Innovative applied research and development projects are being invited under Tier 3 of the Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) of Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) until March 30.

Eligible parties under the ITSP including local universities, industry support organisations, trade and industry associations, professional bodies, research institutes and local companies, are encouraged to make use of the ITF to carry out innovative applied R&D activities.

In 2005, the Government adopted a new three-tier structure in funding proposals under the ITSP programme of the ITF. Detailed information is available at the ITF website. Further information can also be obtained from the ITF Secretariat (Tel: 2737 2229).

The DesignSmart  Initiative aims at strengthening support for design and innovation, and promoting wider use of design and innovation in industries. The Initiative includes the Design-Business Collaboration Scheme (DBCS) to promote the interest and investment of SMEs in relation to utilizing design and transforming design activity into tradable deliverables that manifest exploitation and deployment of IP rights.

An introductory talk about the DBCS will be given at  HK Central Library on 31 January. Details include the funding scope, amount and application procedures etc. Keynote speakers will also share their cases on how to enhance product value through design and innovation.

The seminar is free of charge. Owners and management executives of SMEs, and those in the fields of product development or sales and marketing are welcome to join. Please register online or call 3403 6111 for enquiry.

The Hong Kong Youth Innovation Club (YIC) marked the launch of activities for the new calendar year with a New Year gathering cum technology workshop held on 5 January at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) for members to get together.

The evening gathering started off with a workshop on "Fun in Capturing 3D Human Motions".  It was about how to collect data of body movements and programme it to create a 3D animated character. The workshop was followed by a dinner during which members actively took part in team building games and lucky draws.

YIC is set up by the Innovation and Technology Commission and The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups in 2006. It aims to develop the interest and potential of our young talent in science and technology. Members of the club are students who have won awards in major innovation and technology contests.