Transport Department Advances Smart Mobility in Hong Kong Through Innovative Projects and Funding Initiatives.

2026-04-13 17:22 Last Updated At：17:48

Smart Traffic Fund pools efforts of government, industry, academic and research sectors to drive Hong Kong's long-term smart mobility development

The Transport Department today (April 13) said that it has been pooling the efforts of government, industry, academic and research sectors through the Smart Traffic Fund (STF) to promote the long-term development of smart mobility in Hong Kong.

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Smart Traffic Fund pools efforts of government, industry, academic and research sectors to drive Hong Kong's long-term smart mobility development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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Smart Traffic Fund pools efforts of government, industry, academic and research sectors to drive Hong Kong's long-term smart mobility development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, visited the InnoEX 2026 to learn more about the STF projects showcased at the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion, and experience how digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have been integrated into traffic and transport solutions:

(1) Enhancing vehicle and driving safety

The requirement for vehicles with extendable aerial structures to be equipped with an over-height warning system has been implemented in phases since March 2025. The STF has funded a research centre in developing a monitoring system for crane height and position, preventing accidents caused by unretracted crane arms damaging bridges as well as safeguarding driving and road safety. This system is now commercially available, benefitting the trade;

The STF subsidised a university in developing an intelligent driving training system for container trucks using extended realitytechnology and a dynamic motion platform. It provides truck drivers with highly realistic simulated scenarios for personalised training to improve driving skills; and

The STF also funded a university to establish an alertingsystem for identifying risky driving behaviour or signs of distraction by monitoring and analysing neural transmission data, including physiological indicators and changes in psychological states. By shifting the safety line from "post-accident reaction" to "pre-accident warning", the system effectively reduces the risk of traffic accidents.

(2) Enhancing public service efficiency

The STF subsidised a university to adopt AI technology to analyse pedestrian motion (such as characteristics like slower walking speeds of the elderly or persons with mobility impairment) to support the dynamic optimisation of pedestrian traffic signal timings, thereby enhancing the experience of pedestrians at crossings;

The STF funded a university in developing multi-tier concrete inspection methods to detect surface and subsurface structural defects in bridge decks. This improves inspection accuracy and facilitates preventive maintenance in an orderly manner, enhancing the efficiency of structural maintenance of bridges; and

The STF also subsidised a university in developing a smart route planning platform for transporting modular integrated construction modules. By enabling precise monitoring of street conditions along logistics routes, it ensures the safe delivery of large-scale prefabricated components to construction sites, enhancing transport safety and efficiency, thereby accelerating construction progress.

(3) Commuting convenience for persons with visual impairment

The STF subsidised a private company in developing smart glasses, which apply AI computer vision technology to assist persons with visual impairment in identifying obstacles, bus stops, carriageways and pavements. The glasses also provide navigation functions to enhance the travel convenience and safety of visually impaired persons.

(4) Improving public transport safety and scheduling efficiency

The STF funded a start-up in developing systems to monitor the dynamic speed limit of public light buses (PLBs) in real-time according to their specific road sections, deploy the fleet based on passenger data, and display arrival information of routes at minibus stops using solar power. They enhance minibus driving safety, assist passengers in planning their journeys, and support fleet deployment and operational management; and

The STF also subsidised a research centre in developing door-mounted monitoring devices for PLBs. These sensors ensure passenger safety during boarding and alighting, preventing accidents at the source and enhancing the overall operational safety of the minibus.

Miss Tse said, "The STF has been funding enterprises as well as technology and research institutes to develop projects that have effectively assisted the transport trades, passengers, persons in need and government departments in addressing different scenarios in traffic, transport and logistics. They have played a crucial role in facilitating commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and enhancing driving safety. We encourage more eligible organisations to apply for funding to jointly advance smart transport and traffic so that technology empowers, transport serves and people benefit."

The Government set up the $1 billion STF at end-March 2021 to support enterprises or organisations in conducting research and applications of innovative vehicle-related technologies. As of end-March 2026, the STF had approved a total of 89 projects over the past five years, with funding of about $619 million.

