As technology rapidly evolves, community innovation has become a crucial method for improving residents' quality of life. The Sino Group, in partnership with the Hong Kong Social Venture Fund (SVhk), has launched the "Innovative North" program to connect startups with communities and explore innovative solutions to enhance community welfare. To gain deeper insights into the background and future prospects of this program, Mr. Wong Wing-lung, Vice President of the Sino Group, shared his views.
Sino Group's Long-term Vision
The Sino Group is committed to supporting Hong Kong's technology ecosystem, assisting local and overseas startups, researchers, and tech companies in implementing evidence-based solutions and collaborating with stakeholders to create cutting-edge smart living solutions. Since the establishment of the "Sino Creative R&D Lab," the group has collaborated with over 800 creators to explore new technologies and support the scaling and accelerated deployment of more than 140 tech solutions.
"Our goal is to drive technological development in the real estate tech sector, ensuring that innovative technologies genuinely address the practical needs of the community."
Sino Group
Practical Applications of Innovative Technology
When discussing how technology can better respond to community needs, the Sino Group emphasized that these needs evolve alongside the development of the Northern Metropolis. The value of innovative technology lies not only in the technology itself but also in its ability to address the daily needs of residents. To this end, the Sino Group launched the "Innovative North" program, aiming to unite the efforts of government, industry, universities, research institutions, and various sectors of society to explore innovative solutions that promote community well-being.
"We look forward to these innovative ideas continuing to develop and bringing positive impacts to the communities in the Northern Metropolis."
Sino Group
Strategy for Selecting Partners
The "Innovative North" program differs from typical startup competitions in that it focuses on helping innovators gain a deep understanding of the communities they aim to serve. The program spans five months, during which participating teams closely collaborate with seven community partners and engage directly with residents to understand the expectations and needs of different communities. Through this cross-sector collaboration, startups can explore how to use technology to meet community needs in real-world environments.
Future Development Plans
Looking ahead, the Sino Group's R&D lab will move into the One North commercial complex, a Grade A office and shopping project in the Northern Metropolis, in 2024. This new location will provide a platform for startups from Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas to showcase their research achievements and test market responses. The new site spans over 4,000 square feet and features an open communication platform and shared workspace, The Spark, to promote interaction and collaboration among tech talents.
"We hope to showcase various deep-tech applications through this new platform, further promoting industry exchange and innovative collaboration."
Sino Group
Observations on Community Innovation Trends
When discussing current trends in community innovation, particularly in the context of the Greater Bay Area's development, the Sino Group pointed out that as the region continues to evolve, the demand for elder health, youth development, and community connectivity is increasing. The Sino Group's "Sino Creative R&D Lab" and The Spark, in collaboration with SVhk, launched the "Innovative North" program to bring together startups, universities, community organizations, and residents to explore how innovative technology can support daily life.
"By connecting communities and promoting the trial of innovative solutions, we hope to accumulate practical experience to support the long-term development of the Northern Metropolis."
Sino Group
Impact of Innovative Solutions on Communities
These innovative solutions will have a profound impact on the daily lives and well-being of community residents. The program has connected with over 1,000 residents and stakeholders in the Northern Metropolis, and through direct communication with residents and stakeholders, participating teams have gained valuable firsthand insights and observations to help optimize solution designs and enhance their practical application value.
"Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for community residents, ensuring that technology truly serves people."
Sino Group
In summary, the Sino Group's efforts in community innovation will undoubtedly bring new momentum to the development of the Northern Metropolis. The group's vision extends beyond promoting technological innovation; it focuses on how these innovations can genuinely improve residents' lives, reflecting the Sino Group's commitment to social responsibility.
