HKSTP and Roche join hands in strategic collaboration Leading HK and GBA in pioneering life science innovation in AP, and setting an example for the region

(Hong Kong – 18 Jan 2023) Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) announced a strategic collaboration with Roche, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with the aim of leading HK and the Greater Bay Area in becoming a pioneer in life science innovation and to be an example for the region. This collaboration is the first agreement between HKSTP and a life science corporation for multidimensional collaboration (including technology and data sharing).

HKSTP and Roche are dedicated in their support for advancing life science innovation and healthcare policy. Both parties are hoping to provide a greater platform and support to startups based in HK and mainland China, and creating an ecosystem for healthcare startups. The long-term goal is to turn the GBA into a national leader in life science and healthcare innovation, and setting an example the rest of the country might follow in technology application and registration. It is also hoped the GBA will be a hub for talent and for corporates in the Asia Pacific region.

The principle areas of collaboration are:

• Shaping Policy - A white paper to articulate policy recommendations, organizing a public forum and a round-table for in-depth discussion with government officials
• Co-incubation program – providing the startups with supports and guidance on science, strategy and marketing, and creating a platform for the startups and potential partners to network and exchange
• Data collaboration - Fostering a conducive data-sharing environment in the STP Platform and among stakeholders; exploring synthetic data generation tools; promoting the “data collaboration” concept to the community

Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry was one of the witnesses to the Collaboration Agreement Signing Ceremony, he said: “I am so delighted to join you all today to witness the collaboration between the Hong Kong Science Park and Roche in building a healthcare innovation ecosystem in Hong Kong. All these new developments that echo the strategies laid down in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint recently published. With the unwavering support from the Central Government and the Government's solid commitment to the I&T development, as well as the unique advantage of Hong Kong, the impactful partnership between Science Park and Roche will undoubtedly drive a new wave of world-class development in Hong Kong's biomedical ecosystem.”

Mr. Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “Roche is a global pharmaceutical leader. They have strong connections with business leaders, scientists, marketers, and investors globally. We believe this partnership will nurture more health talents and dramatically accelerate growth in our medical research, drug development and clinical trial processes.” 

Dr. Shen Hong, Head of China Innovation Center of Roche (CICoR), said: “We are so glad to see this collaboration happen. We are hoping to bridge HK and other cities in China for more opportunities to exchange, collaborate and empower starts-ups; accelerating conversion and commercialization; and to bringing hope to patients in China.”

Ms. Agnes Ho APAC Sub Region 3 Head, Roche Diagnostics, said: “HK has a great foundation of scientific research. We look forward to this collaboration in advancing high-quality research work, building a platform for innovation, benefiting Asian population as well as the rest of the world.”

Among the other guests at the launch ceremony were Ms. Lillian Cheong Man Lei, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Ms. Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology; Mr. Ahmed Elhusseiny, Head of APAC Area at Roche Pharma; Dr. Tang Qiusong, Head of Roche Accelerator (CICoR); Dr. Diana Liu, General Manager, Hong Kong and Macau; and Mr. Ronald Lo, General Manager, Roche Diagnostics Hong Kong and Macau.