The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is expanding its innovation efforts by forging key partnerships with leading mainland research and technology institutions. The institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Donghua University and a Letter of Intent on a Co-operation Framework with the Pudong-Hong Kong Institute for Technology Transfer and Innovation Limited and Pudong New Force Incubator. These agreements aim to enhance research collaboration, technology transfer, and industry incubation.
HKRITA Chairman Teresa Yang highlighted the significance of these partnerships, emphasizing their role in facilitating knowledge exchange, fostering technology incubation, and accelerating industry applications. "Our goal is to create an ecosystem that fuels innovation, inspires breakthroughs, and expands advanced technologies in the global market, ensuring sustainable growth and shared success," she stated.
Donghua University, formerly China Textile University, has been a major contributor to China’s textile industry since its establishment in 1951. Under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education, the university will collaborate with HKRITA on research projects focused on textile material circularity, microplastics solutions, and functional fibres. Donghua University President Prof. Xiang Yanxun noted that the collaboration would support China’s carbon neutrality goals and drive industrial transformation in both Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The Pudong-Hong Kong Institute for Technology Transfer and Innovation Limited, backed by the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation, and Pudong New Force Incubator will work with HKRITA to develop an innovation platform focusing on bio-renewable materials with low carbon emissions. This partnership aims to incubate sustainable technologies and integrate artificial intelligence with the fashion industry.
Chan Yi Ngok, a representative of the Pudong-Hong Kong Institute, stressed the framework's importance in expanding HKRITA’s presence in Shanghai and fostering deeper industry exchanges. Li Chenfei, Strategic Director of Pudong New Force Incubator, highlighted the collaboration’s role in advancing green technologies and accelerating their commercialization.
