Jointly launched by HKSTP, ASTRI and Molecular Hub The First Accelerator Programme to Further Boost Hong Kong’s Capabilities in Blockchain

Dr. David Chung Wai-keung, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology, The Government of HKSAR (middle), Mr. Peter Mok, Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation Head of Incubation and Acceleration Programmes (middle left), Dr. MeiKei Ieong, CTO of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (3rd from right), Mr. Jacky Chan, Molecular Hub CEO (1st from left); (from left to right) Ms. Joanna Cheung, Executive Director of TGN, Mr. Ricky Lei, Founding Partner of HBCC Investment, Mr. Jason Tso, Molecular Group CEO, Dr. Hon Elizbeth QUAT, BBS, JP, Legislative Council Member, Founder and Co-Chairman of Smart City Consortium, Dr. Samson Tam, Chairman of HKBAN and Founding Partner of Inno Angel Fund, Mr. Steve Lau, Founding Partner of HBCC Investment and Eagles Fund, Mr. Kevin Chen and CollinStar Capital Executive Partner attended the Launch Ceremony of Global Acceleration Academy Blockchain Accelerator Programme organized by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.

Hong Kong, 13 July 2018 – At the APAC Blockchain Innotech Summit held at Hong Kong Science Park today, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) announced a partnership with Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and Mhub Blockchain Ltd (Molecular Hub), to launch a Blockchain-focused accelerator programme under its Global Acceleration Academy (GAA).

First-of-its kind in Hong Kong, the programme focuses exclusively on Blockchain technology development and also other applications such as Smart City solutions. In collaboration with industry leaders, the programme will offer the start-ups helpful guidance on how to commercialise their ideas. ASTRI, a key partner in the programme, will provide vital support to the participating start-ups, including training and development as well as access to R&D facilities at the its Smart City Innovation Centre.

The other partner in the GAA accelerator programme, Molecular Hub is a venture of the Molecular Group. The Molecular Group is funded by four companies well-established in Blockchain investments and the VC and investor community: Molecular Future, China Fortune, Tuspark Global Network and CollinStar Capital. Molecular Hub will leverage their collective expertise and industry connections in the field of Blockchain, to help the start-ups to explore and untap Blockchain-related opportunities along the Belt-and-Road markets including China.

The GAA accelerator programme plans to start its worldwide recruitment in August, with the official launch expected take place in November 2018.

GAA is an initiative that started last year, where HKSTP partners with international industry leaders from different fields to develop thematic acceleration programmes tailored to the development needs of individual industries. Since its inception, GAA has partnered with major industry players such as SIASUN, NVIDIA and Alibaba Cloud to drive innovation in artificial intelligence, robotics and Smart City development.

George Tee, Chief Technology Officer of HKSTP, said, “Blockchain technology has enormous potential for use and can be applied into various industries and in many various ways – from compliance, to finance and operations. HKSTP encourages innovation, hence we have seen our Park companies successfully applying this technology to logistics, insurance, ID authentication and property valuation. The timing couldn’t be any better for us to launch this GAA programme, to capture the huge market opportunity out there. This move will certainly put Hong Kong as an attractive venue for innovators to turn their ideas into commercial success.”

Jacky Chan, CEO of Molecular Hub said, “With Molecular Hub collaborating with HKSTP and ASTRI in this GAA programme, the three of us can definitely give extra value and an extra edge for start-ups to validate their ideas. We hope this will be the start of many great things to happen out of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, especially with respect to the development of Fintech.”

Dr Mei-kei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI said, “ASTRI is the largest government-funded applied R&D institute in Hong Kong, focusing on Information and Communications Technology. We have a strong track record of commercialising innovative technological solutions in Smart City, Fintech, AI + Robotics and Health Technologies. Through this partnership, we look forward to working with HKSTP and Molecular Hub to provide support to start-ups, aiming to accelerate the development of I&T in Hong Kong and beyond. ”

Co-organised by HKSTP, HBCC Investment and the Molecular Group, the APAC Blockchain Innotech Summit gathered top-notch Blockchain professionals, investors, entrepreneurs and service providers to explore and discuss the strategic role of Hong Kong in attracting Blockchain companies coming to Hong Kong. The event also aims to foster the development of Blockchain technology and implementation in Greater Bay Area and along the Belt and Road countries.

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