University Moves Ahead with Enterprise Center

Abstract

[evdate 2004-07-11] 11/07/2004 University Moves Ahead with Enterprise Center University Moves Ahead with Enterprise Center The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is to establish an Enterprise Center on campus to expand its applied research and development (R&D) activities and to cement stronger ties with business and industry.

Construction of the Enterprise Center has been made possible with government sponsorship of half, or HK$105.6 million of the estimated costs and a generous donation of HK$100 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust announced today. In honor of the Trust's outstanding contribution, the Enterprise Center will be named after The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The Enterprise Center will enable the University to fulfill its mission of contributing to the economic development of Hong Kong through technology transfers.

computer rendered drawing of Enterprise Center

Today my deepest thanks go to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, which is without doubt our staunchest supporter. When HKUST was just a concept, it was the Trust that provided a grant of $2 billion to construct the University's campus. Since those earliest days, it has consistently shown its generosity towards HKUST by contributing to the University's research and education programs. The support the Trust has provided the Enterprise Center is both timely, and a great expression of faith by the Trust in the University's mission," says Prof Paul Chu, President of HKUST. HKUST is moving fast, particularly in its R&D endeavors, and in the growth of its postgraduate programs. The Annex was built in 1999 to house various HKUST hi-tech start-ups under our Entrepreneurship Program, but the additional space provided was soon filled as a result of the increased level of our R&D activities. Without the Enterprise Center, our development would have been very much hindered by the lack of space," Prof Chu continues.

The Center comprises two five-storey blocks located at the southeastern end of the Academic Complex, extending from the Annex (see image). It will house activities related to applied R&D, technology transfer, commercialization, executive and professional development programs, as well as research partnerships between the University and the industrial and business sectors. Facilities will include dry and wet laboratories, classrooms, lecture theaters, seminar rooms and administrative offices.

Construction of the Enterprise Center is scheduled to begin this summer, with completion anticipated by September 2006.

For media enquiries Jacky Tsang Tel: 2358-6306 Email: patsang@ust.hk