The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) had a highly productive year 2024/25, marked by groundbreaking technological advancements, strengthened industry collaborations, and notable contributions to Hong Kong’s smart city development. Below are the key highlights of ASTRI’s achievements:
The number of new projects initiated increased by 23% year-on-year, extending the reach and impact of innovation and technology to a broader community.
Industry and commercialisation income grew by 13% and 5% year-on-year, respectively, underscoring robust market demand and affirming the readiness of ASTRI’s technologies and solutions.
ASTRI deepened partnerships with government departments and public organisations, applying technologies across diverse areas such as utilities, smart mobility, construction safety, and healthcare. These initiatives improved operational efficiency and enhanced the user experience in public services.
ASTRI secured 27 US patents in 2024, ranking 42nd amongst the National Academy of Inventors’ “Top 60 non-profit institutions and government agencies granted US utility patents” — the only Hong Kong R&D institute featured on this prestigious list.
The establishment of our fourth technology alliance, the ConTech & PropTech Alliance (CPTA) in July 2024, strengthened cross-sector collaboration and accelerated technology commercialisation through enhanced stakeholder engagement.
ASTRI’s office at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone was officially opened in October 2024, marking ASTRI’s further expansion into the Greater Bay Area. In addition, the Technology Transfer and Commercialisation centres in Suzhou and Beijing have strengthened industry collaboration between Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland, facilitating the transformation of laboratory innovations into market-ready solutions.
ASTRI received 52 local and international awards, affirming our research excellence and practical solutions that address real-world challenges across diverse industries. Our technologies, developed in collaboration with our partners, achieved commendable results in several prestigious competitions.
ASTRI has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with government bodies, public organisations, and private enterprises across Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, France, Malaysia, Korea, and Spain. These partnerships have enabled the gradual realisation of collaborative projects, demonstrating ASTRI's capability to bring homegrown technologies to the global stage.
In addition to collaborating with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and The University of Hong Kong, ASTRI has partnered with City University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to further expand the ASTRI Work-Study Programme (PhD). This initiative empowers full-time staff to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and apply cutting-edge theories in practice.
ASTRI has strengthened its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance through the launch of various ESG initiatives, focusing on energy efficiency, employee wellbeing, and corporate best practices. In addition to these internal efforts, ASTRI has advanced research projects that harness innovation to tackle global challenges, delivering sustainable solutions that benefit society as a whole.
Throughout the year, ASTRI received numerous prestigious honours and awards, showcasing our R&D capabilities and innovations, which are widely recognised by industry at home and abroad.
By establishing a fair and positive working environment, ASTRI enables our talent to fully unlock their potential and strive for excellence.
The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in 2000. Our vision is to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research. Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research and innovation and technology (I&T) talents, generating I&T benefits for the community. We have earned numerous international accolades for our pioneering innovations as well as exemplary contributions to both business and society.
ASTRI’s core R&D competence is grouped under five Technology Divisions: Advanced Electronic Components and Systems; Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies; Communications Technologies; IoT Sensing and AI Technologies; and Intelligent Perception and Control Technologies. These are applied across six core areas, which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Digital Health, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits and Metaverse.
| Board Chairman |
|---|
| 1 Ir Prof Sunny Lee |
| Official Members |
|---|
| 2 Mr Eddie Mak |
| 3 Mr Ivan Lee |
| Chairman of Functional Committees |
|---|
| 4 Prof Chan Chun-kwong |
| 5 Mr Peter Ng |
| 6 Mr Dennis Ho |
| Members (listed in alphabetical order in surname) | |
|---|---|
| 7 Prof Christopher Chao | 14 Mr Theodore Ma |
| 8 Mr Stephen Chau | 15 Dr Alfred Ng |
| 9 Prof Cheng Shuk-han | 16 Mr Jack Ng |
| 10 Mr Jason Chiu | 17 Ir Dr Samson Tai |
| 11 Dr Felix Chow | 18 Mr Anthony Tong |
| 12 Mr William Ho | 19 Prof Martin Wong |
| 13 Ir Arthur Lee | 20 Mr Wilfred Wong |
ASTRI is governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from the industry, commercial and professional sectors, the academia and the HKSAR Government. Directors are appointed by the Government and have collective responsibility for overseeing ASTRI’s operation and strategic directions. Three Functional Committees were formed to assist the Board in managing ASTRI:
The Finance and Administration Committee is tasked with overseeing all aspects of ASTRI’s finance and administration;
The Technology Committee is responsible for guiding research initiatives at ASTRI; and
The Audit Committee ensures both internal and external audit processes are executed properly.
