HKUST and CATL Forge Cross-disciplinary Partnership | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has recently entered a cross-disciplinary technological innovation partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and became the first university in Hong Kong to collaborate with the tech giant. This partnership aims to promote research innovation and talent development in the areas of sustainable development and new energy.

Through this collaboration, CATL will provide funding to HKUST over five years.  The parties will work together on collaborative research and knowledge transfer in areas such as advanced materials and zero-carbon technologies. A venture capital fund will be established to support technology start-ups with growth and market potential, while part of the contribution will also be allocated to recognize exceptional doctoral and master's students engaged in related research. Awardees may have priority for job opportunities at CATL after graduation.

In a ceremony witnessed by CATL Co-president for Research & Development Prof. OUYANG Chuying, HKUST Council Vice-Chairman Prof. Patrick YEUNG and President Prof. Nancy IP, CATL Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Dr. GONG Jiadong and HKUST Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Prof. WANG Yang signed the partnership agreement. Other senior management officials from both parties were also present.

Prof. Ouyang Chuying said: “CATL is still a continuously developing and growing enterprise. Achieving high-quality technological innovation requires the industry’s top resources to work in tandem with deep collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions. This approach will jointly promote the steady advancement of new energy technologies.”

Expressing her gratitude for CATL’s unwavering support and trust, Prof. Nancy Ip said: “Innovation and technology are crucial engines for promoting sustainable development and enhancing quality of life. Advancing high-quality research in new energy technology will be a key driver of future global economic growth. As a research university, HKUST is committed to collaborating with various sectors of society, integrating academic achievements with practical applications to drive social progress through technological innovation. I believe that through our collaboration with CATL, we can build a sustainable future with innovative technologies, fostering greater development for Hong Kong and the country.”

As a globally leading research university, HKUST is dedicated to advancing fundamental research in frontier areas to tackle major global challenges through breakthrough discoveries. The University established the Energy Institute in 2014, creating an interdisciplinary platform for pioneering scientific research in energy. Meanwhile, CATL is a global leader in new energy technology and, at the invitation of the Hong Kong SAR Government at the end of last year, established its international headquarters and research center in Hong Kong. Both parties share a common vision of promoting global sustainable development through technological innovation.
 

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, while 12 of its subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, with "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" being ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of June 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 14 exits (IPO or M&A). 

About Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) is a global leader in new energy technology innovation, committed to providing premier solutions and services for new energy applications worldwide.

In June 2018, the company went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange with stock code 300750. In the year 2023, CATL’s EV battery consumption volume has ranked No.1 in the world for seven consecutive years, and it has ranked first in the market share of global energy storage battery shipment for three straight years. CATL also enjoys wide recognition by global EV and energy storage partners. To achieve the goal of realizing fossil fuel replacement in stationary and mobile energy systems with highly efficient electrical power systems that are generated through advanced batteries and renewable energy and promote the integrated innovation of market applications with electrification and intelligentization, CATL maintains continuous innovation in four dimensions including material and electrochemistry system, structure system, green extreme manufacturing and business models. 

Committed to making outstanding contribution to energy transition of mankind, CATL in 2023 announced its strategic goals of achieving carbon neutrality in core operations by 2025 and across the battery supply chain by 2035.