Established in 2006, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government, and hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
HKRITA has achieved research deliverables over the years around our research clusters targeting in industry 4.0, sustainability, and social benefits through our centre-owned research teams and laboratories as well as collaborations with industry partners and institutions.
Our vision is to be the leading centre of excellence in research, development and technology transfer in fashion and textile industry.
Our mission is to be a Hong Kong based world renowned research institute for the textiles and clothing industry by concerted and focused R&D efforts to enhance the economic development of the HKSAR, mainland China and overseas. And by facilitating technologies transfers of R&D results, in pursuance of continual development technologies to enhance the competitiveness of the industry locally and internationally.
Welcome to HKRITA and thank you for your interest in our work.
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is a young and vibrant research institute. From the day we established in 2006, we have walked with the industry, our research partners and the government to advance the frontier of the innovation and technology. With the support of our stakeholders, we strive to sharpen the competitive edge of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area in the global textile and fashion industry, fostering the sustainable growth of both the industry and the society.
HKRITA pioneers technical solutions to tackle issues facing the industry, transform research ideas into business opportunities and energise industry applications. The research expertise and business insights of HKRITA are valuable asset to drive business success. I invite you to explore our website and learn more about our growth of R&D, and the opportunities we provide to the industry. We look forward to your support in our research work and business cooperation.
I am thrilled to lead The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), which is one of Hong Kong’s most valuable innovation assets, to elevate our industry and society through innovation.
Today, we stand at a pivotal moment in the industry, where technology, sustainability and creativity converge to open up unprecedented possibilities. My vision is to further strengthen our role in pioneering cutting-edge research that not only meets the demands of today’s market but also anticipates the needs of tomorrow.
From Ideas to Impact
Hong Kong textile and clothing industry is a key player in the international market. HKRITA will leverage this advantage to forge strong global partnerships with industry leaders. Our goal is to leverage our teams’ scientific expertise and market knowledge to transform research breakthroughs into tangible business opportunities, ensuring our R&D efforts have a real-world impact on our society and region. This includes addressing the critical need to walk the talk, where commitments to sustainability often fall short in implementation. Moreover, the sustainability landscape needs enhanced collaboration. Our competent partnership will provide transparency and adaptability, fostering cooperation throughout the entire supply chain.
Future Aspirations
As we look to the future, our aspirations remain essentially on forward looking innovations including smart manufacturing and technologies, materials science and innovation, as well as holistic approaches to sustainability. By capitalizing our centre’s professionals, we aim to invent technologies that will enhance production efficiency, reducing environmental impact and promoting societal benefits. To scale our success, through the efforts of our experienced business practitioners, we must cultivate an inclusive ecosystem where all stakeholders along the innovation chain, including brands, manufacturers, small- and medium sized enterprises and even companies across different industries, work together towards common goals.
Achieving these objectives requires empowering our experts and researchers to drive innovation. Our diverse research team comprises 70% of PhD and master’s level graduates from tertiary education institutions around the world. They come from backgrounds such as fashion and textiles, chemistry, physics, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering and materials science. Over the years, they have developed a wide range of research topics that are of concern to the industry. Their prolific expertise has been a cornerstone of our research institute. Moreover, our AI applications have accelerated technology breakthroughs and enhanced collaborative efforts across disciplines. Together, we will foster a culture of excellence and creativity that will steer our Institute to new heights.
Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to working with all of you to achieve our shared vision for a vibrant, innovative and resilient future in textiles and apparel. In line with the latest government policies on integrating into the overall national development and industry best practices, I am confident that we will achieve our objectives together with excellence and agility.