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for ASTRI as we celebrate 25 years of driving innovation and technology excellence. Over the past quarter-century, the Innovation and Technology (I&T) sector has evolved from an emerging field into a cornerstone of economic growth and societal advancement. Today, I&T leads the way in addressing critical global challenges, including climate change, societal progress, sustainable development and economic growth.
Since its establishment in 2000, ASTRI has played an instrumental role in positioning Hong Kong as a leading I&T hub in the region. Aligned with the strategic priorities of the Central Government and the HKSAR Government, we have leveraged policy support and industry partnerships to advance our mission. More than merely a research institute, ASTRI serves as a super-connector and value-adder for innovation and technology. It plays a key role in “bringing in” and “go global” by attracting I&T talent and investment, while promoting homegrown technologies to the international market. This transforms R&D outcomes into real-world application, delivering tangible economic and societal value.
Ir Prof Sunny Lee
BBS, JP
Board Chairman
ASTRI’s achievements in 2024/25 reflect the strength of our strategic execution. New project initiations grew by 23%, significantly expanding our innovation footprint across industries. Robust growth in industry engagement and commercialisation revenues further underscores the strong demand for our solutions in the market. These metrics highlight our ability to translate research excellence into impactful, market-ready technologies that drive economic value.
Through close collaboration with government departments and public organisations, we have delivered transformative solutions across sectors such as smart mobility, transportation, FinTech, construction, healthcare and more.
ASTRI’s innovation leadership continues to earn global recognition. In 2024, we were ranked 42nd globally in intellectual property filings among non-profit R&D institutions by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in the US. We remain the only Hong Kong-based entity within this prestigious category. Our achievements also include receiving 52 local and international awards, further affirming the quality and impact of our research.
Strategic expansion has been key to our sustained growth. This year, we launched our fourth technology alliance, focusing on construction and property technology, which has fostered cross-sector collaboration and accelerated commercialisation pathways. The establishment of our Beijing Centre for Technology Transfer and Commercialisation has further strengthened innovation exchange between Beijing and Hong Kong, enabling laboratory breakthroughs to be transformed into market-ready solutions.
Our strategic partnerships spanning Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and international markets such as Korea, Malaysia, France and Spain, ASTRI continues to bring homegrown technologies to the global stage, demonstrating our capacity to deliver impactful innovation on an international scale.
Aligned with the 14th Five-Year Plan and positioned to play a crucial role in the forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, ASTRI is deeply committed to advancing national priorities that will shape China’s innovation-driven future. Central among these is the development of New Quality Productive Forces – emphasising breakthrough innovations, strategic emerging industries, and advanced technology integration to drive high-quality economic development.
By concentrating our applied research on artificial intelligence, advanced communications, integrated circuits, intelligent manufacturing, and health technologies, we accelerate the transformation of scientific discoveries into productive applications, reducing time from laboratory to market and enhancing China’s technological self-reliance in strategic sectors.
Our commitment to nurturing the next generation of I&T talent remains unwavering. Through expanded collaborations with leading universities under our Work-Study Programme, we empower our staff to remain at the cutting edge of technological advancement while applying academic theories in practice.
In addition, ASTRI’s comprehensive ESG initiatives reflect our dedication to sustainability and responsible growth. By enhancing energy efficiency, promoting employee wellbeing, and upholding corporate governance excellence, we continue to position ourselves as a forward-thinking and socially responsible institution.
Looking ahead, the proposed merger with Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI), announced by the HKSAR Government in November 2024, marks a transformative chapter for ASTRI. This integration will create synergies that enhance our research capabilities, expand our technology portfolio, and strengthen our position as the region’s premier applied research institution.
