Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission, the Virtual InnoCarnival 2020 was launched today (December 23) to run until December 31. Under the theme "Collaborate．Innovate．Beyond Imagination", the event showcases an array of the latest local innovations and research achievements in collaboration with around 50 programme partners. It also features a series of InnoTech workshops and webinars. Members of the public are welcome to join.

     In his speech for the launch of the event, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that the Government has allocated over $100 billion over the past three years to support various policy initiatives for promoting the development of innovation and technology (I&T) infrastructure and an I&T ecosystem, pushing forward Hong Kong's I&T development on all fronts and at full steam. The Government will continue to invest in the future to improve the quality of life and to create more quality employment opportunities for the young generation. It will also continue to strengthen the support for nurturing and attracting talent, expanding the I&T talent pool for local I&T development to further flourish.

     The Virtual InnoCarnival 2020 offers a one-stop online platform to showcase over 170 I&T outcomes from local universities, research and development (R&D) organisations, government departments, non-government organisations and technology enterprises, enabling the public to appreciate the contribution of the local I&T industry to society on various fronts, igniting people's interest in I&T and further promoting an I&T culture in the community.

     A special feature of the online platform, the Knowledge Hub, introduces 37 local R&D projects funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund which have won awards at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva and other international accolades, giving visitors a glimpse of the remarkable local research achievements.

     During the carnival, 72 InnoTech workshops covering a wide range of topics and around 40 I&T webinars given by industry professionals, as well as creativity competitions and games, will be held online to enhance public awareness of the importance of I&T in daily life and to nurture youngsters' creativity.

     All the activities of the Virtual InnoCarnival 2020 are free. Some of them require pre-registration. For details and registration arrangements, please visit the campaign website (innocarnival.hk) or contact the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (Tel: 2561 6149; email: innocarnival@hkfyg.org.hk).

Ends/Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:47

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