Techno-Entrepreneurship Core HKU Logo

HKU EntrepreneurshipResource Hub

HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund × Gobi Partners: Joint Fund First Close & First Batch of Investment Ceremony Accelerating the Growth of HKU Startups

For Immediate Release
March 24, 2026

Hong Kong – On March 24, 2026, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Gobi Partners held the “HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund × Gobi Partners” joint fund first close and first batch of investment ceremony, jointly announcing the launch of the Gobi–HKU Fund I. The fund is structured under HKU’s Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF) as a joint fund operated in a fund-of-funds format, aiming to support the development of startups and foster Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem. The fund will focus on investing in high-potential HKU spin-off startups, providing capital, talent, and strategic support to transform cutting-edge research into globally impactful application solutions.  

The ceremony was hosted by Prof. Stephanie Ma, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Interim) of HKU, Mr. Jason Chiu, HKU Council member, Mr. Richard Mak, HKU EEF Advisory Board Member, Dr. Paul Wang, Director of HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (HKU TEC),  Ms. Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Mr. Thomas G. Tsao, Co-founder and Chair of Gobi Partners, Mr. Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners, and Mr. Fred Li, Managing Director & Head of University Ventures of Gobi Partners.  

Prof. Stephanie Ma, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Interim) of HKU, said: “The Gobi–HKU Fund I reflects HKU’s strong commitment to translating world-class research into innovations. Our collaboration with Gobi Partners will further strengthen our mission to turn breakthrough research into real-world solutions. With new investments already underway and more support on the horizon, we are accelerating the growth of high‑potential HKU spin-off startups. This marks a new milestone in HKU’s journey of innovation.” 

Prof. Stephanie Ma, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Interim) of HKU
Thomas G. Tsao, Co-founder and Chair of Gobi Partners

Mr. Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners said, “Some of the world’s most disruptive technologies are being built in the halls of Hong Kong’s universities. We are excited to partner with HKU to help bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, bringing breakthroughs in AI, robotics, biotech, and other critical sectors to the world.” 

Ms. Clara Chan, CEO of the HKIC remarked, “The launch of the Gobi-HKU Fund I, along with its swift and substantive deployment of capital, demonstrated the HKIC’s steadfast determination  to foster synergy among the core sectors of innovation and technology — namely investment, industry, academia, research, and government. The HKIC will continue to collaborate with various partners to create a cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary and cross-cycle investment paradigm and mechanism for patient capital, injecting critical and sustainable momentum into the foundational innovation ecosystem essential for Hong Kong’s high-quality economic development. 

Ms. Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited

Representatives from Manifold Tech and AilsynBio, both supported by investments from the HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund × Gobi Partners joint fund, also attended the ceremony and shared their in-house technologies and future development plans. Manifold Tech focuses on real-time 3D reconstruction algorithms and advanced robotics technologies, leveraging AI-driven rapid 3D scanning and reconstruction to offer products and applications for multiple industries. AilsynBio, on the other hand, uses on its proprietary peptide-based drug AI discovery platform, which integrates multi-omics human scientific data to identify novel disease targets, as well as designing innovative molecules and identifying and predicting drug properties, thereby significantly shortening the drug development cycle. 

For media enquiries, please contact:   
HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core 
Ms Jessie Tsang (Tel: 39102495 | email jessiet@hku.hk)   

CAS Star and HKU Achieve First Close of “FutureTech Stars-HKU Venture LP Fund” to Accelerate Global Deep-Tech Commercialisation and Empower HKU Startups from Lab to Industry

For Immediate Release
March 13, 2026

Hong Kong – On March 13, 2026, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and CAS Star Technology Venture Capital (CAS Star) held a “HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF) × CAS Star” joint fund first close ceremony and first batch of investment ceremony on 13 March. The two parties officially announced the first close of “FutureTech Stars–HKU Venture LPF. The fund is structured under HKU’s Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF) as a joint fund operated in a fund-of-funds format, and operated and managed by FutureTech Stars HK, the Hong Kong arm of CAS Star, with a target fund size of HK$300 million. The first close totals HK$150 million, and the fund has already completed its first batch of investments. Anchor investors in the first closing include the HKU EEF, Bank of China Group Investment Limited (“BOCGI”), and Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (“YOFC”). Focusing on the industries of the future, the fund targets disruptive global technologies and major innovative breakthroughs to accelerate the transformation of research outcomes into real-world applications. Its investment strategy prioritises world-leading research teams from universities in Hong Kong, the Chinese Academy of Sciences Hong Kong Institute of Sciences & Innovation, and overseas R&D institutions. It also extends to globally positioned Chinese-led deep-tech startups in the current AI-driven wave of innovation, supporting their journey toward industrialisation and commercial scale.  

