A Glimpse into the Future of Cotton Growing: LPC Students Visit the Open Lab

A group of our Year 1 students had an exciting and tech-focused afternoon at the HKRITA Open Lab on 16 April 2026, exploring the future of sustainability and textiles.

The afternoon began with an informative and fascinating talk by Brian Liu, the engineer behind the hydroponic technology  at HKRITA. He provided insights into the world of Hydroponic Cotton and its revolutionary potential for textiles. Students learned about the rarity of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton (just 3% of the world’s cotton!)  and how Vertical Hydroponic Cultivation (VHC) can make production more sustainable, particularly under extreme weather conditions.

Students actively engaged by asking thoughtful questions and discussing sustainability, innovation, and research. Brian encouraged them to stay curious, think critically, and ask insightful questions.

The highlight of the visit was a guided lab tour led by Clara Tse (UWC Atlantic ’01) and the Open Lab team,  giving students a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge research and innovation in action.

The session also included an introduction to the Open Lab Challenge 2025–2026, encouraging students to participate for the chance to win shadowing opportunities at the lab.

Our students left inspired by the exciting advancements in textiles and the innovative future ahead!