Assistant Director, InnoHK and University Collaborations

As part of the Ecosystem Development Division, University Collaborations team plays a crucial role in developing various joint development programmes in collaboration with university partners both locally and internationally. Two major programmes / initiatives include Hong Kong Techathon+, a flagship university entrepreneurship competition, and Global University Innovation Network (GUIN), a global university and institutional network fostering cross institutional and cross region collaborations on talent development, startups incubation and research translations. The team also plays a key role in managing InnoHK research centres focusing on AI & Robotics (AIR), as well as Sustainability Energy & Advanced Manufacturing (SEAM), offering account management supports to foster research translation and commercialisation through industry collaborations and deeptech venture building and incubation. 

Reporting to the Director of University Collaborations and Entrepreneurship, this position will lead a small team to advance strategic university partnerships, entrepreneurship initiatives, and the following key responsibilities:

The Position

• Formulate and execute the strategic university partnership plan 
• Develop, maintain and manage partnership and relationships with partnering universities and research centres both locally and internationally
• Manage existing co-ideation / co-incubation programmes co-developed between HKSTP and partnering universities and institutions
• Organise the annual Hong Kong Techathon+ competition in collaborations with local and global partners
• Drive strategic initiatives solely or jointly with universities for GUIN including the provision of secretariat support
• Develop and manage talent development and entrepreneurship initiatives together with university partners
• Provide account management to AIR and SEAM InnoHK research centres
• Design, develop and manage new initiatives, events and activities as well as venture building / creation programme to support deeptech research translations of InnoHK research centres and university partners
• Develop and maintain good partnership with investors, incubators, venture builders and related stakeholders for venture building services / programmes
• Work closely with other HKSTP divisions and various stakeholders to deliver any planned programmes, initiatives, events and activities
• Represent HKSTP to attend university and InnoHK related activities both locally and internationally, as and when required
• Perform any other duties as assigned

The Candidate

• A bachelor’s degree in IT, science, engineering, or other related disciplines
• 10 years’ work experience, preferably in business and partnership development in technology startup ecosystem and / or incubator / accelerator or innovation-focused environment
• Higher education or professional qualifications with less experience will also be considered
• Experience involving in deep-tech research commercialization in university or research institution environment in Hong Kong / China is strongly preferred
• Highly experienced in partnership development, client-facing and relationship management is an advantage
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development, including both local and global startup ecosystems across various industry verticals
• Good team player with excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal and organization skills
• Mature and independent, detail-oriented and ability to work in multitasking and under tight timelines
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Chinese (including Putonghua)
• Occasional business travel is required

What We offer  

• Unique Work.Live.Play.Learn culture in Hong Kong’s largest Innovation & Technology ecosystem
• 5-day work week, attractive annual leave and additional special leave
• Medical benefits including dental and annual check-up from Day-1, with extended coverage to dependent(s)
• Professional training and career advancement opportunities
• Accessible to various bus service with network across different locations in HK

Interested parties please submit your application by clicking “Apply Now”.  Direct applicants who do not apply via the “Apply Now” will not be progressed further. Commencing position will be commensurate with qualifications, relevant experience, and competencies.  

The application will remain open until the position is filled. HKSTP reserves the right not to fill the position.

Personal data provided will be treated in strict confidence and used for recruitment purpose only.  All personal data collected will be used strictly in accordance with employer’s personal data policies, you can refer to the Corporation’s Privacy Policy Statement at https://www.hkstp.org/privacy-policy/

Applicants not invited for interview within 6 weeks may consider their applications unsuccessful.  Personal data of unsuccessful applicants will be retained for a maximum of two years counting from the date the vacancy has been filled.

About Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to foster a thriving innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem that nurtures emerging companies, supports numerous research professionals and technology firms from various countries. This ecosystem focuses on developing sectors such as life and health tech, AI & robotics, fintech, and smart city technologies, etc.

HKSTP provides comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerating the commercialization of innovations for technology ventures. The Corporation continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.