Together, we will be better equipped to capture emerging opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and beyond, accelerating innovation cycles and delivering greater value to our stakeholders.
ASTRI’s achievements are a testament to the dedication of our talented team, the steadfast support of the HKSAR Government, and the trust of our industry partners. As we embark on the next phase of our journey, we remain committed to leveraging technology as a catalyst for inclusivity, better living, and sustainable development.
Building upon the solid foundation of the past 25 years, ASTRI is ready to play an even more pivotal role in shaping Hong Kong’s innovation-driven future, contributing to Hong Kong and our country’s development in New Quality Productive Forces.
It is a privilege to assume leadership at ASTRI during this remarkable 25th anniversary year. In the past 25 years, ASTRI has built a distinguished legacy of innovation and technological achievement that has strengthened Hong Kong’s position as a leading innovation and technology hub. Our ability to adapt and evolve in response to emerging challenges has been a hallmark of our success. I am excited to work with our talented team to forge new partnerships, drive technological breakthroughs, and deliver practical solutions that address challenges facing our city, nation, and global community.
Ir Dr Ted Suen
MH
Chief Executive Officer
ASTRI is dedicated to strengthening Hong Kong’s competitiveness through cutting-edge technology, ensuring that our research and development efforts deliver tangible benefits to industries, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute meaningfully to society at large. Backed by a robust technical foundation, our research teams excel at integrating diverse technologies with agility, crafting innovative solutions to tackle complex challenges.
Building on our expertise, ASTRI is committed to aligning with the “AI+” strategies outlined by both the national government and the HKSAR Government. Centred on artificial intelligence and bolstered by emerging technologies such as IoT, application-specific integrated circuits, robotics and more, we aim to drive digital transformation for diverse industries and sectors and accelerate Hong Kong’s evolution into a global hub for innovation and technology.
ASTRI’s achievements in 2024/25 reflect our unwavering commitment to transforming research excellence into tangible societal and economic value. Through strategic collaborations with leading universities and research institutes, we have bridged the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial application.
Leveraging our robust technology ecosystems and industry networks, we have delivered practical solutions across diverse sectors, including public transport, public services, banking, and medical diagnostics. These efforts underscore ASTRI’s ability to align innovation and technology with realworld needs, driving economic growth and improving quality of life.
ASTRI continues to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a global innovation nexus through a dual strategy of attracting and exporting technological expertise. We bring international innovations into Hong Kong to enhance local capabilities and maintain our city’s competitive edge in emerging technologies. At the same time, we facilitate the global expansion of world-class solutions developed in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland, showcasing their impact across industries.
Our growing presence in the Greater Bay Area and strengthened partnerships with Chinese Mainland universities, research institutes, and technology enterprises exemplify our commitment to crossborder collaboration. This strategic approach ensures that Hong Kong remains a vital conduit for innovation across the region and beyond.
Excellence in innovation is built on a foundation of exceptional talent. ASTRI remains deeply committed to attracting, developing, and retaining world-class professionals to sustain our competitive advantage.
Evidence of our success can be seen in the overwhelming response to our 2024 summer internship programme, which attracted nearly 3,000 applications from top global universities for just 110 intakes. This robust talent pipeline ensures that ASTRI remains a premier destination for emerging I&T talent and a leader in shaping the future of innovation.
Building on these foundational priorities, ASTRI will continue strengthening its role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. The establishment of four major technology alliances in recent years exemplifies our ability to drive collective impact through strategic partnerships. By fostering closer collaboration among government, industry, academia, research and investment, we aim to accelerate the development of transformative technologies and maximise their global impact.
Our research on applied technologies will play a vital role in further enhancing Hong Kong’s global competitiveness while improving the quality of life for its citizens. Our vision extends beyond technology for its own sake. We are committed to delivering solutions that address pressing societal challenges, promote sustainability, and secure prosperity for future generations.
As technological advancements continue to accelerate, ASTRI remains committed in its mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research. With abundant opportunities in Chinese Mainland and international markets, we are well-positioned to expand our technological achievements and deliver even greater value to our stakeholders.
