The merger of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) is successfully completed, creating Hong Kong’s largest government-funded research and development (R&D) centre.
ASTRI is Hong Kong’s largest government-funded R&D center, founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research.
Specifically, ASTRI transforms high-impact research into practical innovations. It also drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors.
Meanwhile, NAMI was established and designated as the R&D centre for nanotechnology and new materials in 2006.
The merger with NAMI will further strengthen ASTRI’s capabilities, combining ASTRI’s expertise in information and communications technologies (ICT) with NAMI’s advanced materials capabilities, forming a comprehensive applied R&D platform comprising around 800 research professionals.
The newly merged research institute will deliver end-to-end solutions across ASTRI’s core application areas, which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies.
Under the new structure, ASTRI’s expanded research portfolio will cover AI platforms and solutions, communications technologies, advanced electronic components and systems, intelligent sensing and control solutions, alongside electronic materials, battery materials, construction materials, biomaterials, and functional polymer.
ASTRI’s new tagline “Leading Innovation • Breaking Boundaries” fully depicts ASTRI’s commitment to driving forward-thinking ideas while challenging conventional limits. The integration reflects a proactive approach to innovation, not only pioneering new technologies and solutions, but also breaking traditional norms and barriers in its industry. It is a vision that inspires teams to go beyond the status quo and explore unchartered territories in pursuit of excellence and advancement.
The merger will see more innovations turn into market-ready solutions, leveraging ASTRI’s 1,500 global patents including the Chinese Mainland and the United States, as well as 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer.
The merger is also set to come with more outstanding achievements, recognised by international awards.
For example, at the recent 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, ASTRI and NAMI won a total of 18 prestigious accolades, including two Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury and seven Gold Medals. The award-winning solutions integrate artificial intelligence with various cutting-edge technologies, addressing key areas such as energy, smart production, construction, education, healthcare and sustainability.
Furthermore, ASTRI will continue to nurture top innovation and technology (I&T) talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong’s high-value economic development.
“My sincere congratulations to ASTRI and NAMI on their successful merger!” said Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry,. “The HKSAR Government is implementing the development plans set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint. By optimising and integrating the research strengths of Hong Kong’s R&D institutes, we aim to enhance their complementary capabilities in applied research and increase overall synergy.”
“Following the merger of the two R&D institutes, Hong Kong’s core framework for driving I&T development—centred on ‘three major I&T parks and five key R&D institutions’ —will be further strengthened. I look forward to ASTRI continuing to leverage Hong Kong’s unique research advantages, proactively aligning with the national ‘15th Five Year Plan’, thereby supporting Hong Kong to accelerate the development of ‘new quality productive forces’, and making important contributions to the nation’s pursuit of high level self-reliance and strength in science and technology,” he added.
Ivan Lee, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, said, “I warmly congratulate ASTRI and NAMI on their successful merger, which marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development. The merged institution will become Hong Kong’s largest government-funded R&D centre, strengthening the city’s position as a global I&T hub, foster greater synergy across R&D disciplines, and drive impactful innovations for the Greater Bay Area and beyond.”
Ir Prof Sunny Lee, Board Chairman of ASTRI, said: “The merger of ASTRI and NAMI marks a significant step forward in Hong Kong’s innovation landscape as the cross-disciplinary synergies will accelerate innovation, fuel economic growth, and bolster Hong Kong’s global competitiveness.”
Looking ahead, he said that ASTRI will continue to promote collaborations among government, industry, academia, research and investment sector, expediting the journey from laboratory to market.
Honoured to lead a talented and professional team committed to developing advanced practical technological solutions that shape the future, Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, described the merger as an injection of fresh impetus to Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.
“We shall focus on impactful applied research, particularly ‘AI Plus’ initiatives that integrate artificial intelligence with diverse technologies, advancing Hong Kong’s vision of becoming a smarter, greener and more resilient city,” he explained.