The ceremony was hosted by Prof. Stephanie Ma, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Interim) of HKU, Mr. David Lau and Mr. Jason Chiu, HKU Council member, Mr. Richard Mak, HKU EEF Advisory Board Member, Dr. Lei Mi, Founding Partner of CAS Star, Ms. Lin Xia, Partner of CAS Star, Mr. Sheng Li, Chairman, Bank of China Group Investment Limited, Mr. Jinpei Yang, Chief Financial Offer of YOFC, and Mr. Bin Liu, General Manager of YOFC Fund. It underscores HKU’s collective commitment as patient capital, reaffirming its determination to support early-stage innovation and accelerate the commercialisation of research outcomes. 

Prof. Stephanie Ma, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Interim) of HKU said, “‘FutureTech Stars–HKU Venture LPF’ exemplifies the strong and collaborative partnership between both parties. CAS Star has completed its first round of investments and is fully supporting two HKU-incubated startups. Meanwhile, the EEF is actively building a bridge between the academic and industry. Since EEF was launched, by the end of 2025, its partner funds and the wider ecosystem have invested more than HK$350 million in HKU-related enterprises, supporting a total of 12 startups. Of this, HK$170 million has been invested through EEF partner funds. Due to EEF’s significant growth, the Council has raised its target size to HK$1 billion.” 

Dr. Lei Mi, Founding Partner of CAS Star said, “Hong Kong possesses unique advantages in this regard. CAS Star will work with all partners, using the fund as a bridge to achieve deep integration of technology, finance, and industry, thereby fostering the prosperity of Hong Kong’s technology transfer ecosystem. The launch of this collaboration network aims to pool resources from all partners to jointly cultivate a self-organising, self-evolving ‘rainforest’ ecosystem for deep-tech entrepreneurship.”  

CAS Star and HKU Achieve First Close of “FutureTech Stars-HKU Venture LP Fund” to Accelerate Global Deep-Tech Commercialisation and Empower HKU Startups from Lab to Industry

In particular, Dynano Semiconductor, an HKU-incubated startup focusing on R&D and services for advanced packaging technology for high-power semiconductors, shared insights at the event. Prof. Mingxin Huang, Chief Scientist of the company, highlighted that over the past year, the company has received tens of millions of HKD in investment in which FutureTech Stars has participated and led. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company efficiently integrates manufacturing capacity from Mainland China, international capital from Hong Kong, and cutting-edge overseas technologies, thereby forming a collaborative development model of “R&D in Hong Kong, pilot production in the Greater Bay Area, and market access globally.”  

For media enquiries, please contact:    
HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core  
Ms Jessie Tsang (Tel: 39102495 | email jessiet@hku.hk)  

HKU Super Angel Symposium 2026 Unveils Venture Mentoring Service to Accelerate Startup Success

For Immediate Release
March 13, 2026

Hong Kong – On March 13, 2026, The Techno-Entrepreneurship Core at the University of Hong Kong (HKU TEC) recently led 20 HKU‑affiliated startups to participate in the international startup event JUMPSTARTER 2026 and successfully held the “HKU Super Angel Symposium 2026” and “HKU Demo Day x JUMPSTARTER”. The events brought together government officials, academics, venture capital investors, entrepreneurship mentors and local startup representatives to discuss and promote the long-term development of the Greater Bay Area’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. 

The event was officiated by Professor Stephanie Ma, Vice‑President and Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor (Research) (Interim) of HKU; Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; and Dr Winnie Tang, Chief Convenor of HKU Super Angel Network.Professor Stephanie Ma, Vice‑President and Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor (Research) (Interim) of HKU, said, “The Super Angel Symposium is our annual flagship event, bringing together visionary investors, industry leaders, and the HKU community. Through a strong network of alumni and supporters, we actively advance the growth of HKU startups — promoting innovation through giving, investment, and mentorship while fostering an angel investment culture in Hong Kong.” 

Welcome Speech by Prof. Stephanie Ma, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Interim) of HKU 

Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, said “The Hong Kong Government is dedicated to developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, and we fully understand that startups are the engine of innovation. With three major I&T parks as the framework, we have been enhancing our I&T ecosystem, creating an excellent environment for start-up to grow and thrive.” 

