Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) announced a collaboration, aiming to foster a robust Innovation and Tech (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong. AWS and HKSTP will launch programs under four key pillars to drive innovation of IT firms, startups, and researchers throughout the growth cycle – Research & Development, Technology Simulation, Co-incubation, and Talent and Culture Cultivation.
What does the latest collaboration mean to Hong Kong?
“HKSTP and AWS have been working closely for years in supporting high potential tech ventures to innovate, succeed and grow faster,” said Albert Wong, CEO, HKSTP.
“We have witnessed the surging demand from businesses on cloud computing knowledge and innovation tech. This partnership combines the scale and technology expertise of AWS, the undisputed cloud innovation leader, as well as HKSTP’s R&D, incubation and commercialization capabilities accumulated over the past 20 years, to accelerate the development of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem while firmly establishing the city’s status as a global innovation hub.”
“AWS is always committed to support the digital transformation of enterprises of all scales in Hong Kong,” said Robert Wang, Managing Director, Hong Kong & Taiwan, AWS.
“Since 2014, AWS and HKSTP have been working together on a number of cloud programs. We are pleased to deepen our relationship with HKSTP and jointly address the various challenges the city faces in terms of talent, innovation, and technology commercialization.”
What are the areas of interest?
AWS and HKSTP will launch programs under four key pillars;
Research and Development
HKSTP is joining the AWS Open Data Sponsorship Program which extends Open Data access through STP Platform, to support local research teams, from universities and research labs.
Utilizing AWS cloud services, AWS Open Data Sponsorship Program allows researchers worldwide to share and analyze datasets derived from latest studies on global pandemics, cancer, and more. The collaboration will allow researchers at HKSTP partner companies to improve efficiency, while saving costs and time needed for research and data processing.
Technology Simulation
It is often difficult to predict the success and optimal route for commercialization of new technologies in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Amazon Web Services (AWS) will support STP Platform to visualize outcomes through Technology Simulation, allowing developers to conduct tests and simulations at lower costs.
AWS and HKSTP will also form a ‘train-the-trainer’ program using AWS RoboMaker, allowing developers to effortlessly simulate applications under virtual 3D environments and test robotics solutions built with different coding languages, all with reduced costs and higher efficiency. Programs to support simulation of other emerging technologies will follow.
Co-incubation
AWS and HKSTP will nurture startups and support their business growth. Targeting Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) startups, the first six-month acceleration program will provide training, technical and business consultation to help them unlock the potential of SaaS business model, enhance their SaaS products, and ultimately drive business growth and success.
Talent and Culture Cultivation
To nurture homegrown IT talents, AWS will utilize its global training and education resources to equip students and practitioners together with HKSTP. In the first phrase, AWS and HKSTP will provide technical training in biotech and AI for InnoHK clusters, enterprises, and startups.
Based on the needs of the participating firm, AWS will also provide tailor-made capacity-building packages including talent training and Amazon innovation culture workshops.
AWS will hold its annual AWS Summit Hong Kong online on June 7 where professionals in the industry will gather and share insights into the latest cloud trends and industry best practices. HKSTP will set up a virtual booth at the Summit to share more information about their latest collaboration with AWS. Visit https://go.aws/3Ntu3w1 to register for AWS Summit.
