On June 15, the 2023 Torch Express Sci-tech Achievement Transformation Cooperation (Foshan) and Guangdong University Research Findings Commercialization Roadshow Contest (Hong Kong Session) took place at the Hong Kong Science Park. More than 100 representatives from Foshan National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone (Hereinafter referred to as FHIDZ), Hong Kong universities, research institutions, industrial parks, and tech companies attended.

At the event

This event marked the fifth year of Foshan hosting the event and the first time it was held in Hong Kong, signifying deepening collaboration between Hong Kong Sci-Tech Innovation and Foshan Manufacturing.

A Strong Partnership: Collaboration Between Foshan and Hong Kong

FHIDZ promotes the business environment of Foshan

In 2023, the Torch Express Sci-tech Achievement Transformation Cooperation (Foshan) debut in Hong Kong. This event holds significant importance given the backdrop of Guangdong Foshan seizing major opportunities in manufacturing industries and rapidly integrating into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Hu Xuejun, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Management Committee of FHIDZ, expressed in his speech that as a pivotal engine for Foshan's technological innovation, FHIDZ is dedicated to establishing four key areas: a high-tech innovation hub with self-reliance, a gathering place of modern industrial clusters, a high-level talent base in the Greater Bay Area, and a specialized services center for high-tech enterprises.

Foshan and Hong Kong share strong historical ties and geographic proximity, making them natural partners. With over 800,000 people in Hong Kong originating from Foshan, the region is a preferred destination for Hong Kong investments. FHIDZ is taking the lead in promoting innovation and development. They're focusing on building a strong foundation for technology, a gathering place of modern industry clusters, a hub for high-level talents, and a service center tailored to high-tech enterprises. This partnership aims to create a new model of collaboration - Talent + Projects + Industries + Finance. Hong Kong professionals are welcomed to Foshan for mutual development, further strengthening the "Hong Kong Sci-Tech Innovation" and "Foshan Manufacturing" collaboration, said by Hu Xuejun.

Hong Kong company representatives review the technology requirements released by Foshan enterprises

Representatives of Hong Kong Science and Technology Park approved that Foshan's advanced industries offer a wealth of opportunities for technology transfer, which is essential for Hong Kong's tech development. Hong Kong Science & Technology Park sees Foshan as a crucial partner for these endeavors. Both regions are actively exploring ways to establish a permanent channel of communication through events like Torch Express Sci-tech Achievement Transformation Cooperation. They aim to leverage Foshan's industrial and market strengths to accelerate the market transformation of Hong Kong's tech projects.

During this visit, the delegation of FHIDZ also visited various Hong Kong research institutions, industrial parks, and companies, including the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, Hong Kong Cyberport, Hong Kong Science Park, and the SMJ Group. Their aim was to explore more Hong Kong innovation resources to boost Foshan's manufacturing sector with high quality.

A Successful Matchmaking: Connecting Technology and Business Needs

Foshan's advanced industries offer a wealth of opportunities for technology transfer, which is essential for Hong Kong's tech development. Hong Kong Science Park Company sees Foshan as a crucial partner for these endeavors.

Focusing on intelligent manufacturing and high-end equipment industry, the cooperation collected more than 50 upgrading needs, covering more than 10 industries such as intelligent equipment, intelligent robots, intelligent home appliances, electronic information, automobile industry, new energy, UAV.

Foshan companies presenting technology requirements

During the event, representatives from companies like Welling Electric Motors, PRATIC, and KOESERVICE presented their specific needs on researches of advanced technologies, including low-noise and low-vibration motor technology, CNC whole machine characteristic analysis and structural optimization, heavy-load transmission systems under hostile marine environment, and intelligent monitoring with AI decision-making multisensors.

The responsible person of applied technology innovation at Guangdong Welling Electric Motors R&D System noted that FHIDZ provided a broader platform for companies to connect with technology. This is more effective than individual company outreach. "At the event, we already had Hong Kong companies interested in preliminary connections," he added. In recent years, Foshan has shown significant commitment to technology achievement transformation, and the event is expected to offer more opportunities to access Hong Kong's universities and technology resources.

At the Event

The Guangdong University Research Findings Commercialization Roadshow Contest was also presented at the event. This competition aims to unearth technology achievements with high intellectual property, technological value and promising market prospects, fostering innovation collaboration with universities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.

Roundtable Discussions

Business Matching Conference

The Torch Express Sci-tech Achievement Transformation Cooperation (Foshan) has proven to be an effective platform for Foshan connecting with national innovation resources to drive industrial development. Over the past four years, it has facilitated the transformation of nearly 400 technology achievements with over 230 industry-specific and individual requirements in FHIDZ, leading to numerous collaborations among universities, research institutions, and Foshan's industries. More than 20 technology achievements have been successfully transformed in Foshan. This event continues to be a successful avenue for Foshan's industrial growth and the Greater Bay Area's technological innovation.