New Hong Kong Smart Lab opens with aim of allowing tech start-ups to pitch ideas that can be used to improve public services
- Smart Government Innovation Lab will focus on finding products such as big data analytics, blockchain and robotics from firms, especially local start-ups
- Lab has also set up a website, where problems from government agencies that need solving will be outlined
Robotic couriers and moving trees were some of the unusual sights at the opening ceremony for Smart Lab, a platform for start-ups to pitch technology solutions to improve public services.
Launched on Thursday, the Smart Government Innovation Lab will focus on finding hi-tech products such as big data analytics, blockchain and robotics from firms, especially local start-ups. The government will use these to improve internal operations and services for residents.
“Innovative technologies never cease to emerge. They can bring revolutionary changes in different fields. The government needs to follow these trends closely,” the government’s chief information officer, Victor Lam Wai-kiu, said at the opening ceremony for Smart Lab, which his office operates at Cyberport.
One scheme highlighted at the lab was a tree motion sensor system. A sensor was attached to a moving model tree, with data of the movement shown on a large dashboard next to it.
Deputy Secretary for Development Joey Lam Kam-ping said the system would monitor trees in high vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas. Abnormal motion is flagged and the Tree Management Office can further assess those that might be a risk for residents.