The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) signed an MoU to foster research development and knowledge exchange.

The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration between HKRITA and INL in the development of sensor and wearable technology. These research areas have inspired projects that are developing more precise ways to measure physiological and biomechanical phenomena, leading to the design of new devices and testing methods for the continuous enhancement of wearable solutions. The solutions will play increasingly important roles in improving life in a range of social and occupational settings.

Established in 2006, HKRITA is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government and hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. HKRITA engages in applied research to support the textile and apparel industry in order to boost its overall competitiveness, and to drive sustainable improvements and bring benefits to society. By providing one-stop services for applied research, technology transfer and commercialisation, HKRITA makes sustained efforts to promote successful projects for industry application.

The INL was founded by the governments of Portugal and Spain under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research and to deploy and articulate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. The INL provides a cutting-edge research environment in which today’s major societal challenges can be addressed: ageing populations and well-being, mobility and urban living, and social safety and security.