The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with China Textile Academy (CTA) and ANTA Sports Products Group Co Ltd (ANTA) to enhance industry commercialisation and sportswear innovations. These partnerships aim to leverage combined expertise from Hong Kong and mainland China, fostering groundbreaking solutions and competitive advantages.

CTA, a comprehensive national research institute in the mainland textile industry, will collaborate with HKRITA to accelerate technology transfer by scaling up laboratory innovations into pilot tests and intermediate trials. ANTA, a leading sports brand in China, focuses on innovation to enhance athletes’ performance and promote sustainable development.

Jake Koh, CEO of HKRITA, expressed enthusiasm about these collaborations, stating: “R&D requires a multitude of brilliant ideas to succeed. These two memoranda engage a large pool of innovative exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland to develop solutions that improve our industry and society.”

Ma Yongmei, General Manager of CTA, said: “The collaboration between CTA and HKRITA will not only bring fresh impetus to technological innovation but also further promote technology transfer, fostering the integration of R&D and industrialisation.”

Li Su, Vice President of ANTA GROUP, added: “We look forward to working closely with HKRITA to create an innovation platform and ecosystem, aiming to enhance the value chain of the sportswear industry.”

The partnerships will focus on new fibre materials, advanced functional products, smart manufacturing, and sustainable regenerated textiles, aiming to accelerate performance textile innovations and their application.

Established in 2006, HKRITA is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government and hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It engages in applied research to support the textile and apparel industry, driving sustainable improvements and societal benefits.

www.hkrita.com