Financial Secretary Paul Chan today officiated at the opening ceremony of the InnoCarnival 2024, which is being held from now until November 3 at the Hong Kong Science Park.

Organised by the Innovation & Technology Commission (ITC), the event features exhibits showcasing local innovation and technology (I&T) achievements under the theme “Let’s Sail with I&T”.

In a speech, Mr Chan said that I&T is relevant to daily life and can produce substantial benefits. He added that the Government has strived to enhance Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem over the past few years, and that the Chief Executive announced multiple measures to promote the sector in last week’s Policy Address.

Mr Chan asserted that it is necessary to elevate “popularising science” in the public imagination in order to nurture I&T development locally, and that the InnoCarnival offers an opportunity to achieve this.

He added that besides being an event for the public to enjoy, the carnival is a platform for programme partners, especially startups, to realise their dreams. He said that it will inspire people’s interest in I&T, encouraging more talent to join the sector and contribute to Hong Kong and the country.

The carnival is supported by over 75 programme partners, including local universities, research and development centres and platforms, government departments, and other organisations. The partners' booths showcase various I&T achievements, in addition to interactive games.

A diverse line-up of about 150 workshops and webinars, ranging across various subjects and demonstrating the importance of I&T in people's daily lives, will be staged during the carnival.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a number of significant scientific research projects carried out in co-operation with Mainland institutions will be on display.

These include the “Hong Kong Youth Scientific Innovation”, the world’s first large-scale artificial intelligence model scientific satellite, which was jointly developed by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Mainland’s ADA Space, with funding support from the ITC.

In addition, 23 winning solutions from the second City I&T Grand Challenge, including some prototypes, will be displayed.

All activities at the carnival are free to join, although some require pre-registration.