For Immediate Release
14 April, 2025
Hong Kong – The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has once again demonstrated its prowess in innovation, securing the coveted Champion title in the Tertiary Category at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024-25 competition. This year’s theme, “Pathways of Tomorrow: Trailblazing New Paths for the Next Generation”, challenged students across Hong Kong to leverage AI and cutting-edge technologies to address pressing societal issues. HKU’s winning project, iWalk, emerged as a standout, offering a transformative solution to enhance children’s foot health and setting a new benchmark for health-tech innovation. The competition, which saw a record-breaking tripling of participating teams to nearly 500 from 180 schools and tertiary institutions, concluded on April 14, 2025, after an inspiring 8-month journey of creativity and problem-solving.
Champion from HKU: iWalk Revolutionizes Foot Health
Digitoe‘s iWalk is a revolutionary blend of hardware and software designed to support foot orthopedists in safeguarding young children’s foot health. By integrating smart insoles that collect real-time walking data, iWalk delivers personalized exercise recommendations and facilitates the creation of custom-made insoles tailored to individual needs. Paired with a user-friendly mobile app, the system enables continuous monitoring of foot health metrics, empowering healthcare professionals to detect and address foot and posture issues early. This proactive approach not only enhances treatment outcomes but also promotes long-term well-being for young patients, showcasing HKU’s commitment to impactful, technology-driven healthcare solutions.
A Journey of Creativity and Excellence
The success of iWalk reflects the dedication and ingenuity of the HKU iDendron’s team, who navigated a rigorous competition process that included submitting creative proposals, participating in AI and Design Thinking workshops, and refining their project under the guidance of industry mentors. Their ability to translate complex technical concepts into a practical, user-centric solution impressed the judges and underscored HKU’s leadership in fostering interdisciplinary innovation. The project’s focus on early intervention aligns perfectly with Samsung’s vision of “AI for All,” leveraging advanced technology to deliver meaningful benefits to communities.
Nurturing Future Innovator
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024-25, co-organized by the Association of Information Technology Education Leaders (AiTLE) and supported by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Education Bureau and Hong Kong Education City, provided a platform for students to develop future-ready skills. Yiyin Zhao, Managing Director of Samsung Electronics H.K., emphasized the competition’s role in nurturing local AI talent, aligning with Hong Kong’s push to establish itself as a hub for AI innovation. Beyond the Champion title, HKU’s achievement opens doors to internship opportunities with Samsung, further equipping students with real-world experience to shape their careers.
HKU’s Lasting Impact: iWalk and SCOLIOTRACK Lead the Way This victory is a testament to HKU’s unwavering dedication to advancing technology for societal good. Alongside the champion project iWalk, HKU also earned a Merit Award for their project SCOLIOTRACK, which supports spine specialists and physiotherapists with personalized treatment plans, further highlighting the university’s depth of talent. As we celebrate HKU’s triumphs, we also applaud all participants, including champions from different academic institutions for their inspiring contributions. Together, these young innovators are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Congratulations to HKU and all teams for making Samsung Solve for tomorrow 2024-25 a resounding success!