SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure  

35 related courses were offered in the 2021-22 academic year.    

From 2018 to 2022, HKUST published 476 research papers specifically related to SDG 9. 

We recognize that collaboration between academia and the industry is crucial for knowledge transfer as well as cultivating talent.

In November 2022, the School of Engineering signed a licensing agreement with Guangdong Bright Dream Robotics for the commercialization of five technologies focused on energy-efficient buildings, advanced manufacturing processes, data compression, sustainable materials, and integrated building information modeling.  

In June 2022, Big Data Institute (BDI) established the HKUST-HKPC Joint Research Lab for Industrial AI and Robotics with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), aiming to develop innovative industrial technologies using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Through collaboration on research projects in industrial AI, big data, data science, and robotics, the Joint Lab aims to address real-world challenges and explore frontier applications in AI, while internship and fellowship programs provide practical experience and cultivate young talent.  

We partnered with MTR Corporation to establish the HKUST-MTR Joint Research Laboratory in June 2022 for smart community and mobility research. These collaborations provide platforms for knowledge exchange and implementation of innovative solutions, contributing to Hong Kong's research capacity and addressing societal challenges.  

On 11 November 2022. the Office of Knowledge Transfer hosted the HKUST Industry Engagement Day in 2022 to showcase flagship innovations to to foster collaboration between HKUST researchers and industry partners, promoting technology development, cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing in Hong Kong.  

HKUST Dream Builder Program 

The HKUST Entrepreneurship Center holds various incubation programs for start-ups, including the Dream Builder Program which offers funding, coaching, training, mentorship, and in-kind support to aspiring entrepreneurs in developing innovative startups.

In collaboration with Sino Group, HKUST organized the HKUST-Sino One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition where health and environmental safety were a focus for the winning teams. The teams developed an array of innovative proposals including an artificial intelligence-based system to enhance construction site safety, an affordable rapid infectious disease test kit for pets, and a novel automated cocktail machine for wellbeing rejuvenation.  

In June2022, the Office of Knowledge Transfer held the Start-Up Showcase 2022  strengthened the connection between HKUST startups and the innovation community, giving enterpreneurs the opportunity to pitch investors and corporates for collaboration. 

Under the Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab (SSC) initiative, researchers collaborated with HKUST’s library to experiment with optional facial recognition technology as an alternative to a campus ID card, simplifying access to library services and streamlining counter interactions for users. 

Additionally, the Living Lab supported the USThing Extension project, a mobile application aimed at enhancing the campus experience for students, faculty, and staff. The app serves as a centralized platform for accessing important information (e.g. class schedules, grades and library resources), navigating the campus, staying updated on events, and utilizing various services, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for the university community.