A research centre built around energy efficiency

In March 2026, HKUST received approval from the Innovation and Technology Commission to lead the Hong Kong Power Semiconductor Chip and Application R&D Centre (PowerSAC) under SEAM@InnoHK, the third InnoHK research platform. SEAM@InnoHK focuses on sustainability, energy, advanced manufacturing and materials, with the goal of establishing Hong Kong as a global research collaboration hub.

Power semiconductors are the core components of energy conversion. Whether in the power chain of an AI data centre, the traction and charging systems of an electric vehicle, or the grid integration of renewables and storage, the efficiency and reliability of every stage depends on device and circuit capability. PowerSAC exists to support exactly these stages — from fundamental research to system validation.

The centre is wholly owned by HKUST and led by a Centre Director responsible for overall research direction and operations. Four research areas each have a lead, with strategic guidance from an academic committee and an industry advisory committee.

Locally, the centre collaborates with City University of Hong Kong, the PolyU Electric Vehicle Research Centre and the Microelectronics Research Institute; internationally, it conducts joint research with EPFL, Nagoya University, the University of Toronto, Peking University and Tsinghua University.