How Technology Responds to Community Needs

With the rapid development of technology, community innovation has become an important means to enhance the quality of life for residents. The "Innovate North" program, launched by Sino Group in collaboration with the Hong Kong Social Venture Fund (SVhk), aims to connect startups with the community to explore innovative solutions that promote community well-being. To gain deeper insights into the background and future prospects of this initiative, Mr. Wong Wing-lung, Deputy CEO of Sino Group, shared his views.

Sino Group's Long-term Vision

Sino Group is committed to supporting Hong Kong's technology ecosystem by assisting local and overseas startups, researchers, and tech companies in implementing evidence-based solutions and collaborating with stakeholders to create cutting-edge smart living solutions. Since the establishment of the "Sino Creative R&D Lab," the group has collaborated with over 800 creators to explore new technologies and support the scaling and accelerated deployment of more than 140 tech solutions.

"Our goal is to drive technological development in the real estate tech sector, enabling innovative technologies to truly respond to the actual needs of the community."

Sino Group

Practical Applications of Innovative Technology

When discussing how technology can better respond to community needs, Sino Group emphasized that these needs are constantly evolving with the development of the Northern Metropolis. The value of innovative technology lies not only in the technology itself but also in its ability to address the daily needs of residents. To this end, Sino Group launched the "Innovate North" program to gather the strengths of government, industry, universities, research institutions, and various sectors of society to jointly explore innovative solutions that promote community well-being.

"We look forward to these innovative ideas continuing to develop and bringing positive impacts to the communities in the Northern Metropolis."

Sino Group

Strategy for Selecting Partners

The "Innovate North" program differs from typical startup competitions by focusing on helping innovators gain a deep understanding of the communities they wish to serve. The program lasts for five months, during which participating teams work closely with seven community partners and engage directly with residents to gain insights into the expectations and needs of different communities. Through this cross-sector collaboration, startups can explore how to use technology to respond to community needs in real-world environments.

Future Development Plans

Looking ahead, Sino Group's R&D lab will move into the One North commercial project, a Grade A office and shopping complex in the Northern Metropolis, in 2024. This new location will provide a platform for startups from Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas to showcase their research achievements and test market responses. The new site spans over 4,000 square feet and features an open communication platform and shared workspace, The Spark, to facilitate the exchange and collaboration of tech talents.

"We hope to showcase multiple deep-tech applications through this new platform, further promoting industry exchange and innovative collaboration."

Sino Group

Observations on Community Innovation Trends

Regarding current community innovation trends, particularly in the context of the Greater Bay Area's development, Sino Group noted that as the region continues to evolve, the demand for elder health, youth development, and community connectivity is increasing. The "Sino Creative R&D Lab" and The Spark, in collaboration with SVhk, launched the "Innovate North" program to gather startups, universities, community organizations, and residents to jointly explore how innovative technology can support daily life.

"By connecting communities and promoting the trial of innovative solutions, we hope to accumulate practical experience to support the long-term development of the Northern Metropolis."

Sino Group

Impact of Innovative Solutions on Communities

These innovative solutions will have a profound impact on the daily lives and well-being of community residents. The program has connected over 1,000 residents and stakeholders in the Northern Metropolis, and through direct communication with residents and stakeholders, participating teams have gained valuable firsthand feedback and observations to help optimize solution designs and enhance their practical application value.

"Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for community residents, ensuring that technology truly serves people."

Sino Group

In summary, Sino Group's efforts in community innovation will undoubtedly bring new momentum to the development of the Northern Metropolis. The group's vision is not only to promote technological innovation but also to ensure that these innovations genuinely improve residents' lives, demonstrating Sino Group's commitment to social responsibility.