Have an innovation with commercial potential? Feel free to contact us for an initial discussion, even before filing an Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) with the IP Management & Compliance (IMC) team. Once an IDF is submitted, the IMC Team and the Business Development Team of Versitech (HKU’s wholly-owned commercialisation company) will arrange a meeting to explore commercialisation pathways and assess market opportunities.
For healthcare-related innovations, the MedTech Hackathon offers an excellent starting point. This six-month programme provides intensive training and valuable opportunities to engage with clinicians, regulators, investors, industry partners, and fellow innovators, helping teams validate venture ideas in real-world settings.

A strong intellectual property strategy is essential for successful commercialisation. Based on your business objectives, our IP Management & Compliance team will advise on patents, copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, and other forms of IP protection.

Not all valuable intellectual property takes the form of patents. A well-planned IP strategy can strengthen your competitive advantage, attract investors, and support long-term business growth.

Building the right team should start as early as possible. Through our Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), founders can receive guidance from a group of experienced mentors who can help navigate common start-up challenges and avoid costly mistakes. Founders are also encouraged to participate in Start-up IP Day, Legal Day, and other training programmes, while leveraging our network of Professional Service Providers. Developing an early understanding of company structure, founders’ agreements, equity allocation, and legal matters can save significant time, cost, and complications as your venture grows.

For full-time staff members and research postgraduate students, it is important to comply with University policies and applicable government regulations when engaging in start-up activities.
Faculty members should complete a Declaration of Interests and submit the relevant Outside Practice Forms through the HKU Portal in accordance with University requirements.If your venture is utilising HKU intellectual property—including but not limited to patents—it is advisable to enter into a licensing agreement with Versitech. A formal licence provides legitimacy and clarity of IP rights, facilitates investor and funder due diligence, and will strengthen applications for certain funding programmes. It also ensures that the rights and contributions of inventors are properly recognised. HKU has adopted a founder-friendly spin-off approach, and the licensing process is designed to be straightforward and efficient.

The DEEPTECH100+ Programme is specifically designed for scientist entrepreneurs and research-driven start-ups. Through one-on-one mentorship from industry experts, participating teams can validate business models, refine commercialisation strategies, connect with HKSTP incubation programmes, and accelerate their pathway to TSSSU@HKU funding.
As your venture grows, explore the full range of resources available for HKU Founders, including mentorship, co-working spaces, investor networks, incubation programmes, and fundraising opportunities.
Stay connected with us to discover the latest programmes, events, and opportunities designed to transform research and innovation into impactful ventures.