Speech by Guest of Honour, Ms. Lillian Cheong, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR 

“HKU Venture Mentoring Programme” to foster structured mentorship network 
The event was followed by the official launch ceremony of the HKU Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) – Hong Kong’s first university mentoring programme formally affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) VMS model and powered by the HKU Super Angel Network. Certificates were presented to the inaugural cohort of VMS mentors and new members of the HKU Angel Network, marking an important milestone in building a structured, high‑quality mentorship network and deepen entrepreneurial support. The symposium also featured keynote addresses by Dr Qiubin Lin, founder and CEO of Delonix Bioworks, who shared his experience in accelerating the clinical translation of synthetic‑biology vaccines; and Dr Mi Lei, founding partner CASSTAR, who discussed hard‑tech investment strategies and ecosystem building. 

The forum’s closing session, “From HKU Campus to Real-World Impact: Growing Mission-Led Startups in Hong Kong” — a fireside conversation moderated by Dr Winnie Tang, featured founders of BioX, GreenPrice, Agewhale, Body Nova Limited, and DineWell AI, who shared how they have translated  ideas and innovative technologies into impactful startups, contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub. The “HKU Demo Day x JUMPSTARTER” featured pitch presentations by multiple HKU startup teams. A panel of senior judges evaluated the projects on criteria including innovation, market potential and team strength, and selected outstanding teams to receive support—such as access to HKU iDendron co‑working space, to help accelerate their next stage of growth. 

Opening Remarks by HKU Super Angel Network, Dr. Winnie Tang, MH, JP, Chief Convenor of HKU Super Angel Network 

About the HKU Venture Mentoring Service (VMS)
The HKU Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) is Hong Kong’s first sister programme officially authorised under the MIT VMS model, and is fully supported by the HKU Super Angel Network. Leveraging a rigorously selected and diverse pool of mentors, HKU VMS provides strategic guidance, long‑term relationship‑based support and critical resource connections to HKU entrepreneurial teams, helping them overcome early‑stage challenges, grow into sustainable enterprises and further consolidate HKU’s position as a global leader in innovation. 

HKU Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) Launch Ceremony 

From Left to Right: 

  • Dr. Paul Wang, Director of HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core
  • Dr. Winnie Tang, MH, JP, Chief Convenor of HKU Super Angel Network  
  • Hon. Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation) 
  • Prof. Stephanie Ma, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) of HKU 
  • Ms. Lillian Cheong, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR
  • Mr. Arnold Lau, Associate Director-General of Investment of InvestHK 
  • Mr. Damien Wu, Chair (Mentorship), HKU SAN 
  • Ms. Monica Wong, Director of HKU Alumni Affairs 
Keynote: From Bench to Bedside: Accelerating the Clinical Translation of Synthetic Biology Vaccines  by Dr. Qiubin Lin, Founder and CEO of Delonix Bioworks
Keynote: Focus on Future Industries: Collaboratively Building a Rainforest Ecosystem for Key and Core Technology Entrepreneurship by Dr. Mi Lei, Founding Partner of CASSTAR
HKU Entrepreneurs and Super Angel Panel Session

From Left to Right 

  • Ms. Grace Cheng, CEO & Founder of Agewhale
  • Mr. Terence Hon, Co-founder of GreenPrice    
  • Dr. Winnie Tang, MH, JP, Chief Convenor of HKU Super Angel Network – Moderator  
  • Dr. Data Ng, Co-President of Cyberport Startup Alumni Association; Founder and CTO, BioX  
  • Ms. Jojo Kwok, Co-founder of Body Nova Limited and DineWell AI 
HKU Super Angel Symposium Group Photo 
HKU Demo Day Winners 

For media enquiries, please contact:   
angelnetwork@hku.hk

Event Photos Download

HKU TEC Showcases Over 30 Startups at Entrepreneur Day 2025


Hong Kong, 10 December 2025 – The University of Hong Kong Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (HKU TEC) showcased more than 30 high-potential startups at HKTDC Entrepreneur Day 2025 (E-Day) last week, highlighting HKU’s expanding innovation pipeline and its impact across the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The combined HKU Demo Day and Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme Results Announcement drew more than 450 attendees, with founders demonstrating how HKU research and bold ideas are being translated into real-world solutions. These spanned advanced materials, healthcare and life sciences, smart industry, food and agri‑tech, construction and built‑environment technologies, education technology, and climate and environmental solutions. 

