The Innovation Festival 07 Kick-off Ceremony cum the first roadshow will be held this Friday at apm, Kwun Tong.

Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the HKSAR Government, with the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) as Festival Partner, the theme of the Festival is "Let's Innovate... For a New Era". It aims at enhancing public awareness on Hong Kong's achievements in innovation, technology and design, as well as their importance for our future.Through nurturing the interests and talent of the younger generation in these areas, the Festival facilitates the development of Hong Kong into a regional hub of innovation and technology services.

The Festival 07 features a wide range of activities for the whole community. Apart from the Innovation Expo 07, one of HKSAR's 10th anniversary major celebrations programmes, there are roadshows and design exhibitions held in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.

The HK Young Design Talent Awards is now entering into its third year. This year, the scheme is sponsored by ITC and hosted by the HK Design Centre (HKDC). Riding on the resources and network of HKDC, message of the campaign can be reinforced. Young local designers and students are encouraged to participate in the scheme. The awardees are given the opportunity to further their studies and undergo work attachments overseas.

Total of $2 million will be sponsored to six young design talents for six awards. Two of the awards, each with $500,000 sponsorship, are funded by ITC under the DesignSmart Initiative. The other four are sponsored by industrial and education sponsors - Gold Peak Industries Holdings Ltd; Bright Future Charitable Foundation; VTC Design Education Fund; the HK Poly U; and the Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council, with a total sponsorship of $1 million.

The 2007 Awards is now open for nomination until 28 Sep 2007.