ASTRI and Slovak Academy of Sciences Forge New Innovation Alliance

The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 16, 2025, aimed at enhancing collaboration in innovation and technology. This agreement represents a significant step forward in fostering research and technology exchange between Hong Kong and Slovakia.

The signing ceremony took place during a delegation visit organized by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia and the Honorary Consulate of the Slovak Republic in Hong Kong. Senior representatives from ASTRI, along with other key stakeholders in the innovation and technology ecosystem, participated in the visit, which aimed to showcase Hong Kong’s capabilities to Slovakia’s technology sector and explore new opportunities within the Belt and Road Initiative.

Framework for Collaborative Research and Talent Development

The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for joint research activities, personnel exchanges, and technology applications between ASTRI and SAS. This initiative is designed to strengthen research collaboration across both regions.

Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI’s Board, emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating, “This partnership exemplifies the strategic alignment between Hong Kong’s ambition to become a global innovation hub and Slovakia’s digital transformation agenda. By pooling our strengths, we aim to accelerate technology adoption and translate research breakthroughs into market-ready solutions. Most importantly, we seek to nurture a pool of I&T talents for tomorrow.”

Martin Venhart, D.Sc, President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, remarked, “This document represents a framework for future cooperation between the Slovak Academy of Sciences and ASTRI. I believe that joint activities in the field of research and technology will be beneficial for both parties and will enable us to effectively share experience and expertise.”

Participation in SlovakiaTech Forum-Expo

The delegation’s visit will include participation in the SlovakiaTech Forum-Expo, set to open on September 17, where both Ir Sunny Lee and Dr. Ying Huang, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI, are invited speakers. Ir Lee plans to address “Cooperation between the State and the Private Sector to Boost the Innovative Performance of the Economy,” while Dr. Huang will engage in the “Hong Kong Innovation Forum.”

Both speakers are expected to highlight Hong Kong’s innovative ecosystem and share ASTRI’s achievements and success stories. Throughout their visit, the delegation will also engage with Slovak enterprises to explore potential collaborative opportunities.

Alongside ASTRI representatives, high-level officials from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Berlin, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council are participating in this initiative.

The collaboration between ASTRI and SAS underscores a commitment to fostering international partnerships that enhance research and technological advancements in both regions. As the relationship solidifies, stakeholders anticipate significant benefits from shared expertise and resources, ultimately contributing to the global innovation landscape.

For further details about ASTRI, visit their official website at https://www.astri.org, and for more information on SAS, visit https://www.sav.sk.