Over 450 attendees at Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme Results Announcement X HKU Demo Day at E-Day.

Pipeline from Lab to Market 
The exhibiting teams included HKU alumni and incubatees from HKU TEC’s flagship initiatives, including DeepTech 100, SEED, TSSSU and the Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme, illustrating an integrated pathway that supports founders from concept through scale‑up. Organised by HKU TEC and supported by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau through the Youth Development Fund, the Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme received over 100 applications. Thirty-four shortlisted teams took part in an intensive Lean Launcher Training Programme, with 14 ultimately selected for incubation after rigorous judging. Many of these innovators formed the core of HKU’s 30‑startup delegation at E‑Day, showcasing AI‑driven healthtech, rehabilitation solutions, green technologies and advanced manufacturing breakthroughs to investors and industry partners. 

Science- and Engineering-Led Startups Tackling Global Challenges 

14 「 Tech-up 」 teams showcased their achievements at HYAB Booths during the HKTDC Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) 2025. 

Among the Tech‑Up portfolio, companies such as DiamNEX, ReGen Technology and Snapp Ocean Data Solutions demonstrated how deep tech can address pressing global challenges. 

DiamNEX is pioneering flexible diamond membranes using proprietary processes that overcome long‑standing bottlenecks in producing large, high‑quality, transferable diamond films for mass commercial applications. ReGen Technology has developed a patented solar‑powered desalination system that delivers low‑cost, off‑grid fresh water for agriculture, remote communities and regenerative land projects in coastal and arid regions, while Snapp Ocean Data Solutions is building the world’s fastest robotic fish for remote underwater data collection, using fish‑like propulsion and autonomous, tetherless mobility in an affordable, 3D‑printable form factor that avoids the clogging and failure risks associated with traditional propellers. 

Championing Young Innovators in the GBA 
“Tech-Up is about empowering young innovators to move from ideas to real businesses that can serve people and create lasting positive impact in Hong Kong and across the GBA,” said Professor Stephanie Ma, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation) of HKU. “In a period when our community faces hardship, these founders have reminded us why research, innovation and technology matter – to build safer, more resilient and more compassionate cities. 

“HKU TEC stands at the coordination centre of our university’s tech-startup ecosystem,” said Dr Paul Wang, Director of HKU TEC. “Through flagship programmes such as Tech-Up GBA, we support founders from the spark of an idea through incubation, funding and cross‑border growth. With over 30 promising startups featured at Entrepreneur Day 2025, the event created valuable opportunities for investors, industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate and grow with HKU’s vibrant innovation community.” 

High-Energy HKU Startup Demo Day 
During the “HKU Innovation Showcase Day” segment, 10 fast-growing HKU startups presented their latest developments in ESG, advanced technology and ICT/AI to members of the HKU innovation community, venture capital investors and industry leadersd.  The session enabled founders to engage directly with potential investors and partners, accelerate their fundraising efforts and drive business expansion in the Greater Bay Area and overseas markets. 

10 teams showcased their achievements at HKU Booths during the HKTDC Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) 2025. 

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Ms Jessie Tsang 

HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core 

Tel: 39102495 Email: jessiet@hku.hk 



熱烈恭賀香港大學學生團隊於「中國國際大學生創新大賽2025」勇奪佳績!


Hong Kong, 16 October 2025 – 由香港6所大專院校31個項目組成的香港代表隊,近日參與在鄭州大學舉行的中國國際大學生創新大賽2025全國總決賽,與全國及全球精英同台競技,一共榮獲8金10銀13銅佳績,創下歷來最佳紀錄。其中,香港大學多組團隊在激勵的競爭中,勇奪佳績,榮獲 1金、2銀及2銅 殊榮,展現港大學生的卓越創新實力與科研潛能。

🏆 得獎名單如下:

  • 智築未來 – 中國房企出海的AI決策引擎 | Neo Wang — 金獎
  • 神農智能製藥 Saint Novel Biotech Limited |  Cheuk Shuen Li — 銀獎
  • 重擎科技:新一代重型車輛輪轂直驅馬達開拓者 | Kelvin Law — 銀獎
  • 風環49 安全帽生物醫學降溫配件 | Haykozé | Jeff Li — 銅獎
  • 鈉電破冰:安全領航低溫儲能 | Joe Lee — 銅獎

中國國際大學生創新大賽以「我敢闖,我會創」為主題,今屆共有來自161個國家和地區、5,673所高校的超過2,443萬人次參賽,規模盛大、影響深遠。

今年首次設立 港澳區域賽,成為推動中外科技與青年人文交流的重要平台,進一步展示香港在「教育、科技、人才」協同創新的實力與貢獻。

再次恭賀所有獲獎團隊,感謝他們以創意與實踐精神為港爭光,也為推動創科發展注入新動能!

