HKU and the Beijing Institute of Collaborative Innovation (BICI) held a Plaque Unveiling Ceremony on May 23, 2023, to mark the establishment of the HKU Collaborative Innovative Center in Hong Kong.   Established under a partnership agreement between the University and BICI, the Center aims to promote translational research projects and to enhance collaboration in scientific research, technology commercialisation and talent training.    The ceremony was officiated by Professor Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), and Professor Alice Wong, Associate Vice-President (Research) from HKU, and Dr Duoxiang Wang, President, and Dr Xinjian Zhou, Vice-President (Global Collaboration) from BICI.    In his welcoming address, Professor Shen said, “The HKU Collaborative Innovation Center is a testament to the University’s ongoing commitment to research excellence and innovation. It will bring together top researchers and industry partners to work on cutting-edge research projects to find solutions to complex problems, create new knowledge and nurture future talents. BICI has established strong collaborative relationships with top international universities worldwide. We are very excited about this meaningful partnership between HKU and BICI. I look forward to the fruitful accomplishment brought by this cooperation and the remarkable contributions that this Center will make to the HKU community and beyond.”   Dr Wang said, “Industrialisation of R&D outcome is important to technological advancement. Our partnership with HKU as a world-renowned institution will leverage the collaborative strengths and give full play to the respective advantages of HKU and BICI in academic and research excellence, high-quality students and technology acceleration. By developing an innovative and effective mechanism that combines R&D, industrialisation and talent training, we hope that the Center will foster original technologies and emerging industries, not only making contributions to our society, but also supporting HKU’s ongoing mission and dedication to education, innovation and entrepreneurship.”   At the ceremony, HKU and BICI also signed an agreement on a joint training programme for PhD to nurture future talents in innovation and technology, followed by an information session in which Dr Zhou introduced to participants the collaborative framework and funding opportunities for joint research and development. 

HKU-BICI Entrepreneurship Joint Educational Placement Programme for PhD is now open for applications.   Admitted students will receive joint supervision from HKU and Beijing Institute of Collaborative Innovation (BICI), financial support throughout the four years of study and full access to the academic and research facilities in HKU and BICI.   In addition to traditional PhD training, students will spend two years at BICI’s research centres in Beijing and Guangzhou and be engaged in practical entrepreneurship training on real-world projects.   Apply now or before August 31, 2023 for commencement of study on April 1, 2024.   Click here for more details.