Exhibition showcases young talent in innovation and technology
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    A four-day exhibition to demonstrate the strength and potential of local youth in innovation and technology was unveiled today (November 10) at the Hong Kong Science Museum Special Exhibition Hall.

     The Youth Innovation Exhibition, which runs until November 13, features the innovative inventions of Hong Kong young people, many of which have won awards in various local and overseas innovation and technology competitions.

     Also showcased are high-tech exhibits from a myriad of universities and research organisations. In addition, a number of interactive technology and design DIY workshops will be held during the exhibition.

     The exhibition is a key event of the two-month Innovation Festival 2006 which aims to inspire young people's interest and enhance their aspirations in innovation and technology.

     The festival is organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission, with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups as the festival partner.

     "Youths have infinite innovative power. Their talent should be recognised and their creativity should be encouraged," a spokesman for the Innovation and Technology Commission said today. "The Youth Innovation Exhibition, an important event of the Innovation Festival 2006, is part of our dedicated effort to nurture our budding talent in innovation and technology. It provides a platform for the youth to showcase their brainchild and for our public to recognise the potential of our youngsters."

     The fun-filled exhibition has four thematic zones: Robotics Carnival; Youth Innovations; High-tech Innovations and Technologies; and "My Favourite Inventions for Quality Living Competition 2006".

     The thrilling and action-filled Robotics Carnival is expected to be a focus of attention among youngsters. Visitors can watch live demonstrations by robots which have been created by winners of major contests such as the World Robot Olympiad, the Hong Kong Robot Olympic, the RoboCup Junior Open Competition in Hong Kong and the Robocon 2006 Hong Kong Contest. Guests can also experience robotics technologies  by taking part in interactive games such as robotic soccer and triathlon relay for robots.

     Interesting and practical daily life inventions are displayed in the Youth Innovations Zone. They are created by students from primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary education institutes. Many of the exhibits have received international and local awards. Inventions displayed include an intelligent office assistant, chocolate beans sorter, hearing protection helmet, vision game platform, intelligent aquarium system, indoor carbon dioxide filter and all-weather cool and warm cap and many other innovative inventions.

     The fruits of research and development by local universities and research institutes in various areas such as nanotechnology, automobiles, medical devices and textiles and clothing are presented in the High-tech Innovations and Technologies zone.

     Visitors can see highly innovative exhibits such as a hybrid car developed in Hong Kong, magic mirror, flexi-wrist healing brace, luminescent fabric display and a prototype handheld global positioning system for use in Hong Kong and on the Mainland. There will also be nanoelectronics exhibits.

     Finalist entries in both the junior and adult categories of the "My Favourite Inventions for Quality Living Competition 2006", which is also one of the activities of the Innovation Festival 2006, are also on display at the exhibition. People are encouraged to vote for their favourite inventions for quality living from now until noon on November 22. All voters have a chance to participate in a lucky draw. The competition is co-presented by the Innovation and Technology Commission and Towngas TGC.

     Interactive design and technology workshops such as creating solar car and manual driven glider, DNA finger printing, power and energy, computer-aid-design, control network for modern living are also held during the exhibition.

     Admission is free for all of the exhibition activities. For programme details and registration, please visit www.innotech.gov.hk.

Ends/Friday, November 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:31

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