For media enquiries, please contact:
hkutec@hku.hk

香港大學青年科創學院成立一周年慶典


Shenzhen, 14 October 2025 – 13日下午,香港大學青年科創學院(HKU TEA)在深圳前海舉行了學院成立一周年慶典。短短一年時間,青年科創學院已迅速成長為粵港澳大灣區技術成果轉化、創新創業及深港融合發展的重要平台。慶典現場,來自政府、企業、科研機構、投資機構的眾多嘉賓齊聚一堂,共同回顧學院一年来的发展历程与成就,擎畫學院美好未來。

一年來孵化優秀企業成果斐然
過去一年青年科創學院在深圳前海管理局的大力支持下圍繞香港大學的優勢學科、前海產業定位及國家重點發展領域,在人才培養、科研成果轉化等方面取得了顯著進展,成功搭建起跨區域、跨領域的合作橋梁,為青年創業者提供了寶貴的資源與支持,孵化了一大批嶄露頭角的優秀企業。學院聚焦人工智能、生物醫藥、新材料,一年來累計引進高科技初創企業67家,項目中領銜知名教授18位,博士40位,創新創業青年近300位,其中香港青年115位,各項目融資總規模已近四億元,估值達數十億。其中黃明欣教授領銜的大乙半導體成為首個完成孵化走向加速階段的企業,學院在孵項目中亦有多家團隊呈高速發展態勢,未來可期。

高水平學術論壇、交流、講座常態化、系統化開展
青年科創學院充分發揮香港大學的品牌影響力、學術感召力、人才聚集力,開展了一系列高水準的學術論壇、學術交流、科創講座等活動,一年來,共舉辦了19場高水平學術交流及活動、33場科創講座、工作坊,邀請120多位知名專家學者到訪前海,接待177次海內外各界來訪,全年學院共向5500餘人次展示了香港大學的創新創業生態和前海的發展環境,對於推動海內外教育、科技、文化、社會等全方位的互通互動,有效助力前海在深港融合發展、產業多元發展、高水平人才聚集等方面成為戰略高地注入了強勁動力。

慶典現場活動豐富,精彩紛呈
週年慶典上,深圳市新質生產力科技促進中心主任王輝介紹了“深圳科創青藤成果轉化服務體系”。該體系作為聚焦早期科創項目轉化的平台,通過人才、項目與資本的多輪互選機制,助力項目落地與資源對接。香港大學深圳研究院、香港大學青年科創學院與深圳市新質生產力科技促進中心共同簽署了戰略合作協議,未來將圍繞成果轉化體系共建、技術轉移推動及科研設施共享等方面展開合作,共同促進香港大學科研成果在大灣區的轉化與應用。

香港大學與劍橋大學簽訂了戰略合作協議,雙方未來將在國際科創課程開發、交流互動、引進來走出去等方面展開深度合作。劍橋大學Judge商學院科創中心負責人Ann Davidson女士以“跨境合作:全球創新”為主題進行了主旨演講。

同時慶典還邀請了多位在學院進行創業的教授舉辦了“從實驗室走向市場:大灣區如何加速科研商業化”的專家學術論壇,邀請多位知名投資人舉辦了“解鎖資本:進入大灣區投資生態系統的策略”投資人圓桌論壇。無論是劍橋大學Ann Davidson女士主旨演講還是兩場專題論壇,都展現了極高的專業水準,堪稱學術盛宴。

在週年慶典的重要時刻,牙創匯揭牌儀式順利舉行,這標誌著由香港大學牙醫學院、香港大學科創中心及香港科技園公司聯合創立的未來牙科創新樞紐正式啟動。作為大灣區內首個專注於牙科創新與創業的平台,牙創匯致力於推動前沿牙科研究成果的轉化與商業化,助力香港與深圳發展成為全球牙科創新中心。