Hong Kong's Innovation and Technology Vision Highlighted at World Internet Conference Summit 2026.

Speech by SITI at Main Forum and Distinguished Contributors Gala of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Main Forum and Distinguished Contributors Gala of the 2026 World Internet Conference (WIC) Asia-Pacific Summit today (April 13):

(Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, Mr Wang Jingtao), (Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference, Mr Ren Xianliang), Professor Francis Gurry (Vice-chairman of the WIC), Financial Secretary Mr Paul Chan, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. Welcome to Hong Kong and to the Main Forum of this Summit. We are gathered here today not only to strengthen dialogue and co-operation, but to chart a more inclusive, secure and innovative digital future. This year's Summit is especially meaningful, as the World Internet Conference distinguished contributors are joining us to share their insights and experience in advancing global Internet development.

The world is experiencing a powerful wave of digital transformation. Only through technological innovation and international cooperation can we build a sustainable digital future for all. This direction aligns closely with China's National 15th FiveYear Plan, which calls for deeper integration of technology and industry. Hong Kong has embraced this mission with determination. We are pressing ahead to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre and to support the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in becoming a worldclass innovation hub.

Guided by the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint, we are shaping a new Hong Kong I&T landscape anchored by "three major I&T parks" and "five key research and development (R&D) institutions". Our industry policy focuses on strategic technology areas such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, and advanced manufacturing and new energy, which will define Hong Kong's global competitiveness in the decades ahead.

Home to five of the world's top 100 universities, Hong Kong's academic excellence continues to fuel our R&D capability. Our two existing InnoHK research clusters are driving breakthroughs in healthcare, AI and robotics. A new InnoHK cluster, focusing on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and new materials, will be established in the first half of this year. At the moment, over 3 000 researchers from around the world are contributing their expertise at the InnoHK clusters, building a vibrant platform for longterm innovation and global R&D collaboration.

The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government continues to invest strategically in infrastructure and talent to accelerate the transformation of R&D outcomes and foster tech industry development. For example, the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, one of the five key R&D institutions, is set to launch this year to drive the strategic development of AI.

With the kick-off of the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster project last month, running in parallel with Cyberport's AI Supercomputing Centre, Hong Kong's computing power is set to increase by more than thirtyfold by 2032, meeting the fastgrowing demands of the AI industry. We will also set up the first National Manufacturing Innovation Centre outside the Chinese Mainland, contributing directly to the nation's breakthroughs in core technologies, particularly in semiconductors.

Hong Kong's open and friendly business environment, world-class infrastructure, global university partnerships and international talent pool make us a magnet for talents and enterprises. Our unique advantage under "one country, two systems" positions us as both the gateway to the Chinese Mainland and a bridge to the world. As a "super connector" and a "super value-adder", Hong Kong facilitates the flow of ideas, capital and talents for ventures that are keen to harness comparative strengths across jurisdictions.

Hong Kong's I&T transformation is already yielding visible results. Our start-up ecosystem has grown rapidly, now home to more than 5 200 start-ups, representing a surge of around 40 per cent compared to that of five years ago and reflecting Hong Kong's growing appeal to global innovators. International rankings also affirm our momentum: Hong Kong placed third worldwide in the "Technology" factor and fourth overall in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025, and we are the first in Asia and fourth globally in the World Talent Ranking 2025. Even more significant, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster topped the Global Innovation Index 2025 Ranking of World's Top 100 Innovation Clusters for the first time. All these achievements are not isolated milestones, but demonstrate Hong Kong's solid capability and rising influence in shaping global I&T development.

Building a community with a shared future in cyberspace requires the concerted efforts of all parties. We look forward to working with partners from all regions to deepen co-operation, share opportunities and generate real benefits through digital and intelligent development.

In closing, I wish the WIC Asia-Pacific Summit every success. Thank you all for your presence, and I trust the Summit will be most fruitful. Thank you.

Transport Department Advances Smart Mobility in Hong Kong Through Innovative Projects and Funding Initiatives.

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