In a landmark event at the InnoBay · Future Industry Forum held in the Shenzhen Park of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone on January 16, Lingnan University’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies (SIS) and the Center of International Innovation for Technology and Science (CIITS) formalized a Cooperation Framework Agreement. The agreement is set to usher in a new era of collaborative innovation in scientific research and technological advancement between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
The agreement, signed by Professor Chen Xi, Dean of SIS, and Mr. Liu Renchen, Director of CIITS, reflects a shared commitment to fostering scientific and technological innovation. This collaboration will focus on building an industrialization platform, establishing state-of-the-art research centers and laboratories, and transforming key research outcomes into actionable projects, particularly in biomedicine and high-performance materials.
Both institutions have pledged to work hand in hand to attract leading enterprises, develop major national scientific research infrastructure, and create an innovation fund dedicated to supporting science and technology-driven businesses. This fund is expected to serve as an incubator for startups and innovation-focused enterprises, further strengthening the region’s status as a global hub for technological excellence.
Through this partnership, Lingnan University and CIITS will share resources and expertise, organizing industry-centric seminars and exchange programs to foster cross-border collaboration. This initiative leverages Lingnan University’s international research capabilities and CIITS’s robust industrialization platform to create a comprehensive ecosystem for innovation.
Professor Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning at Lingnan University, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to accelerate the Greater Bay Area’s development in technology and innovation. “We aim to build a globally competitive platform for major technological advancements and industrialization. Lingnan University will focus on advancing laboratory infrastructure, nurturing talent, and driving impactful research projects,” he stated.
Mr. Ernest Chan Chi-man, Vice-President (Administration) of Lingnan University, highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration. “Lingnan University has a strong legacy of advancing high-quality scientific research. Partnering with CIITS allows us to combine our strengths, with CIITS providing an expansive industrialization network and Lingnan University contributing global perspectives and cutting-edge research. Together, we will create new models of collaborative innovation for Shenzhen and Hong Kong,” he remarked.
The agreement has garnered attention from key stakeholders, including Mr. Shao Gang, Deputy Director of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, and Ms. Li Huilai, Deputy Director of the Hetao Development Authority. Their presence at the event underscores the importance of this partnership in advancing regional innovation goals.
This collaboration also includes plans for the joint development of research initiatives and shared use of advanced laboratory facilities, emphasizing a seamless exchange of expertise. The partnership aims to create a dynamic synergy between academia and industry, fostering a culture of innovation and enterprise.
As Professor Guo Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee, remarked during the event, this strategic collaboration sets a precedent for how institutions can work together to drive impactful technological advancements.
The signing ceremony marks a pivotal moment for both Lingnan University and CIITS, as they embark on this transformative journey to enhance innovation, drive research excellence, and contribute to the Greater Bay Area’s growth as a global technology hub.