Hi-tech: Commissioner for Innovation & Technology Janet Wong visits a graduate firm's panel exhibition.

The Science Park has proven to be adept at not only bringing complementary businesses and facilities together, but also in incubating and nurturing innovators and entrepreneurs, Commissioner for Innovation & Technology Janet Wong says.

At the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks' Incubation Programme graduation ceremony today, Miss Wong said the programme, from its inception in 1992, has been an important part in helping technology-based firms at the critical start-up stage.

The programme has successfully incubated more than 230 start-up companies, over 180 of which are still in business. In the past seven years, incubatees and graduates have filed more than 360 intellectual properties, including patents, trademarks and registered designs. Firms under the programme have won more than 160 international and local awards, with six of them graduating today.

During the same period, the graduates obtained more than 180 cases of government funding, and attracted over $665 million in "angel" or venture-capital investment. Of them, three graduates have listed on the Hong Kong Exchange.

"The [park] is a clear testament to the Government's commitment to promote innovation and technology, and our resolve to advance technology initiatives in a sustainable manner," Miss Wong said, adding the park's third-phase development will launch soon.