP and Development Bureau’s Spatial Data Office Join Forces to Accelerate Spatial Data Adoption Nurturing a Thriving Spatial Data Ecosystem in the I&T Sector

(Hong Kong, 1 November 2025) Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with the Spatial Data Office of the Development Bureau, today hosted the Grand Finale and Award Ceremony of the year-long “Elevating Spatial Data Innovation” programme (the Programme) at Hong Kong Science Park.

The event featured live demonstrations of the top four innovative spatial data application solutions from the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) challenge. In addition, several innovation and technology (I&T) companies based at Science Park, along with partner enterprises that effectively utilise spatial data, were invited to share their insights and experiences. Serving as a collaborative platform, the event fostered dialogue on the future development of spatial data in Hong Kong and jointly advance spatial data applications across Hong Kong.

Over 100 participants attended the event, including Mr Eric Or, Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer of HKSTP; Mr Gary Poon, Deputy Secretary for Development (Planning & Lands); Mr Chang Kwok-fai, Deputy Director (Survey and Mapping) of the Lands Department; as well as representatives from partner organisations, technology enterprises across various sectors within the Science Park, startups, industry stakeholders, and academia.

Mr Eric Or, HKSTP’s Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer, emphasised in his opening remarks that the Programme encourages talent across sectors to make good use of Hong Kong’s spatial data, supporting the city’s smart city development. He said, “Through the Programme, we have witnessed the vast potential of spatial data applications. The initiative attracted a wide range of innovative proposals and successfully fostered cross-sector engagement. More importantly, HKSTP collaborated with partner enterprises to provide participants with training and access to real-world application scenarios for technical testing and proof-of-concept validation, enabling the transformation of innovative ideas into practical, deployable solutions. These collective efforts are advancing Hong Kong’s spatial data capabilities, nurturing a new generation of talent, and translating innovation into smarter living experiences for the community while laying the foundation for a thriving spatial data ecosystem within the I&T sector.”

In his closing remarks, Mr Gary Poon, Deputy Secretary for Development (Planning & Lands), expressed his appreciation to all sectors for their collaborative efforts in advancing the development and application of spatial data. He noted that the PoC challenge effectively showcased the tangible benefits of real-world implementation of spatial data. Mr Poon expressed his anticipation for opportunities in the coming years to foster cross-sector collaboration, with the goal of expanding the spatial data ecosystem beyond the innovation and technology sector into a broader range of fields, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for citizens. “The outcomes of this programme are truly encouraging. When spatial data is combined with innovative ideas and technology, it can provide practical solutions to meet different needs in everyday life and work. The benefits extend to many, including individuals in need, pet owners, tenants, and property managers. This initiative has made the value of spatial data more visible and accessible, truly embodying the vision of ‘For All and By All.’”

Since its launch in December last year, the Programme has received an enthusiastic response. Through the PoC challenge and a series of thematic events, the initiative has actively promoted the application of spatial data. Nearly 30 teams submitted innovative proposals integrating spatial data, of which four advanced to the final. These finalist teams received professional training and advisory support to further develop their application solutions.

In addition, the Programme hosted a series of thematic seminars that brought together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and the research community to jointly explore the application potential of spatial data in areas such as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), real estate, construction, and the low-altitude economy. These efforts have helped promote cross-sector collaboration and drive business development.

To encourage stakeholders across sectors to transform their creativity and passion into practical spatial data solutions, the four finalist teams of the Programme’s PoC challenge collectively received HK$300,000 in seed funding to support the further development of their concepts during the programme period. Several partner organisations, including the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, SF Express (Hong Kong) Limited, Sino Group, and Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong), provided the finalist teams with training, mentorship, and access to real world application scenarios. These efforts helped the teams turn their ideas into viable and deployable solutions.

The Grand Finale featured the “Most-liked Application of Spatial Data” --- GeoChoice Award. The four finalist teams delivered compelling presentations at the Grand Finale, showcasing their innovative spatial data application projects with professionalism and passion. Following a highly competitive round of pitches: HabiPet was awarded the GeoChoice Award, with their one stop platform for pet owners, earning the highest number of votes from the live audience for its creativity and impact.

The innovative spatial data solutions presented by the four finalist teams are as follows: