Second City I&T Grand Challenge shortlists 220 submissions for semi-pitch (with photos)

     The Innovation and Technology Commission announced today (June 26) that the second City I&T Grand Challenge had received 1 172 submissions from nearly 2 500 contestants on an individual or team basis. More than 90 per cent of the contestants came from Hong Kong, with the rest from Mainland China, Australia, Singapore and the United States. After the first phase of assessment, 220 submissions were shortlisted to enter the next stage, the semi-pitch.

     During the submission period, five briefing sessions were held to ensure the compatibility of the participants' innovation and technology (I&T) solutions with the competition subjects. In addition, online workshops on innovation and design thinking were held for 350 primary and secondary school teachers to equip them with appropriate guidance for their teams in the Primary and Secondary School Groups.

     A spokesman for the Commission said, "To help participants prepare for the approaching semi-pitch, training workshops on pitching skills and prototype building were organised for shortlisted participants of all Groups. In addition, trainings for participants of primary and secondary schools were specially arranged with an aim to stimulate their insight on the subjects of the competition and to enhance their I&T solutions through real-life experience."

     The second City I&T Grand Challenge was launched on March 16 under the theme "Hong Kong's Got I&T". All sectors of the community were invited to put forward I&T solutions focusing on two subjects, namely "I&T for Nature (Yama)" (improving the operation and management of country parks and campsites, and enhancing hikers' experiences in nature) and "I&T for Community (Community Wellness)" (enhancing support for carers). The competition opened for submission from April 5 to May 16 and is divided into four categories, which are the Primary School Group, the Secondary School Group, the University/Tertiary Institute Group and the Open Group. Among the 1 172 shortlisted submissions, 393 of them selected "I&T for Nature (Yama)", while the remaining 779 selected "I&T for Community (Community Wellness)" as the topic. 

     The semi-pitch will be held between July 9 and 20 at the Hong Kong Science Park and InnoCentre. An online session will also be organised to enable non-local contestants to participate. The grand pitch will be staged on August 10 at the Hong Kong Science Park. Winners of each Group will be awarded cash prizes and trophies. To drive applications of I&T solutions for the benefit of the general public, winners of the University/Tertiary Institute and Open Groups will also be given financial support for research and development, as well as training sessions to refine their solutions for trials at designated venues such as government departments or public organisations. Details are available on the event website (citytechgc.hk).