The newly launched Contech Accelerator in Hong Kong hopes to establish more than 30 pilot projects that would see the deployment of a range of technologies in onsite construction premises across Hong Kong in the years ahead.
Twenty of the city’s leading construction and engineering companies have joined the first accelerator programme aimed at developing innovative solutions specifically targeted at the local construction industry.
Launched last Thursday, the Contech Accelerator is jointly organised by The Construction Industry Council (CIC) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP).
CIC executive director Albert Cheng wants participating contractors involved in the programme to try out two technologies in their respective pilot projects.
“This will drive the commercialisation and wider application of the related technologies. If the pilot projects were successful, the technologies could be shared with other projects and stakeholders for adoption,” said Cheng, adding that successful cases could apply for the CIC’s R&D Fund under the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF).
CITF is a HK$1.2-billion fund established in October 2018 by the Hong Kong government’s Development Bureau (DEVB) to encourage wider adoption of innovative construction methods and new technologies in the construction industry. The CIC is commissioned by DEVB to be the implementation partner for the CITF.
“Through the promotion of digitalisation, innovation and robotics in the construction industry, we aspire to improve construction quality, sustainability and safety, thereby maintaining a professional image in the industry and promoting the steady and quality development of the industry,” Cheng said.
The industry faces a mounting pressure to deploy the appropriate construction technology needed to enhance productivity, sustainability and safety performance, as Hong Kong expects massive construction output – forecasted to reach will reach HK$225 billion to HK$345 billion in the next 10 years.
Meanwhile, the 20 corporate partners that have joined the Contech Accelerator programme are: Asia Allied Infrastructure Holdings; ATAL Engineering; Build King Holdings; Cheung Kee Fung Cheung Construction; Chevalier (Construction) Company; China Road and Bridge Corporation; China State Construction International Holdings; CR Construction; Dragages Hong Kong; E Man Construction.
FSE Engineering Group; Gammon Construction; Hip Hing Construction Group; Kum Shing Construction; Leighton Contractors (Asia); Paul Y. Engineering Group; Sanfield (Management); Techoy Construction Company Limited Vibro (HK); and Yau Lee Construction.
Unique platform
With the Contech Accelerator programme, CIC and HKSTP are creating a unique platform to drive best practices for technology adoption in the construction industry across a range of different scenarios in onsite premises.
Contech Accelerator matches CIC’s extensive network of corporate partners and HKSTP’s tremendous pool of start-ups and tech ventures. The programme’s corporate partners will provide problem statements, real site for trial and industry feedback to tech ventures under moderation of HKSTP.
“The construction industry is setting sail in its journey to digital transformation. HKSTP and CIC share the same vision to promote the adoption of innovative techniques and solutions in the local construction industry,” said Albert Wong, CEO, HKSTP.
He added: “The ConTech Accelerator provides the ideal trusted platform for co-creation and innovation for 20 corporations and emerging tech ventures to create a more innovative, safer and stronger construction environment while facilitating cross-sector collaborations to accelerate commercialisation and creating new opportunities for the Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.”
The programme will drive industry trials and collaboration on diverse new ideas to solve specific pain points throughout the building processes, from design and construction with innovations in site monitoring, green materials and robotic welding.
The ConTech Accelerator is open to companies, startups and entrepreneurs with the vision to transforming construction through innovation, solution trials and business matching.
