Maiden City I&T Grand Challenge eyes innovative solutions for new normal smart living

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 -- Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission, together with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the first City I&T Grand Challenge was launched.

In light of the new normal under the epidemic, this year's competition themed ‘Innovating for Hong Kong’s New Normal’ invites all sectors of the community to put forward innovation and technology (I&T) solutions focusing on two issues: environmental sustainability and social connectivity, to tackle problems facing the city and people in their daily lives.

According to a statement, a series of workshops and other activities will also be held to create an I&T atmosphere in the whole community.

In his video speech for the launch of the event, the Financial Secretary, Paul Chan believed that the City I&T Grand Challenge would draw creative ideas from all sectors for developing I&T and smart living proposals to help people live as usual and even in a better way in the new normal during and after the epidemic.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Albert Wong, said the City I&T Grand Challenge offered invaluable opportunity for the public to apply creativity and develop smart solutions catering to the new normal under the epidemic for community benefit.

The City I&T Grand Challenge is open for application until April 24. Target participants range from primary and secondary school students to local and non-local tertiary students, technology enterprises, R&D teams and entrepreneurs.

Winners will be awarded cash prize and a trophy, while University and Open categories winners will also have a chance to receive R&D resources and training for refining their I&T solutions for trying at a designated venue such as government department or public organisation.

The website of the City I&T Grand Challenge has been launched for the public to submit applications. A host of workshops, seminars and training activities will also be organised to introduce knowledge on technologies and entrepreneurship as well as topical daily life issues.

-- BERNAMA