The innovation of Internet of Things (IoT)-connected smart devices coupled with big-data analytics technologies promises to ignite the next industrial revolution. Hong Kong can make the most of its proximity to the global electronic and product manufacturing hub in the Pearl River Delta, both in terms of creating IoT devices as well as being a major consumer of these products. The speaker outlines initiatives to strategically align HKUST’s resources to enable smart hardware innovation in Hong Kong and beyond. These include design-thinking programs and competitions to optimize product concepts for commercialization; a manufacturing platform to enable prototyping and low-volume manufacturing; internationally leveraged product innovation; and entrepreneurial resources such as long-term venture mentor resources to guide startups.
