HKT and ASTRI to open joint R&D lab at HSITP

Partnership targets AI, 5G, and cybersecurity.

HKT and the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a joint research and development laboratory at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Lok Ma Chau Loop.

The companies said the lab will support enterprise digital transformation and smart-city development, whilst helping Hong Kong strengthen its role as an international innovation and technology hub.

The facility will be located in Building 8 of the park and is among the first batch of projects to move in after the site’s opening last December.

Under the agreement, HKT and ASTRI will co-develop products and solutions in areas including artificial intelligence, 5G and 6G mobile technologies, low Earth orbit satellite technology, low-altitude economy applications, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things.

The partners said the lab would draw on HKT’s network and systems integration capabilities and ASTRI’s research and innovation expertise, using the park's cross-border setting as a platform for technology testing, collaboration, and technology transfer between Hong Kong and mainland China.

HKT also said it is already applying ASTRI’s patented artificial intelligence intrusion detection and prevention system to its 2500MB broadband service to develop an AI firewall solution for small and medium-sized enterprises.