Nurturing talent is the "cornerstone" in innovation and technology (I&T) development, according to the city's tech chief on Monday.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong told a launch ceremony for the Polytechnic University's faculty of computer and mathematical sciences that SAR authorities have been taking steps to expand the pool of highly-skilled professionals and equip young people with skills needed for the future.

"We firmly believe that nurturing talent is a cornerstone of innovation and technology development," Sun said.

"We continue to proactively promote science and mathematics education, and strengthen digital education, so as to provide talent support for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre."

The university's newly established faculty focuses on three main disciplines: applied mathematics, computing, and data science and artificial intelligence.