The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and C.H.M.T. Peaceful Development Fund Management Limited (CHMT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a pivotal moment in accelerating new energy innovation through industry-academia-research collaboration. By combining HKUST's world-class research capabilities with CHMT's market expertise, the partnership will bridge laboratory breakthroughs with commercial deployment. The initiative seeks to drive advancements in new energy technology and sustainable development in line with the carbon neutrality ambitions in the 14th Five-Year Plan.
The signing ceremony, held at HKUST, was witnessed by HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP and Dr. LO Man-Tuen, Vice-chairman of the 10th All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and President of the China Peaceful Development General Summit of Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan Diaspora. The MoU was signed by HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development Prof. Tim CHENG and Dr. LO Kam-Wing, Chairman of CHMT and President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong.
The partnership will foster energy innovation, explore pathways for translating scientific research into market-ready solutions, and broaden cooperative networks through cross-sector collaboration.
Academic-Industry Collaboration: Co-creating a Green Future
HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development Prof. Tim CHENG said, "Energy transition and sustainable development are critical global priorities. Through this partnership, HKUST and CHMT will synergize cutting-edge research - from next-gen energy storage to renewable energy and system optimization solutions, - with industrial scalability, directly supporting the nation's strategic priorities and positioning Hong Kong as a global leader in energy innovation. The HKUST Energy Institute is committed to fostering breakthroughs that enhance energy resilience, reduce carbon intensity and contribute to the Greater Bay Area's development as a global hub for green innovation. Backed by rich resources, deep expertise, and a vast business network, CHMT-guided by its mission to foster peaceful development across Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and the diaspora-will strongly support HKUST in translating research into practical solutions."
Dr. LO Kam-Wing, President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and the Chairman of CHMT, remarked, "As an investment firm with extensive fund management expertise, CHMT has successfully supported and nurtured multiple projects with significant social impact. We are excited to collaborate with HKUST, leveraging our combined strengths while aligning with the HKSAR Government's innovation policies to drive research commercialization and pioneer new energy solutions. This partnership will champion a government-industry-academia-research-investment model, transforming lab innovations into market-ready solutions and contributing to green, low-carbon progress for Hong Kong and the nation."
Focusing on New Energy Technology and Translating Scientific Research into Market-ready Solutions
New energy technology is a strategic emerging industry put forth in the 14th Five-Year Plan. Developing advanced new energy technology industries helps combat global climate challenges, accelerates the achievement of carbon neutrality targets, and drives sustainable development. The HKUST-CHMT partnership will focus on three key areas:
- Research Commercialization: Explore collaborative ventures in energy and sustainability development, and leveraging CHMT's incubation platform to commercialize HKUST's innovations;
- Innovative Energy Solutions: Co-develop novel energy technologies applicable to CHMT's needs, advancing sustainable energy development locally and nationally;
- Knowledge Exchange Hub: Deepen knowledge sharing through diverse projects and activities.
The HKUST Energy Institute and CHMT will collaborate closely to harness industry-academia-research synergies to drive energy transition and shape a sustainable future. Established in 2014, the HKUST Energy Institute offers an interdisciplinary platform through energy-focused research and programs, contributing expertise to build future economic, reliable, and sustainable energy systems. CHMT, founded in 2017, brings extensive investment fund management experience, having managed projects worth over HKD 40 billion while providing comprehensive capital-raising and advisory services.