在科技成果展示區,入駐青創學院的科研項目進行了集中展示,項目涵蓋了人工智能、生物醫藥、新材料應用等前沿領域,吸引了眾多嘉賓駐足觀看與交流。

由香港大學黃明欣教授帶領科研團隊創立的大乙半導體科技有限公司在慶典當天喬遷新址。大乙作為從學院首家“畢業”的優秀團隊,憑藉全球獨有的固態銅燒結技術,成功實現從“樣品交付”到“量產交付”的跨越,並宣布建成高端潔淨間,完成天使輪融資,正式邁入量產新階段,致力於為新能源汽車、AI伺服器等高端功率半導體提供領先散熱解決方案。

青創學院未來可期
短短一年時間,香港大學青年科創學院在前海的蓬勃發展,充分體現了香港大學在科技創新方面的獨特優勢和能量,也充分體現了前海在促進深港融合發展方面所具備的獨特優勢和優質的發展環境。基於香港大學與前海雙方的優質基因元素,青創學院未來可期,前景無限。

深圳市科技創新局黨組成員、副局長邵鋼,前海合作區黨工委委員、前海管理局副局長袁富勇,香港大學協理副校長、香港大學青年科創學院院長尹曉波,香港大學協理副校長(研究與創新)馬桂宜,香港大學協理副校長(研究)黃思齊以及香港大學的各學院代表、學生代表、校友代表、合作夥伴、項目代表等各界人士三百餘人參加了此次活動。

Learn more about Innovation Week: https://tec.hku.hk/innovation-week/

For media enquiries, please contact:
hkutec@hku.hk

HKU Innovation Week 2025: Pioneering Global Innovation with Breakthroughs and Hong Kong’s First Dental Incubation Programme


Hong Kong, 15 October 2025 – The University of Hong Kong (HKU) launched HKU Innovation Week 2025 at Loke Yew Hall on 14 October, marking a pivotal moment in the University’s journey towards fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Under the theme “Dreams Unbounded: From Ideas to Global Solutions”, the event showcased HKU’s commitment to turning visionary research into real-world impact, further cementing Hong Kong’s status as an emerging global hub for innovation and technology.

The kick-off ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests, including Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Ms Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC); Dr Peter Wong, Chairman of theHKU Council; Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor; and Professor Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), HKU.

The ceremony was officiated by Prof Xiang Zhang, President of HKU; Ms. Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary to Innovation, Technology and Industry; Dr. Peter T.S. Wong, Chairman of HKU Council; Ms Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited; and Prof Max Shen, Vice-President (Research) of HKU. 

In his keynote opening speech, Professor Xiang Zhang emphasised HKU’s unique position—and its responsibility to undertake significant and challenging innovations. This involves not merely to optimise what exists, but to open new frontiers. He outlined three strategic pillars to realise this vision: positioning HKU as a global talent hub for the AI era, building an innovation platform for interdisciplinary and university–industry collaboration, and cultivating a vibrant global innovation ecosystem. 

Opening Keynote by Professor Xiang Zhang, President of HKU

Dr. Peter Wong, underscored the University’s strategic vision — one that advocates deep engagement with the community and translates academic excellence into impactful solutions and shared, “Dare to dream. Pursue your passions with courage and creativity. The entire HKU community stands with you.”

Dr. Peter T.S. Wong, Chairman of HKU Council encouraged students and staff to embrace their dreams.

Professor Max Shen celebrated the University’s transformation into a thriving innovation hub, noting “Two years ago, we switched our engine on—and the results speak for themselves,” Professor Shen said, citing over 150 annual innovation activities, more than 500 ventures, and HK$7 billion in combined valuation. Highlighting breakthroughs from AI to biomedicine, Prof. Shen urged the community to “keep dreaming boldly, innovating relentlessly, and shaping a future where ideas truly know no bounds.”

Professor Max Shen, Vice-President  (Research) of HKU delivered welcome remarks.

Addressing the kick-off ceremony, Ms Lillian Cheong said she was delighted to witness the launch of two additional joint investment funds with reputable venture capital firms which provide support to HKU start-ups. She added that the Government was also actively promoting Hong Kong’s I&T development via collaboration with the industry, academia, research and investment sectors with key focuses on commercialisation of outstanding research and development outcomes.

Opening Remarks by Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary to Innovation, Technology and Industry.