We will embark on a new chapter after merging with NAMI in the coming year. I am deeply grateful for the continued support of the HKSAR Government, ASTRI’s Board of Directors, and our industry partners. Together, we will push the boundaries of innovation and ensure that ASTRI continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for Hong Kong and beyond.
Mr James Fan, Dr Alan Cheung, Dr Daniel Shi, Dr Ying Huang, Ir Chris Chong, Ir Dr Ted Suen, Dr Cheng Jung Tsai, Ms Cammy Yung, Ms Jennifer Wang, Mr Kenny Chan, Ms Iris Chan, Mr Michael Poon
ASTRI is headed by Chief Executive Officer who is responsible for the institute’s overall management. He is assisted by the Chief Technology Officer, Chief Operating Offer and Chief Financial Officer as well as other senior executives, for overseeing research and development, business development, technology transfer, marketing and corporate communications, human resources, finance and administration.
| Dr Daniel Shi | Vice President, Advanced Electronic Components and Systems |
| Dr Cheng Jung Tsai | Chief Director, IoT Sensing and AI Technologies |
| Dr Alan Cheung | Chief Director, Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies |
| Mr Kenny Chan | Chief Director, Intelligent Perception and Control Technologies |
| Mr James Fan | Acting Head, Communications Technologies |
| Mr Michael Poon | Senior Director, Internal Audit |
| Ms Jennifer Wang | Chief Legal Counsel |
| Ms Iris Chan | Senior Director, Human Resources |
* Assumed duties on 2 July 2025

ASTRI’s cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art technologies are driving the implementation of Hong Kong’s Smart City Blueprint 2.0 — a Government-led initiative positioning the city as a global leader in smart city innovation. Through significant advancements in Smart Connectivity, Smart Mobility, and Smart Living, ASTRI is playing a pivotal role in realising the vision of this pioneering blueprint.
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ASTRI stands at the forefront of this financial transformation, harnessing its expertise in AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and data analytics to drive innovation and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a leading international financial hub.
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The global ageing population, rising healthcare costs, and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases are creating challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. In Hong Kong, these pressures are compounded by demographic shifts and evolving patient expectations. To address these issues and support Hong Kong’s ambition to become a global health innovation hub, ASTRI is advancing digital health technologies centred on non-invasive monitoring, early detection, and AI-driven diagnostics.
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Integrated circuits are the backbone of advanced technologies, powering the development of electronics, telecommunications and smart city solutions. The Hong Kong Branch of National Engineering Research Centre for Application Specific Integrated Circuit System (CNERC) was set up in 2012 within the infrastructure of ASTRI, spearheading research and development in application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to support the national high-tech industrial growth.
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Our network of information and technology (I&T) partners continues to expand, now encompassing government bodies, industry leaders, universities, and research institutes across the region. As an integral part of this vibrant ecosystem, ASTRI remains committed to collaborative innovation that improves lives, guided by our vision of ‘Tech for Everyone’.
Our mission is clear: we drive technology transfer, commercialise research outcomes, and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading global I&T hub by fostering collaboration amongst all stakeholders in the I&T ecosystem.
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One of ASTRI’s core missions is to promote Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, and fostering exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong and overseas partners is key to realising this vision. In 2024/25, we actively participated in major global I&T events, expanded our connections with partners worldwide, and showcased Hong Kong’s I&T excellence, strong talent, and ample development opportunities.
Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen cooperation with the world and deepen our ties with relevant government departments, industries, academia, and research institutions.
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ASTRI’s success is built upon the exceptional talent and expertise of our team. Our high-calibre staff possess extensive knowledge and skills across diverse professional disciplines. Recognising the critical importance of nurturing future innovation and technology talent and retaining top-tier researchers in today’s intensely competitive global landscape, we have adopted a comprehensive talent recruitment and development strategy to ensure that ASTRI continues to attract outstanding individuals with innovation and technology potential.
Read MoreAs Hong Kong accelerates its transformation into a global hub for innovation and technology (I&T), ASTRI remains steadfast in driving impactful research, fostering industry collaboration, and supporting the city’s strategic vision. ASTRI will play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s I&T future by addressing critical societal and industrial challenges through innovation.
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