Nov 10, 2022

ASTRI Establishes Microelectronics Technology Consortium Share via The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) announced the establishment of the Microelectronics Technology Consortium (METC). The METC aims to build a microelectronics and semiconductor technology ecosystem and provide a top-notch regional and world-renowned platform for microelectronics technology and product development. The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, as well as high-end experts and key enterprise representatives from academic and microelectronics sectors gathered to witness the establishment of METC. The Hong Kong government is determined to develop high-tech industries, aiming to make Hong Kong an international innovation and technology centre. In recent years, it has earmarked billions of funds to support local re-industrialisation. Semiconductor technology is the core of the entire manufacturing industry. By leveraging the advantages of the current technological upgrading and rearrangement of the global industrial chain, METC is established at the right time to enable support units to deeply understand and maintain close ties with stakeholders on microelectronics solutions, knowledge transfer and collaboration opportunities, to lead and enhance the cross-industry platform for the development of microelectronics industry in Hong Kong from an international perspective. The development of microelectronics ecosystem requires various stakeholders to maintain close ties and foster cooperation in order to accelerate the integration of Hong Kong into the national development. Led by ASTRI, METC is supported by leading organisations from the industry and academia. The Consortium aims to stimulate innovative R&D, promote technological cooperation amongst the industries, research institutes and academia, attract research institutes and enterprises from GBA, the Mainland and around the world to set up their branches in Hong Kong and expand the paths for local talents, to achieve a vibrant microelectronics ecosystem, and make continuous contributions to Hong Kong to make it become an international innovation and technology hub. The strategies of METC to promote regional integration and create strong competitive microelectronics innovation include: Consolidate resources to boost commercialisation: METC will make use of the pilot line to be established, and cooperate with various research institutes in Hong Kong, GBA and overseas to fully integrate existing R&D resources (such as personnel, equipment) and achievements (patents), and centralise resources to develop technologies required for industrialisation, to accelerate the process of product marketisation. Leverage strengths to scale up collaborative innovation: To achieve the goals of application in large enterprises, METC will use the commercialisation model and the concept of collaborative innovation, and effectively integrate various local and overseas resources to form an entire industry chain of “Material-Equipment-Epitaxy-Device-Chip-Package-Module-System” to jointly secure the market share of the 3D small chip and the third-generation semiconductor sectors in emerging markets. The Board Chairman of ASTRI stated that METC will serve as a bridge, connecting the academic and industrial communities. It will be dedicated to facilitating the re-industrialisation in Hong Kong, directing a new way of development for the industry, academia and research institutes, and continuously making contributions to the transformation of Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub, he added. The Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI stated that the development of the microelectronics industry will expand the local re-industrialisation talent pool and inject new impetus into Industry 4.0 and the business community with the aim to enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong. ASTRI has been conducting R&D in 3D integrated chips, third-generation semiconductors and low-power wireless connection chips for a decade. He added that ASTRI has extensive experience in the operation and management of public platforms and pilot lines, talent support, and technology and product commercialisation, which are widely recognised by the industry and academia. The establishment of METC is expected to consolidate resources in Hong Kong to promote the commercialisation of technologies and products, nurture local talents, foster international cooperation, expand the Greater Bay Area (GBA) market, and provide strong support to Hong Kong’s re-industrialisation and transform the city into an innovation and technology hub. Recently, PolyU and a leading property developer based in Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen research collaboration among industry, academia and research organisations to drive innovative solutions for sustainable development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA).