HKUST Receives Government's Approval to Establish Two New InnoHK Research Centers

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is pleased to receive approval from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the HKSAR Government to establish two new research centers under the third InnoHK research cluster, SEAM@InnoHK. The research centers will focus respectively on renewable energy and storage, as well as power semiconductors and related applications. These centers aim to drive innovation in green and low-carbon energy transition and advanced manufacturing, thereby supporting Hong Kong's alignment with the national 15th Five‑Year Plan's priorities on sustainability, while strengthening the city's strategic role in the new wave of global technological advancement.

The two new HKUST-led research centers include:

Hong Kong Center for Renewable Energy and Storage (HKCRES)

Head of HKCRES: Prof. SHAO Minhua, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

HKCRES focuses on four strategic research areas: high performance and scalable perovskite photovoltaics; green hydrogen production, storage, and utilization; next generation battery systems such as solid-state batteries; and energy system integration and optimization. The Center collaborates closely with leading universities and research institutions worldwide, such as University of Cambridge, Collège de France, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Tsinghua University. It also works with government departments as well as leading industries and incubation funds to translate its research into practical applications that benefit society.

Power Semiconductors and Applications Center (PowerSAC)

Head of PowerSAC: Prof. Kevin CHEN Jing, Chair Professor of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering

PowerSAC is dedicated to advancing next‑generation wide‑bandgap (WBG) semiconductor technologies, spanning advanced power devices, integrated circuits (ICs), and high‑efficiency power conversion solutions for demanding applications, including artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The Center works closely with local partners such as City University of Hong Kong, the Research Center for Electrical Vehicles at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, as well as with leading universities, research institutions, and industry partners across North America, Europe, and Asia. These include EPFL, Nagoya University, the University of Toronto, Peking University, and Tsinghua University, forming a comprehensive innovation chain that spans materials and device development through to system‑level validation.

HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP expressed sincere gratitude to the government’s continuous support and trust in the University’s research and technology translation capabilities and stated, "The InnoHK initiative plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among local universities, leading global universities, and research institutions, establishing world-class research centers in Hong Kong and providing vital support for strengthening the city’s position as an international innovation and technology hub. HKUST has long been an active contributor to the InnoHK initiative and currently leads five research centers under the platform, spanning frontier fields of strategic importance to both the nation and Hong Kong.

"We are deeply honored to receive approval to establish two new InnoHK centers, marking a significant expansion of our research footprint in renewable energy, semiconductor technologies, and materials science. This development closely aligns with the priorities of the national 15th Five-Year Plan, particularly in advancing green development and fostering new-quality productive forces. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, international partnerships, and attracting global talent, the seven HKUST-led InnoHK centers will continue to strengthen Hong Kong's and the nation's leadership in global science and technology."

Prof. Tim CHENG Kwang-Ting, HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development remarked, “Green and low‑carbon energy technologies, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and new materials are key strategic areas globally, and form an important foundation for driving green transformation and industrial upgrading. The two research centers will bring together world‑class research teams and industry leaders to work closely with HKUST researchers on frontier research in high‑potential core areas, including renewable energy and advanced energy storage technologies, as well as power semiconductor chips and applications.

"Leveraging HKUST’s strong research capabilities, the centers are expected to further strengthen collaboration across government, industry, academia, and the research sector, accelerating full‑chain innovation from upstream fundamental research and mid‑stream technology development to downstream industrial implementation. These efforts will support the growth of emerging industries and advanced manufacturing, inject new momentum into the innovation and technology ecosystem, and reinforce Hong Kong’s important role within the national science and technology development framework.”

Launched by the ITC in last March, SEAM@InnoHK focuses on sustainability, energy, advanced manufacturing, and materials. The initiative aims to position Hong Kong as a hub for global research collaboration, with the aim to attract institutions that are among the global top echelon to collaborate with local universities and institutions to set up research centers and laboratories in Hong Kong.