ASTRI and Slovak Academy of Sciences Forge Technology Partnership

The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in innovation and technology. This agreement, formalized on September 16, 2025, represents a significant development in the exchange of research and technological expertise between Hong Kong and Slovakia.

Strengthening Research and Innovation

The MoU aims to establish a framework for joint research initiatives, personnel exchanges, and the application of cutting-edge technologies between ASTRI and SAS. Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of the Board at ASTRI, emphasized the strategic alignment this partnership represents. He stated, “This partnership exemplifies the strategic alignment between Hong Kong’s ambition to become a global innovation hub and Slovakia’s digital transformation agenda.”

Lee highlighted that by pooling resources and expertise, both parties intend to accelerate technology adoption and transition research breakthroughs into market-ready solutions. A significant focus of this collaboration is to cultivate a new generation of talents in the innovation and technology sector.

Martin Venhart, D.Sc., President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, echoed the importance of this agreement. He 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.”

Engagement at SlovakiaTech Forum-Expo

The delegation, which includes senior representatives from ASTRI and other stakeholders in the innovation and technology ecosystem, is set to participate in the SlovakiaTech Forum-Expo on September 17, 2025. At this high-profile event, Ir Sunny Lee and Dr Ying Huang, Chief Technology Officer at ASTRI, will address key topics related to innovation.

Lee plans to discuss “Cooperation between the State and the Private Sector to Boost the Innovative Performance of the Economy,” while Dr Huang will engage with attendees at the “Hong Kong Innovation Forum.” Both speakers will present insights into Hong Kong’s innovation capabilities and ASTRI’s notable achievements.

In addition to the signing ceremony and forum participation, the delegation aims to engage with Slovak enterprises to identify potential collaborative opportunities within the technology sector. This visit not only showcases Hong Kong’s innovation landscape but also seeks to strengthen ties with Slovakia’s vibrant technology community.

ASTRI, established by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000, focuses on enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research. The institute has received numerous accolades for its innovations and has transferred nearly 1,600 technologies to industry, securing approximately 1,200 patents globally.

As technological collaboration continues to grow between regions, the partnership between ASTRI and SAS signifies a pivotal step toward advancing research and innovation on an international scale.

For further details on ASTRI, visit www.astri.org. More information about the Slovak Academy of Sciences can be found at www.sav.sk.