Ms Chan appreciated HKU’s vision and efforts to support innovation, which aligned with the HKIC’s mandate to invest for the future of Hong Kong. She expressed confidence on the growing vibrancy of the HKIC’s investment ecosystem where best-in-class, like-minded and multi-disciplinary partners such as HKU, Gobi Partners and Brizan Ventures could work together with the HKIC to accelerate the flywheel effect of capital, talents and opportunities to support innovation in Hong Kong. The formation of systematic investment partnerships between HKU and these respective fund managers supported by the HKIC was a great example of such stories.

Ms Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited

A major highlight was the launch of the Global Hub for Future Dentistry, Hong Kong’s first Dental Incubation Programme. Developed in partnership with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and leveraging the Faculty of Dentistry’s world-leading expertise (ranked second globally), the initiative will accelerate the commercialisation of cutting-edge dental research, enhancing Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area’s standing in global innovation.

The Launch of Hong Kong’s First Dental Incubation Programme.

The event also saw the expansion of the HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF) to HK$1 billion through strategic partnerships with Gobi Partners, BioTrack Capital, and Brizan Ventures. This “fund of funds” model provides patient capital and investor expertise to support high-potential HKU start-ups.

HKU-Gobi Joint Funds Agreement Signing Ceremony. 
HKU-Biotrack Capital and Brizan Ventures Joint Funds Agreement Signing Ceremony. 

A flagship University-wide event, HKU Innovation Week featured over 40 pioneering technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and health sciences, alongside panel discussions and networking opportunities. The gathering of more than 300 guests—including policymakers, investors, and industry leaders—facilitated knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Learn more about Innovation Week: https://tec.hku.hk/innovation-week/

Media enquiries

Ms Esther Yiu – Manager (Events & Marketing), Technology Transfer Office, The University of Hong Kong

Tel: +852 3917 3949

Email: estherey@hku.hk



HKU TEC | iDendron Startup : The Beverage Code – Advances Innovation in Health and Sustainability with New Beverages

For Immediate Release
18 September, 2025

Hong Kong – In response to growing concerns over health and environmental impact, a Hong Kong-based beverage start-up, The Beverage Code, is challenging traditional norms by redefining how drinks are made and consumed. Formerly known as Sodaz, the company embraces the motto “From Pulp to Seed, Nothing Wasted” reflecting its commitment to sustainability and wellness through every step of its product lifecycle.

The Beverage Code, co-founded by Alex Pang, Aaron Pang and Kethena Tang, was established with a desire to offer healthier alternatives to the market. “Many beverages are high in sugar and contain chemical additives so we wanted to provide a healthier choice,” said Alex Pang, who is an alumnus of the University of Hong Kong (HKU). This guiding principle has led to beverages emphasizing low sugar, functional benefits and natural fruit flavors.

Sustainability is woven deeply into The Beverage Code’s operations. “The company has succeeded in reducing water and energy use by 40%,” said Tang. It is implemented by replacing single-use plastics with recyclable aluminum cans and cartons. Their innovative use of raw materials distinguishes them further with fruit peels being repurposed into natural dyes, tea leaves are turned into paper and leftover fruit and pulp are processed into fertilizers. Even surplus or imperfect fruits are upcycled into nutrient-rich teas, sparkling drinks and cocktail infusions using proprietary extraction technology. This approach ensures that every part of the fruit retains its nutritional value and avoids waste.

The Beverage Code’s product development follows a structured three-step approach which are market research, insight gathering and trend analysis allowing the company to align its innovations with consumer demands. They have integrated advanced technologies such as precision tea aroma extraction modulation, FractoOrganoleptic Engineering and Extended Shelf-Life Technology to improve taste and prolong shelf life while maintaining health benefits.

Support from the HKU iDendron program, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, has been instrumental in the company’s growth. “We are very fortunate to be accepted into the HKU iDendron program which provided us some funding,” Alex Pang explained. The program, part of HKU’s Techno-Entrepreneurship Core, provides resources and venture funding to promising start-ups, helping to fuel local and international economic development. The Beverage Code won the Rosewood Foundation Entrepreneurship Award in 2025 earning $100,000, according to the website of HKU idendron.

Beyond product innovation, building a distinct brand philosophy is essential. “Consumers don’t just buy products, they buy the brand philosophy,” Aaron Pang added. In an increasingly competitive market, The Beverage Code is carving out a niche by championing health and sustainability as core values.

Try their signature Sage Tea to experience nutrient-rich flavors: The Beverage Code Sage Tea

Director & Editor: Bonnie Leung, Year 3, HKU Business School
Journalist & Cinematographer: Margo Wong, Year 3, Journalism