MRDI Welcomes the 2025 Policy Address: Driving Innovation, Talent, and Industrial Growth Across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area
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HONG KONG, 17 SEPTEMBER 2025 – The Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) welcomes the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, which outlines a strategic vision to strengthen Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, deepen collaboration with the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and accelerate new industrialisation through talent attraction.
Prof Philip CHAN, Chairman of MRDI, said the Policy Address reaffirms the HKSAR Government’s commitment to building a future-ready economy powered by innovation. “We are very honoured that the set-up of two pilot lines by MRDI is highlighted as part of the Government’s efforts to enhance Hong Kong’s strategic I&T infrastructure. We welcome the HKSAR Government’s focus on new industrialisation and talent development. MRDI is well-positioned to support these priorities through our research capabilities, international collaborations, and industry partnerships. We look forward to aligning with the initiatives under the Policy Address, particularly the talent admission policies, to help Hong Kong become a global innovative centre for microelectronics and advanced manufacturing."
As an institute in microelectronics Research and Development (R&D), MRDI welcomes the Government to launch the Innovation and Technology Talents Exchange Scheme. MRDI also supports the Government’s strategic push to promote the development of AI and data science industries, which recognises AI as a key driver of the next wave of scientific and industrial transformation. This objective aligns closely with MRDI’s mission to bridge research and industrialization. The relevant technology and policies will assist MRDI in expanding its research and development focus, contributing to Hong Kong’s ambition to become a global hub for AI development.
Dr GAO Teng, CEO of MRDI, said he is delighted to see the Policy Address place innovation and industrial transformation at the heart of Hong Kong’s development strategy. "MRDI is dedicated to establishing a collaborative platform integrating industry, academia, research and capital for the development of cutting-edge, fundamental and critical technology, building Hong Kong’s microelectronics industry ecosystem. The Policy Address sets a clear direction for Hong Kong’s innovation-driven future. MRDI is taking forward the construction of the two pilot lines, aiming to complete testing and commence operations in 2026, fostering collaboration among the Government, industry, academia and research sectors, promoting the “1 to N” transformation of R&D outcomes and industry development. Through the pilot lines, MRDI will bridge upstream research and downstream industrialisation, fostering in-depth cooperation between industry, academia and research sectors . We also support policies relating to talent exchanges among the industry, academic and research sectors and are actively exploring partnerships. We will continue to attract global talent and support our partners in establishing a presence in Hong Kong, contributing to a vibrant and resilient I&T ecosystem."
MRDI remains committed to driving innovation and international development within Hong Kong’s microelectronics and high-end manufacturing sectors, and will continue to invest in R&D, talent development, and ecosystem building.
About Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI)
In the 2023 Policy Address, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced a series of measures to promote Hong Kong’s I&T development, including the establishment of MRDI within 2024 to lead and promote collaboration among universities, research centers and industry. On 17 May 2024, the Finance Committee of Legislative Council approved the creation of a new commitment of $2,838.4 million under the Innovation and Technology Fund for the establishment and operation of MRDI. Two pilot lines of the MRDI will be set up at the Microelectronics Centre in the Yuen Long InnoPark.
MRDI is dedicated to researching and developing core technologies of third-generation semiconductors, with a focus on taking concrete actions in unleashing potential of “1 to N” transformation of R&D outcomes and industry development, thereby contributing to the development of Hong Kong as an international I&T centre.
MRDI initially focuses on supporting third-generation semiconductors, including Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitride, which are applicable to new energy vehicles, as well as other industrial and consumer electronic products and renewable energy. The market potential for these technologies is enormous. The establishment of MRDI marks a new chapter in the development of microelectronics in Hong Kong and envisions becoming one of the leading institutions supporting microelectronics development in the Asia-Pacific region.
