The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) today hosted the HKRITA's 20th Anniversary Innovation and Technology Symposium 2026 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Weaving 20 Years | Threading New Paths. Building to Last”, the Symposium brought together leaders and experts from government, academia, research institutions and industry to explore key topics including artificial intelligence, green innovation, sustainability and talent development.

Over the past two decades, HKRITA has been committed to advancing applied research and promoting the translation of research outcomes into industry applications, supporting the textile and apparel industry's transition towards technology-driven and sustainable development.

In her welcome remarks, Ms Teresa Yang, JP, Chairman, HKRITA, said: “Innovation and technology are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. Amid growing global competition and sustainability challenges, innovation is no longer an option, but a key driver of industrial upgrading and long-term value creation. HKRITA will continue to support the development priorities of Hong Kong and the nation by advancing research commercialisation and industrial application. This year, we officially launched our Shanghai Office to strengthen connections with the Yangtze Delta and the national innovation network, deepen collaboration with Chinese Mainland research institutions and industry partners, and accelerate cross-regional and cross-sector innovation projects. We firmly believe that innovation should not be confined to a single industry, and that cross-sector collaboration is essential to transforming technology into meaningful impact.”

Addressing the Symposium, The Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, JP, said “For over two decades, HKRITA has built close ties with stakeholders across different regions and sectors, facilitating collaboration among government, industry, academia, and research. It has driven the transformation of numerous research outcomes into industrial applications while nurturing new talent for the industry, contributing greatly to Hong Kong's innovation and technology development. Facing a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, Hong Kong must proactively plan and look ahead. The HKSAR Government is advancing new industrialization tailored to local conditions, building an industrial development system with Hong Kong characteristics. Hong Kong's textile and garment industry has deep roots and international advantages, and is one of the traditional industries with distinct advantages identified in the Hong Kong’s First Five-year Plan. Through a series of policy measures, including the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme and the Pilot Scheme on Upgrading Support for Manufacturing and Production Lines, we are driving the industry to upgrade toward high-end, smart, and green development, giving the golden signboard of "Made in Hong Kong" a brand-new look. I hope HKRITA will continue to leverage its advantages as a research platform, deepen efficient collaboration among government, industry, academia, and research, and further enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in innovation and technology while driving the transformation and upgrading of the textile and garment industry.”

Mr Jake Koh, Chief Executive Officer, HKRITA, delivered the introductory remarks, saying: “The true test of innovation begins when technology moves beyond the laboratory and into industry. In recent years, HKRITA has placed a strong emphasis on commercialisation and industry adoption, working closely with partners to accelerate the deployment of innovative technologies. From advancing the Green Machine platform and refining its business model, to collaborating with organisations such as Ocean Park on circularity and sustainability initiatives, we are committed to translating research into practical applications that create value for industry and society. Today, HKRITA measures success not only by how well a technology performs, but by how far it can go and the impact it can create.”

A key highlight of the Symposium was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HKRITA and Ocean Park Corporation. The collaboration will strengthen cooperation in sustainability, innovation and technology, public education, knowledge exchange and industry engagement. By leveraging their respective strengths in research, conservation, education and public engagement, both organisations will explore opportunities in green innovation and circular economy initiatives.
Mr Paulo Pong, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Board, Ocean Park Corporation, said: “As a world-class conservation and education hub, Ocean Park is committed to promoting conservation, education and sustainable development. Over the years, HKRITA has built a strong track record in innovation, technology and sustainability. We are delighted to partner with HKRITA, leveraging our respective strengths in research, innovation, education and conservation to explore opportunities in the circular economy and green innovation. We hope this collaboration will inspire more organisations and businesses to put sustainability into practice, creating lasting value for Hong Kong, society and future generations.”

Leaders and experts from the financial, academic and industrial sectors shared forward-looking insights during the Symposium. In his keynote address, “Accelerating Sustainable Growth - The Role of Finance in Enabling Innovation, AI Adoption and Industrial Transformation”, Mr Paul Yeung, Managing Director, Head of Enterprise Banking, Commercial Banking, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, explored the role of finance, innovation and artificial intelligence in driving industrial transformation and sustainable development.

Two panel discussions followed, titled “AI and Textiles: The New AI Frontier — Advancing the Green Fashion Revolution” and “Breaking Waves: Shaping Next-Gen Minds for Global Sustainability” respectively, bringing together experts from academia, industry and youth innovation to share their insights. “AI and Textiles: The New AI Frontier — Advancing the Green Fashion Revolution” was moderated by Ms Angelica Leung, Deputy Head of Consumer & Hospitality, Invest Hong Kong, and featured Professor Erin Cho, Dean of School of Fashion and Textiles, Limin Professor in Integrated Strategies and Leadership in Fashion, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Mr Kanth Kolluru, Global Head - IT, Epic Group, and Mr Roger Chan, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Cobalt Fashion, who discussed how artificial intelligence can drive green innovation and industrial transformation. “Breaking Waves: Shaping Next-Gen Minds for Global Sustainability” was moderated by Mr Patrick Lam, Presenter & Artist, TVB, and featured Professor Jeanne Tan, Professor of School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Mr Ody Chu, Leader of Merchant Success Team, Alibaba.com Hong Kong Limited, and Ms Valerie Chiu, Founder & President, Teen Animals da Scientists, who explored future directions for talent development from the perspectives of education, industry and youth innovation.

Open Lab Global Challenge 2026 Award Presentation

As part of its commitment to nurturing future innovators, HKRITA also hosted the Open Lab Challenge 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony. Presented by Ms Nissa Cornish, Executive Director, Redress, and Ms Zoe Li, ADM Capital Foundation, the awards recognised high School, university/tertiary institute students for developing innovative solutions to environmental and social challenges through innovation and sustainability.

High School Group
• Winners: Mikanex – Cherry Chan, Chloe Kwok, and Evia Tai (St. Paul's Convent School)
• Runners-up: Patch and Pair – Chong Tsz Ching, and Yuen Lok Ching (Good Hope School)
University/Tertiary Institute Group
• Winner: BIODYE™: Circular Biotech Resolution for Sustainable Denim – Fung Sin Ching (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
• Runner-up: Converting Agricultural and Forestry Waste into 3D Printing Materials – Leung Chi Ho (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

The winner teams from both categories shared their award-winning projects during the Symposium, demonstrating how innovation and sustainability can be translated into practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Award-winning Projects: https://www.openlabglobalchallenge.com/Openlab2026?lang=tc&=1#Winners