Fourth round of Midstream Research Programme for Universities opens for applications

     The Innovation and Technology Commission today (January 11) launched the fourth round of the Midstream Research Programme for Universities. Funding applications from universities for research and development (R&D) projects under the themes "Drug Development" and "Green Engineering Technologies" are welcome. The deadline is March 26.

     R&D projects under the theme "Drug Development" refer to mid- to down-stream research on innovative chemical, biological or Chinese medicines-based drugs for disease management. Those under the theme "Green Engineering Technologies" cover a wide range of technology areas in the engineering discipline, including renewable energy such as solar and wind energy, third generation semiconductors, remote sensing technology, artificial intelligence, intelligent buildings and smart grids.

     The Programme aims at encouraging universities funded by the University Grants Committee to conduct more theme-based midstream research in focused technology areas, so that more R&D outcomes could be made available for downstream research or product development.

     The funding ceiling for each project is $5 million. Projects involving collaboration across multiple disciplines, universities or research institutes will be accorded priority and a higher funding ceiling of $10 million per project.

     Further information is available on the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) website (www.itf.gov.hk/l-eng/MRP.asp). For enquiries, please contact the ITF Secretariat (Tel: 3655 5678; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).