The £30 Million “Charles Huang Advanced Technology & Innovation Centre (CHATIC)” Set for Completion by 2026
November 18, 2024
Pasadena, Calif. The Charles Huang Foundation (CHF) is pleased to announce that, with its support, the former Student Union building at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow will be transformed into a vibrant digital, entrepreneurial, and social engagement hub. Renamed the Charles Huang Advanced Technology & Innovation Centre (CHATIC), this building honors the £30 million contribution from CHF as part of a larger £50 million donation to Strathclyde in 2021, marking the University’s largest philanthropic gift. The project has commenced and is scheduled for completion by 2026.
Dr. Charles Huang envisions his support for his alma mater as helping Strathclyde become a top business-focused university, with investments in people, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability for the campus and community.
CHATIC represents a cornerstone of Dr. Huang’s broader vision, joining three other major programs supported by CHF at Strathclyde: the establishment of the Stephen Young Institute for International Business, two professorial chairs within the Institute, and the Stephen Young Entrepreneurship Awards and Global Leaders Scholarship Program—all honoring the late Professor Stephen Young, Dr. Huang’s former mentor and PhD advisor.
Situated in the heart of Glasgow City Innovation District, the 10-storey 5,535 m2 CHATIC will advance research in Health Technologies, 5G Communications, Industrial AI, FinTech, Quantum Technologies and Space research. The centre will also house hubs for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation, allowing Strathclyde to expand its successful ecosystem model, co-locating industry with academia to create a dynamic, collaborative environment for researchers, startups, SMEs, and commercial partners.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Strathclyde, stated: “We are extremely grateful to Dr. Huang for his generous support, honored by the naming of this new centre. Dr. Huang’s extraordinary philanthropy is a testament to our founding purpose as a place of useful learning, and this project is a significant part of our legacy. Strathclyde is the only academic institution founded during the Scottish Enlightenment in 1796, making us the 8th oldest university in the UK. Dr. Huang's tremendous act of philanthropy is a significant part of this history. We look forward to celebrating our Diamond Jubilee Year with this transformative investment in our students and innovation.”
Lina Tullberg, CEO of the CHF, said: “Seeing these programs flourish in alignment with Dr. Huang’s vision is deeply rewarding. The CHATIC is the final piece of CHF’s initiatives at Strathclyde, but it marks the beginning of an enduring, impactful partnership. Greater achievements lie ahead!”
About Dr. Charles Huang:
Dr. Huang is the founder and chairman of Pasaca Capital Inc., a California-based investment company with various global portfolio companies in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, TMT, industrials & automation, and entertainment. Prior to forming Pasaca Capital, Dr. Huang had an exceptional career in investment banking with James Capel (now HSBC Securities) in Hong Kong and Crédit Lyonnaise Securities Asia (CLSA) and BNP Paribas, as well as in the automotive sector.
Dr. Charles Huang is also a global philanthropist. He founded and chairs the charitable Charles Huang Foundation with focuses on education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship development. His foundation donated GBP50 million to the University of Strathclyde in September 2021 and US$40 million to Wuhan University in December 2021, $7.0 million to San Francisco’s Chinese Hospital in June 2022 and $7.5 million to the USC Arcadia Hospital in July 2022. In addition, Dr. Huang created the Charles Huang Foundation Research Fund at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
In early November 2024, Dr. Charles Huang was recognized in “2024 Forbes China 100 Most Influential Chinese”. In November 2022, Dr. Huang was granted the “Champion of Free Enterprise” Award in the UK by the Academy of Strategic Management. During 2022 Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May), Dr. Huang was recognized as one of the distinguished AAPI leaders and received the honor of "Excellence in Business" by California AAPI Legislative Caucus. In November 2021, Dr. Huang was named "Philanthropreneur of the Year" by the California State Assembly. Pasaca Capital was also named “Business of the Year” for its extraordinary contributions to the State of California and the world.