The Innovation and Technology Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government launched the 2023 Mainland Hong Kong Joint Funding Plan today (15th), soliciting application research and development projects in collaboration with mainland institutions on three specific themes, including: (1) biotechnology: the creation of new traditional Chinese medicine drugs, the development of drugs for treating rare diseases, the development of regenerative drugs for treating elderly degenerative diseases, tissue stem cell isolation, and functional evaluation; (2) Artificial intelligence: research on the security and privacy of artificial intelligence systems, brain like intelligence, intelligent transportation, and intelligent healthcare (including medical robots); (3) New materials: optoelectronic materials, third-generation semiconductor technology, key materials for high safety and energy density batteries, research and application of biomedical materials. The plan is to accept applications from now on, with a deadline of June 30th. It is understood that the plan aims to support and encourage Hong Kong to strengthen scientific research cooperation with the mainland. The relevant application must be jointly submitted by institutions in Hong Kong and mainland China, and submitted to the Innovation and Technology Agency and the National Ministry of Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology) respectively. The research and development work for the application project must be carried out in both locations and have elements of cooperation between Hong Kong and mainland China. The Innovation and Technology Department and the Ministry of Science and Technology will provide funding to application agencies in Hong Kong and mainland China respectively, and monitor project progress in accordance with their respective regulations. (New News Agency)