InnoHK AI Chip Center for Emerging Smart Systems (ACCESS) proudly presented its latest technologies in HKUST Unicorn Day, themed “From Ideas to Miracles — 35 Years of Impact and Beyond,” held at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on 2 June 2026 (Tuesday), at the Shaw Auditorium.
ACCESS showcased how it has successfully translated advanced research into high-impact, real-world commercial applications by featuring its four pioneering spin-off companies, each presenting cutting-edge solutions designed to address critical bottlenecks in semiconductor design, AI computation, financial technology, and robotics. Featured innovations included:
- HarbourTek: Addressing the immense power demands of large language models (LLMs) like DeepSeek, Llama, and Qwen, HarbourTek showcased its hardware-software co-design platform. By utilizing proprietary in-memory computing and advanced model compression, HarbourTek enables energy-efficient, real-time AI inference directly on edge devices—such as smartphones and robotics.
- SiliconRight: Aimed at revolutionizing microchip manufacturing, SiliconRight presented its end-to-end, AI-driven Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) solution. The company leverages artificial intelligence and embedded sensor data analysis to automate optimal chip design and enhance factory yield, catering to high-performance computing, automotive, and ultra-low-power applications.
- QuantaEdge: Targeting the high-frequency financial sector, QuantaEdge demonstrated its hardware-accelerated systems designed for hedge funds. The proprietary technology processes complex financial math models with sub-microsecond latency—under one-millionth of a second—giving institutional investors a decisive competitive edge in data analysis and trade execution.
- OCTOP: To streamline the complex and costly deployment of intelligent robotics, OCTOP featured OctopOS, a continuously upgradable embodied AI runtime system. Acting as an adaptive brain for robots, OctopOS boosts processing speeds by up to 50x, maintains real-time latency under 10 milliseconds, and utilizes automated development agents to slash deployment timelines from weeks to hours.
During the investment pitching session in the afternoon, representatives from SiliconRight and QuantaEdge project team presented their business plan, technological advantages, and product prospects to 100+ attendees from the investment and industry sectors.
HKUST Unicorn Day has established itself as a benchmark event in higher education, bridging the gap between academic breakthroughs and industrial scalability. Following the success of previous iterations, which attracted over 1,800 global participants, the 2026 event provided ACCESS and its spin-offs with unparalleled opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and knowledge exchange. More details of HKUST Unicorn Day: https://hkust.edu.hk/news/hkust-unicorn-day-brings-together-global-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-leaders
By presenting these commercially viable, frontier technologies, ACCESS reaffirmed its commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success and accelerating the global adoption of next-generation AI and semiconductor solutions. The Center continues to serve as a vital conduit between world-class research and tangible economic impact, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position at the forefront of deep-tech innovation.
