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SCMP Reporter

HONG KONG'S own Technology Centre will be on the lookout at Computer '94 for more entrepreneurs and start-up companies to help in its bid to revolutionise technology development in the territory.

  The Tech Centre wants to help selected embryonic technology companies by admitting them to its development programmes.

  Growing competition from around the region and other parts of the world pushed the Government into actively supporting local industry in technology application and development.

  The result was the formation of the Hong Kong Industrial Technology Centre Corporation - HKITCC - in June last year with a one-time grant of $250 million and land to build a facility.

  The Tech Centre is currently located in the Hong Kong Productivity Council Building in Kowloon Tong. The centre will move to its new seven-storey, 235,000 sq ft headquarters next door when the project is completed later this year.

  The Tech Centre, modelled after industrial incubators and science parks, is designed as a hot-house environment to assist the development of technology-based companies.

  The intended tenant mix ranges from start-ups to large multinationals engaged in the design and development of diverse products and services from network integration to telecommunications, and from optics to electronics.

   There are currently plans to expand what has been called an ''incubation programme'' in the building.

  To show visitors just what the programme is all about, the Tech Centre will showcase its five ''incubation companies'' at the Computer Expo.

  On-site demonstrations will include a new fax network system by Sprint Technology Ltd, a sophisticated pen-input unit with Chinese-handwriting recognition by NotaPenna and the latest version (4.0) of MIS (manufacturing information system) by Integrated Solutions Ltd.

  Product displays of a range of pager units designed by Cirkisys Technology Ltd and SRAM chip designs by Sintek Semiconductors Ltd complete the Tech Centre showcase.

  Tony Tsang, general manager for business development of the HKITCC, said the incubation companies introduced an innovative approach to their particular area of technology development.

  ''Last spring, we temporarily suspended recruitment for the Business Incubation Programme, not because of the lack of promising technology-based start-up companies, but rather because of the lack of available space in our present offices,'' he said.

  With the completion of the new Tech Centre on the horizon, the search had restarted for more participants.

  ''Attractions for start-up companies in the Business Incubation Programme include support resources and various tangible advantages through the Tech Centre,'' said Mr Tsang.

  One of the big inducements for participating companies is the centre's rental structure, which eases the initial financial burdens of starting up over the standard three years in the programme.

  ''In the first year of incubation, the incubatee enjoys a 50 per cent subsidy of the market rate in a Grade A office building,'' said Mr Tsang.

   The incubatees receive a 25 per cent reduction in the second year and a 12.5 per cent subsidy in the third year.

  The Tech Centre boasts advanced computerised building management and security systems, sophisticated air-conditioning, advanced communications systems and a wide range of services, including advanced fibre telecom systems connected to the public-switched telephone network.

  These enabled high volume voice, data and multi-media traffic as well as a multi-function exhibition floor.

  Dr Raymond Ch'ien, chairman of the HKITCC, said: ''I believe this new centre will provide a beacon for the metamorphosis of Hong Kong industry that is already taking place, albeit rather quietly.''   The space partitions in the centre are designed to accommodate various office sizes in the incubation area, to meet the different needs of individual company requirements.

  Additionally, the Tech Centre has provisions for expansion into larger office units in the incubation area as the incubatee grows and develops.

  Projected to ultimately accommodate a maximum of 30 companies, the Tech Centre has made available an entire wing on the first floor of the new building as the incubation area.

  Said Mr Tsang: ''On a broader scope, start-up companies benefit from the high-quality and synergistic work environment in the Tech Centre which can also more aptly attract and retain staff as well as receive interested clients.'' 



Centre aims to help new firms