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For over five decades, the Institution has been committed to advancing the engineering profession and supporting the professional development of its members. Through a wide range of initiatives, the Institution continues to create opportunities for engineers to apply their expertise, contribute to society and translate technical knowledge into practical and impactful solutions.
In 2023, in support of Hong Kong’s growing emphasis on Innovation and Technology (I&T) development, the Institution entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cyberport to foster closer collaboration between the engineering profession and the local start-up ecosystem. The partnership was established to encourage engineering professionals to explore entrepreneurial pathways and to facilitate the commercialisation of engineering innovation.
On 27 May 2026, the Institution renewed the MoU with Cyberport, reaffirming the collaborative framework established three years earlier. The renewal ceremony was held at Cyberport, where the MoU was signed by Ir Alice Chow, President of the Institution, and Dr Rocky Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Daniel Cheung, Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy; Mr Ye Shuiqiu, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Mr Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport; and Ir William Luk, Vice President of the Institution.
Witnessed by Mr Daniel Cheung, Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy (back row, 2nd left); Mr Ye Shuiqiu, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the LOCPG (back row, 2nd right); Mr Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport (back row, 1st left) and Ir William Luk, Vice President of HKIE (back row, 1st right), the MoU was signed by Dr Rocky Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport (front left), and Ir Alice Chow, President of HKIE (front right)
Strengthening support for engineering entrepreneurship
The original MoU supported the launch of the Institution’s “Enginpreneurs Programme,” which encourages professional engineering and technical talent to venture into the I&T sector and develop technology-based enterprises. The programme aims to bridge engineering expertise with entrepreneurship and enhance pathways for technology commercialisation. Since its inception, eight teams nominated by the Institution have been admitted to the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF). Six of these teams have advanced further into the Incubation Programme. With financial support, mentorship and comprehensive incubation services, these teams have advanced projects across diverse areas, including artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, building energy efficiency, drone inspection, construction safety, indoor air quality management and humanoid robot applications. Their work demonstrates the practical application of engineering innovation in addressing industry needs and emerging technological challenges.
A renewed commitment
Under the renewed MoU, Cyberport will reserve no fewer than five fast-track interview opportunities each year for projects recommended by the Institution, providing streamlined access to its incubation programmes and related support services.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ir Alice Chow highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in strengthening the integration of engineering expertise with innovation-driven development, and expressed appreciation for Cyberport’s continued partnership.
The renewed MoU extends the collaboration for a further three-year period. Moving forward, both parties will continue to strengthen support for engineering-led start-ups, enhance commercialisation pathways and broaden opportunities for engineers to participate in Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem, contributing to the city’s long-term economic and technological development.
The President delivered a speech at the ceremony
Participants at the HKIE x Cyberport MoU Renewal Ceremony
Eight Enginpreneur Projects
| Company | Project Descriptions |
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Alpha AI - Drone Inspection for Buildings, Slopes, and Confined Spaces
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Alpha AI is the first Hong Kong startup to obtain a BVLOS licence under the Low Altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox for Automatic Drone AI Inspection and Patrol solutions. Utilising Hong Kong’s BVLOS license, its palm-sized, collision- and dust-resistant micro-drones—Asia’s smallest—navigate complex environments such as pipe galleries, false ceilings and narrow service zones.
The solution has been deployed to create 3D digital twins of all public housing estates for the Hong Kong Housing Society, enabling precise AIbased damage detection and providing property managers with efficient, costeffective solutions. |
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iAQI - Intelligent Indoor Air Quality Index System
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iAQI employs proprietary AI algorithms and multiparameter sensing to continuously detect, measure, and predict indoor air quality in real time. By analysing airborne biological threats and environmental data, it delivers up to 90% accuracy. The system integrates with building management platforms, enabling dynamic ventilation control and energy optimisation, while safeguarding occupant health and reducing operational costs. The system categorises indoor air quality into five levels and has demonstrated 20–40% energy savings in trials. |
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PowerGuard AI - AI Platform for RealTime Electrical System Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance
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PowerGuard AI integrates IoT sensors and building management systems to deliver early fault detection, rapid response, and extended equipment lifespan. It enhances safety, energy efficiency, and operational performance while ensuring reliable power supply for highperformance facilities. The platform’s open architecture allows seamless connection with smart devices such as meters and sensors, and smooth integration into building management systems.
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RetroLogic AI－Artificial Intelligence Building Retrofitting System
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RetroLogic AI is an advanced artificial intelligence solution for building retrofitting. It integrates state-of-the-art energy-saving algorithms and Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) tooptimise building systems, reduce operational costs, and improve energy efficiency, thereby supporting global carbon reduction efforts. The platform’s customisable interface enables seamless integration with HVAC systems, supporting predictive maintenance and uninterrupted performance. The solution has been applied at three Hospital Authority sites, Times Square, the District Cooling System at the Hong Kong‑Zhuhai‑Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, and the Kai Tak District Cooling System. |
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RENO VR - Enhancing Construction Safety through Innovative Technology
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RENO VR integrates immersive virtual reality (VR) with Building Information Modelling (BIM) to deliver project-specific, multi-role training and simulation for construction. Workers engage in realistic safety modules—such as confined space and working-at-height scenarios—using true-to-site BIM models and advanced 3D rendering.
The solution can be applied to high‑risk construction environments including high‑altitude work, confined spaces, electrical installations, heavy machinery, cranes, and work platforms. |
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SSV Connect – Autonomous AI Robot-powered Intelligent Operation Centre for Building Patrolling
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The SSV Connect platform deeply integrates autonomous robots with a dynamic digital twin management system to transform property security and facility management. Powered by patented robotic path planning algorithms and multi-modal visual large language model (LLM) AI agents, the system enables cross-floor autonomous patrolling, real-time risk identification (e.g., fire safety violations, fall/slip hazards, and blocked escape routes), and intelligent incident response. Addressing critical industry challenges—including security manpower shortages, an aging workforce, and high-risk manual inspections—the solution reduces security staffing costs by over 30%. Leveraging a scalable cloud-based monitoring architecture, facility managers can oversee multiple buildings simultaneously, significantly enhancing emergency response speed, operational safety, and long-term sustainable management outcomes. |
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Spatial DeepMap - AI‑Driven 3D Underground Utility Modelling Platform
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Spatial DeepMap leverages AI-driven modelling to create accurate digital twins of underground utilities, integrating geological, sensor, and blueprint data into interactive 3D representations. Its open platform consolidates BIM and GIS metadata, enabling unified analysis and visualisation, allowing users to access Hong Kong’s underground utility information securely and in real time. This minimises construction risks and shortens project timelines.
The platform has been sponsored by Hong Kong International Airport, which provided data to enhance key functions, and has also been adopted by the Water Supplies Department for compliance checking in design applications. |
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UEner Innovations - Innovative Comprehensive Window Solutions
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UEner sets a new standard in window retrofitting by combining advanced nanotechnology coatings with AI-driven HVAC integration. UEner delivers improved energy efficiency, extended equipment lifespan, and enhanced indoor comfort, all within an environmentally responsible solution. Its control system integrates artificial intelligence to optimise energy use, while innovative photocatalytic self-cleaning technology uses UV light to keep windows spotless with minimal maintenance, reducing both effort and operational costs. The coating blocks near‑infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, significantly reducing solar heat penetration, while maintaining high visible light transmittance for natural illumination. To date, the solution has been applied in over 200 projects. |
