Hong Kong Research & Development CentresHong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute
Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute
Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research.
ASTRI’s core R&D competences in various areas are organized under seven Technology Divisions, namely IC Design (Analog), IC Design (Digital), Opto-electronics, Electronics Components, Software and Systems, Security and Data Sciences, and Communications Technologies. Four areas of applications including financial technologies, intelligent manufacturing, next generation networks, and medical and health are identified for major pursuit.
In 2006, ASTRI was designated the Hong Kong Research and Development Centre for Information and Communications Technologies by the Innovation and Technology Commission. In 2012, ASTRI received the approval from the Ministry of Science and Technology to establish the first Hong Kong Branch of National Engineering Research Centre. Working closely with Southeast University in Nanjing, the centre will focus its R&D efforts on Application Specific Integrated Circuit System.
After more than a decade of dedication to customer-focused R&D, ASTRI has built a rich portfolio of intellectual properties and nurtured many research talents for the industry. Since its inception, ASTRI has filed more than 900 patents in the Mainland, the U.S. and other countries, with close to 500 granted. Currently, ASTRI has about 400 R&D engineers, with 27% holding PhD degree and more than 50% holding Master’s degree. It has also succeeded in creating economic impact by transferring new technologies to its customers in Hong Kong, the Mainland and the region.
Backed by an impressive track record as well as its current resources, ASTRI is looking forward to becoming one of the leading and most influential R&D centres in the region with strong commitment, dedication and confidence.
What does ASTRI offer?
As a Hong Kong R&D centre, one of ASTRI’s important goals is to help customers capture business opportunities from the thriving technology market and increase their competitive strengths. Customers and partners can improve their efficacy by drawing on ASTRI’s expertise and research achievements.
Technology Transfers
ASTRI has a rich portfolio of commercially viable technologies readily available for customers’ deployment. The number of technology transfers conducted through research contract, technology licensing and other forms of partnership has exceeded 700, generating a total sum of over HK$450 million income received from industry.
R&D Professionals
ASTRI has teams of brilliant researchers led by team leaders, many of whom are prominent technologists in their respective fields. ASTRI has about 400 R&D personnel, with 27% holding PhD degree and more than 50% holding Master’s degree.
Intellectual Properties
ASTRI has produced a volume of home-grown and patent-protected technologies. Since establishment, ASTRI has filed more than 900 patents with over 500 granted.
Collaboration and Partnership
ASTRI offers collaboration and partnership in the following business models:
Technology Licensing
- Industry partner contributes a certain percentage of R&D project costs
- Non-exclusive licensing and sharing of benefits
Research Contract
- Customized R&D projects in accordance with industry partner’s request
- Industry partner pays 100% of R&D project costs
Industry Collaborative Project
- Industry partner contributes 30% to 50% of R&D project costs
- Exclusive licensing / foreground IP right and sharing of benefits
Spin Off
- Industry partner / investor acquires the technology and related support with solid business initiatives for downstream commercialization