Entering a new era of Smart Cities in Hong Kong
Living in a tightly packed metropolis like Hong Kong, we see how technology has the ability to connect or just as easily isolate people. Urban tensions are exacerbated by rising populations particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa, which are two of the fastest growing regions of the world. And the critical issues that cities will have to deal with, including lack of mobility, increased energy needs and increased pollution output to name a few, are only growing.
The Smart Cities’ vision is one where we take advantage of existing and emerging technologies to create better, and most importantly smarter, living environments for urban populations. To achieve this, new ideas and technologies will need to be explored and tested with the support of forward-thinking leaders in business and in government. With this goal in mind, we kicked off the Infiniti Accelerator 2.0 in Hong Kong last week.
Once again, Infiniti and Nest have joined together in entrepreneurial spirit to guide a brave cohort of nine startup companies through a 12-week intensive business accelerator programme. This year, the Smart Cities programme focuses specifically on connectivity, mobility and alternative energy technologies.
Why Hong Kong is a fertile testing ground for Smart Cities technologies
For startups envisioning the future of connectivity, mobility and alternative energy, the advantages of being in a densely packed urban sprawl such as Hong Kong — a rich nurturing and testing environment — are unparalleled.
We live in a city of early adopters and experimenters who aren’t afraid to try new technologies. Of the companies who completed the inaugural Infiniti Accelerator 1.0 last year, a number of them are already embarking on the exciting next phases of their respective journeys in Hong Kong and around the world, with the support of Infiniti and Nest. One of the more outstanding success stories has been PSL, who developed a 100% electric foldable bike. PSL is now working directly with the team at Infiniti’s Global Design Studio to create a prototype. Another alumni Green City Solutions, who created an outdoor air cleaning installation called the CityTree, is now working with Infiniti and Hopewell Centre for their first installation in the heart of Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
As our city grows and its population undergoes demographic change, there will be mounting demand for technology solutions that solve urgent real-life problems in Hong Kong. By effectively utilising connectivity, mobility and alternative energy technologies, Hong Kong can be at the forefront of this charge and make a real and long-lasting impact in the lives of its citizens and people all over.
How Infiniti Accelerator 2.0 is creating lasting impact
The startups in the Infiniti programme have access to guidance and support from a veritable treasure trove of experience and domain expertise from local and regional partners. In turn, these industry leaders greatly benefit from exposure to the startups’ emerging technologies and methodologies. These are the foundations for the Infiniti Accelerator’s role in the community as a ‘super connector’ for Smart Cities’ innovation.
Our new Infiniti Accelerator 2.0 cohort are leaders in their chosen area of technology, and exemplify the Infiniti vision and goal of improving and creating our smart city future. Each startup in our cohort is tackling one or more of our critical urban issues, and it is truly inspiring to see them share in this ultimate vision and objective of maximising human potential.
Last Monday, we were joined by media friends and corporate partners at the Infiniti Lab HKG space to officially launch the programme. Representatives from Infiniti and Nest shared their expectations for the programme and reinforced their commitment to fostering a vibrant local startup community. This event was crowned with a welcoming speech from government official Nicholas Yang, Hong Kong’s Secretary of Innovation and Technology.
There is incredible enthusiasm and energy for the Smart Cities movement in Hong Kong. Why? Because it’s relatable, and these issues are extremely close to heart in our city. We’re excited to push innovation and technologies forward at the Infiniti Lab, and hope you stay tuned with us as the programme continues.
What is the Infiniti Accelerator Programme?
The Infiniti Accelerator is designed to help Smart Cities and IoT startups from around the world grow and scale rapidly. Through the guidance and support of mentors and partners selected from the local and regional ecosystem, the startups have access to guidance and support from a veritable treasure trove of experience.
Who is in the new Infiniti Accelerator 2.0 cohort?
We received over 140 applications from 30 countries and have selected nine incredible startups who are now taking part in the Infiniti Accelerator 2.0. To learn more, visit the Infiniti Lab online here.
