The University is inviting applications to drive and supervise activities on project development / industrial collaboration / technology dissemination & marketing / technology transfer / commercialization / start-up establishment for the research outputs and intellectual properties (IP) of AI Chip Center for Emerging Smart Systems (ACCESS) (https://inno-access.hk/) and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in the field of design and design automation of AI hardware, emerging memory and memory-centric computing, chiplet/3DIC, hardware-accelerated applications based on large AI models, and wider spectrum of semiconductor technologies. The role is also responsible for liaising with industrial partners, inventors, governmental bodies, etc. with regard to establishing collaborations and start-up companies.

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President for Research and Development (Knowledge Transfer) and the Director of ACCESS, the key responsibilities of the positions include:
Lead and strategize commercialization/realization for ACCESS and HKUST research output in the areas of design and design automation of AI hardware, emerging memory and memory-centric computing, chiplet/3DIC, hardware-accelerated applications based on large AI models, and wider spectrum of semiconductor technologies.

• Monitor and facilitate primary and emerging fields of research in the areas of semiconductors and related disciplines within ACCESS/HKUST for early recognition of commercialization potential.
• Work closely with the Intellectual Property Management team in OKT and ACCESS to set up IP protection and commercialization strategy in the areas of semiconductor and related disciplines.
• Lead and formulate the strategy for the commercialization/realization of ACCESS/HKUST's research units.
• Work closely with ACCESS/HKUST's research units to propel and establish technology licensing agreements and 3rd party projects with industry.
• Lead the efforts in technology marketing, including marketing channel development, marketing materials preparation and presentation.

Strategic industry project development

• Establish proactive working relationship with ACCESS/HKUST researchers and members of each project team to identify and develop university/industry collaboration and commercialization.
• Establish strategic collaborations with local and overseas industrial partners, government, private organizations, universities and research institutions, venture capital communities, incubators and accelerators, trade associations and professional bodies, etc.
• Strategic management of ACCESS/HKUST's technology portfolio, identifying technology commercialization opportunities and exploring potential to license out ACCESS/HKUST's IP.
• Formulate government-funded or industrial-funded KT project proposals in collaboration with the ACCESS/HKUST research teams and potential partners and lead the discussion or negotiation with government bodies such as the Innovation and Technology Commission, industrial partners, sponsors, research organizations and other stakeholders.
• Develop project and technology commercialization proposals based on technology landscape and competitive analysis and pipeline generation.
• Report on the outputs and impact of research projects, including preparation of business proposals and reports.
• Advise IP and commercialization framework for collaboration projects with external parties.

Relationship management with internal and external stakeholders

• Advise IP protection and commercialization framework for collaboration projects with external parties.
• Link ACCESS/HKUST research community with industries.
• Plan, coordinate and analyze marketing needs, client requirements and customer relationship management.
• Lead and manage the agreement/contract for internal approval and consult with relevant units if necessary.

Facilitating setting up start-up companies based on ACCESS and HKUST Technologies

• Establish initial business plan based on ACCESS/HKUST semiconductor technologies and form the start-up team.
• Link up with external investors for investment opportunities to new start-up companies.
• Structure the deal, negotiate and conclude the investment round.
• Post-investment management with the offices in HKUST and related parties.

Applicants should have an advanced degree and technology management experience related to semiconductor technology, in particular, AI chips or related disciplines; preferably a Ph.D. and/or MBA with 10 years or above solid industry experience in handling technology business development, technology commercialization, start-up experience would be advantageous; extensive technical and business exposure in technology companies or R&D institutions; proven records of project development, business development, deal structuring, start-up investment, negotiation and completion (from initial stages to the successful closure of the deal); track records on winning government and/or industry grants and projects; track records of advising successful transformation of innovation into value by defining strategic direction and the protection of rights based on a broad, high-quality patent portfolio; strong network with funding organizations and industry; good knowledge of intellectual property management, market research, technology commercialization, business development and planning, start-up incubation in particular with reference to University technologies, and the industrial and commercial environment in Hong Kong and the Mainland; with domain knowledge in the strategic R&D areas; ability to analyze competitive threats and business opportunities, strike the right balance between cost and protection and have a strong understanding of commercial issues and risk management; ability to demonstrate effective communication with professionals of diverse backgrounds within the industry, academia and government; excellent command of written and spoken English and Chinese (including Cantonese and Putonghua); highly motivated and proactive; excellent communication and organizational skills; good team player; ability to work independently and competence at multi-tasking are required. (Duration: 2 years, renewable)

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits including annual leave, medical and dental benefits will be provided. Housing benefits will also be provided where applicable. A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract.

Please apply on or before: 31 October 2024

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes. Applicants should read the Personal Information Collection Statement before submission of application.)


HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of
inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.