Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Global University Innovation Network (GUIN) and the Grand Kick-off of the Hong Kong Techathon+ 10th Anniversary today (July 11):

Albert (Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Global University Innovation Network (GUIN) and the Grand Kick-off of the Hong Kong Techathon+ 10th Anniversary. This event brings together energetic young innovation and technology (I&T) talents at the Hong Kong Science Park, and I am thrilled to be part of it.

     This year, we celebrate a remarkable milestone - the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong Techathon+. Over the past decade, this platform has transformed into a vibrant and dynamic launch pad for young innovators and entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2015 as a collaboration between Hong Kong Science Park and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Techathon+ has gathered thousands of young talents to transform bold and creative ideas into potential start-ups. Today, we are proud to see the initiative expanded to include 15 higher education institutions in Hong Kong, along with over 30 partnering institutions and organisations from across the Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and the United States. Notable global partners like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford and NUS (National University of Singapore), have lent their strength to this journey, making Techathon+ not just local, but a truly international event.

     Over the years, Hong Kong Techathon+ has welcomed over 7 000 participants and 2 000 start-up projects. It is inspiring to see that some alumni have achieved remarkable success, including recognition in Forbes Asia's 30 Under 30 list. We are excited to have many of them back to celebrate this milestone with us.

     Riding on the success of Techathon+, Hong Kong Science Park, together with the 15 local co-organising institutions, has initiated the GUIN to promote Hong Kong's leading position as a hub of research and academic excellence. This powerful network connects local and international universities, fostering multilateral collaborations in talent nurturing, start-up incubation and research translation. It also aligns with the Government's vision to create a vibrant I&T ecosystem and enlarge the I&T talent pool.

     Hong Kong enjoys a unique advantage of having strong support from the motherland and a close connection with the world, converging global innovation resources, including high-calibre talents. The Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. Notable progress has been made. Over the past two years, for example, we have attracted over 200 I&T enterprises with high potential and representativeness to set up or expand their businesses here. To all the young talents present today, I encourage you to seize this opportunity to collaborate, innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible.

     In closing, I wish Hong Kong Techathon+ 2026 a resounding success. I look forward to seeing your innovative ideas take flight. Thank you very much.

Ends/Friday, July 11, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:25

NNNN