In April 2017, three R&D centres from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), namely, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), Nano and Advanced Materials Institute Limited (NAMI) and Hong Kong R&D Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management Enabling Technologies Limited (LSCM), were crowned with success at the 45th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva with a total of 20 awarded inventions, putting a spotlight on Hong Kong's rich harvest in applied research.

The following projects developed by the participating R&D centres were awarded gold medals with jury's commendations.

HKRITA’s projects

1. Development of fine worsted yak yarns and fabrics for producing 100% fine, high-quality yak yarns and soft fabrics
2. New functional textiles which are made from 100% bio-based and bio-degradable PHBV/PLA fibres, without using any additional chemicals

NAMI’s projects

1. Breathable nanofiber PM2.5 facemask for sports that offers protection by effectively filtering PM2.5, bacteria and viruses
2. A new eggshell recycling technology that extracts 99% of the valuable nutrients in eggshells without prior separation of the membrane from the eggshells
3. Battery technology to power electronic devices that possess large pulse discharge capability under extreme temperatures from -40°C to 85°C

The 45th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, held from March 29 to April 2, with more than 700 exhibitors from 40 countries showcasing 1,000 new innovations and inventions.

A total of eight research institutes from Hong Kong participated in the expo and received a total of 34 gold medals, for which 18 also received jury’s commendations.

The other five participating organisations are Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong Federation of Invention and Innovation (HKFII), Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).