Hong Kong, 20 May 2019 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (“HKSTP”) today held a Construction Commencement Ceremony for the InnoCell, the on-site residential building aimed at providing working space-cum-temporary accommodations for Park companies and incubatees working at Hong Kong Science Park. The Hon Mrs Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR Government, was the guest-of-honour, along with a number of senior government officials and senior management of HKSTP.
To further advance innovation within the construction industry, HKSTP and the Construction Industry Council (CIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the same event. Specifically, HKSTP and CIC will collaborate in various areas on the development and adoption of construction robotics and automation systems.
InnoCell to Apply Innovative Construction Approach
The 17-storey InnoCell sits on a 32,000-sq ft site adjacent to the southeast entrance of Hong Kong Science Park. The InnoCell is a showcase for modern smart living and co-creation communities, offering flexible design and ancillary facilities, and will provide around 500 residential units of accommodation for talent and incubatees from Science Park.
The construction of the InnoCell will apply the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) technology, an innovative construction approach which applies Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) to enable off-site manufacturing in a prefabrication factory and then transportation to site for installation. This approach significantly reduces onsite construction processes. MiC has been proven effective to enhance building productivity and safety, construction quality and sustainability, supported by success cases in the US, the UK and other countries.
Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, said, “We thank the HKSAR government for their strong support in our mission of building a vibrant I&T ecosystem at Science Park. The InnoCell is part of our larger efforts to attract local, mainland and overseas I&T talent, through providing accommodation in Science Park itself. It is designed to create an environment that promotes creativity and co-creation. Come 2020, the InnoCell will represent the modern concept of smart living and co-creation community, giving Park companies further assistance in attracting talent.”
Construction of the InnoCell is expected to be completed by end of 2020. HKSTP has launched the Accommodation Support Scheme to park companies. Details can be found in the Appendix.
Collaboration with Construction Industry Council to advance I&T adoption
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed by HKSTP and the CIC at the event today. The collaboration will see HKSTP and CIC working together on accelerating the development and adoption of construction robotics and automation systems.
The four main areas of collaboration include:
- The establishment of an accreditation scheme for construction robotics and automation systems, incorporating industrial standards, testing methodologies and testing laboratory and other services.
- Exploration and incubation of companies that can develop cross-practice solutions associated with construction robotics and automation systems
- Promotion of innovative construction technologies through technical visits, workshops and seminars.
- Providing joint training, competence assessment and personnel certification on the use of construction robotics and automation systems.
Chan Ka-kui, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council, said, “Like every other sector in Hong Kong, the construction industry is also experiencing Digital Transformation. We need to accelerate the implementation of new and innovative technologies that can drive productivity, safety, cost efficiency, and shorten construction times. There is much opportunity for HKSTP and CIC to nurture home-grown companies that can develop solutions for Hong Kong-specific challenges, and aid our construction industry as well.”
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, also added, “As Hong Kong’s largest innovation and technology (I&T) hub, HKSTP is committed to accelerating the application of innovative technologies in all sectors of the economy, including the construction sector. AI & Robotics (AIR) is a strategic technology focus of HKSTP, and we’ve been playing an active role in bringing the AIR community together to develop AIR solutions for various sectors, such as logistics and manufacturing. And now, together with CIC, we will bring the AIR revolution to the construction industry.
Both of our organisations will put together industrial processes and standards, to assure that the technologies developed are of the highest quality and commercially viable. We look forward to the development of ground-breaking innovations on our shores, and hopefully exporting them to other cities in the future.”
APPENDIX
Accommodation Support Scheme
| Background & Objective: |
HKSTP has launched Accommodation Support Scheme since Q3 2018 to attract Mainland and overseas technology talents to Hong Kong, and add to the local talent pool and promote R&D. |
| Details: |
The Scheme has set aside HK$100 million to subsidise the accommodation for Mainland and overseas I&T talent involved in R&D for a 6 to 12 month duration of work at Science Park. The maximum amount of the subsidy per eligible talent is HK$10,000 a month, with reference to the rents of nearby districts with similar living conditions. |
| Eligibility: |
The Scheme is eligible for Science Park companies with new full time employees originated from Mainland and overseas. |
| Limit: |
The subsidy is provided for a maximum of 10 eligible employees of each company for a maximum period of 12 months and a minimum period of 6 months. |
