On December 4, 2025, the HKU Collaborative Innovation Center (HKUCIC), in collaboration with the Jingjinji National Center of Technology Innovation, organized a briefing session that drew a record attendance of over 100 participants. The event focused on the Disruptive Technology Innovation Key Project (國家重點研發計劃---颠覆性技術創新重點專項), a major national research and development initiative aimed at accelerating the cultivation of disruptive technological innovations and securing a strategic high ground in science and technology. The program supports projects across early, mid-term, and near-term stages, emphasizing applied research over purely theoretical studies. Attendees gained insights into the program’s objectives, funding mechanisms, and application strategies. Additionally, the session also introduced the 2026-2027 HKU-BICI Joint PhD Program admission, highlighting the new initiative for this unique, entrepreneurship-focused doctoral program.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Professor Alice Wong, Associate Vice President (Research) and Co-Director of HKUCIC. She highlighted the center’s achievements since its establishment and expressed enthusiasm for the new opportunities presented by the Disruptive Technology Innovation Key Project.

Following her remarks, the session featured a keynote presentation by distinguished guest Professor Junbiao Peng, Deputy Director of the Jingjinji National Center of Technology Innovation and Executive Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Center for Disruptive Technology Innovation. Professor Peng provided an in-depth overview of the objectives, scope, and strategic importance of the Disruptive Technology Innovation Key Project, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of the initiative and the selection criteria.

A highlight of the session was the sharing of practical experience by Professor Nicholas Fang from HKU’s Faculty of Engineering. As the principal investigator of HKU’s first project funded under this scheme, Professor Fang offered valuable insights into the application process and key success factors.

The event also included an introduction to the HKU-BICI joint PhD program, outlining its unique structure and the detailing the new admission policy and procedure for the upcoming academic year.

The session concluded with closing remarks from Professor Xuechen Li, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and a member of HKU CIC Cooperation Committee. Professor Li expressed optimism about future collaborations and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing national innovation strategies.

Throughout the event, participants had ample opportunities to engage directly with representatives from the Jingjinji National Center of Technology Innovation through Q&A sessions and informal discussions over lunch. The event fostered meaning dialogue, allowing participants to clarify their understanding and exchange project ideas. We look forward to HKU teams achieving success in securing funding for the Disruptive Technology Innovation Key Project in the coming year.