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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！

Posted on by Cherry

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

Posted on by Cherry

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

Posted on by Cherry

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

Posted on by Cherry

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

Announcement of Finalists Advancing to the Grand Finale of the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge

Posted on by Cherry

We are thrilled to announce the seven teams that have advanced to the Grand Finale of the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge. These finalists were selected after a successful Closed Door Regional Pitching event held on 16 August 2025 at the University of Hong Kong. Out of the numerous talented startups that participated in the competition, five teams from the start-up division and two teams from the growth division have been selected to move forward to the Grand Finale. We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the following teams: 

成長組 Growth Division    

Dynano Semiconductor Technology Company Limited 大乙半導體科技有限公司 

Dynano Semiconductor Technology is a high-tech company founded by Professor Huang Mingxin of HKU and incubated by HKU. Based on the technological breakthrough of HKU in the field of metal materials, Dynano Company has developed the latest sintering materials, processes and related equipment for the pain points such as heat dissipation and failure of high-power semiconductors. The headquarters of Dynano Company is currently registered in the Hong Kong Science Park, and has established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Qianhai-Shenzhen. 

Team Leader: Huang Mingxin 

Qingdao Sino-Cell Biomedicine Co., Ltd. 青島華賽伯曼醫學細胞生物有限公司 

Qingdao Sino-Cell Biomedicine Co., Ltd. established in March 2019, is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative cell therapies. Considering the unmet clinical needs, the company is committed to developing globally innovative and leading cell therapies, focusing on TIL therapies targeting solid tumors. 

Team Leader: Gao Qing 

https://www.sino-cellbiomed.com/ 

 

初創組 Start-up Division  

DiamNEX Limited 鑽耐科思有限公司 

DiamNEX is a high-tech company focusing on the research, development, production and commercialization of diamond thin films, and is committed to becoming a technology leader and standard setter in the diamond semiconductor field. With its unique technology, DiamNEX breaks through the bottleneck of large-size, high-quality, transferable diamond film preparation, and provides new solutions for large-scale commercial production. Its vision is to promote the industry through technological innovation, realize efficient production and wide application, and become the industry benchmark. 

Team Leader: Lu Yuxi 

https://www.diamnex.com/ 

Nordia Biotech & Pharmaceuticals HK Limited 周易生物醫藥科技（香港）有限公司 

Nordia Biotech & Pharmaceuticals was founded in Dec 2023. Nordia Biotech targets on the unmet medical needs, specifically the diabetes mellitus, with functional islet organoids generated from stem cells through a self-developed unique patented method enabling spontaneous formation of 3D structure of islets. The islet organoids will be transplanted into the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle of patients, for long-term control of blood glucose levels by steady insulin secretion. Other products include biomaterial scaffolds to encapsulate islets organoids to increase the transplantation efficiency. The company offers islet-based contract research services and islet products.  

Team Leader: Zhou Zhongjun  

BiomOrgan Research (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. 比幹生物研究（深圳）有限公司 

BiomOrgan Research (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., a life science company by a group of top-tier organoid scientists from HKU Medicine led by Prof. ZHOUJie. BiomOrgan is at the forefront of transformative technology, leveraging their proprietary respiratory organoid platform and scientific expertise to develop cutting edge organoid culture products and organoid-based services for both academia and industry. 

Team Leader: Zhang Yong 

https://www.biomorgan.hk/ 

ReGen Technology Limited 雨生科技有限公司 

ReGen Technology Limited is a sustainable and innovative solution in afforestation and agriculture, focused on increased plant growth and agricultural productivity, enhancing crop diversification, and soil health improvement. It also involves controlled salinity and control of nutrient concentration in water, supporting a sustainable process of regeneration of land. Additionally, it enhances agricultural resilience and impacts the microclimate, contributing to food security and land value by stabilising food supply and food security. 

Team Leader: Julian Gaertner 

https://regen.technology/ 

InnoScreen Research Limited 量子藥選研究有限公司 

InnoScreen Research Limited, is a small-molecule drug discovery platform based on Quantum Chemistry and AI. It offers advanced tools to accelerate drug discovery and preclinical trials, enabling faster discoveries and significant cost savings. The core technology includes AI-driven Drug Design (AIDD) tools that integrates Quantum Chemistry and AI to enhance and accelerate the drug discovery process. 

Team Leader: Yin Zhenyu 

https://hkqai.com/ 

 

The shortlisted startups have truly impressed us with their innovation and creativity, and we firmly believe that they have the potential to make a significant impact in the field of technological innovation. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to the seven teams advancing to the Grand Finale of the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge, and wish them all the best of luck in the final round. We eagerly anticipate seeing them showcase their innovative ideas on the grand stage. Scheduled to take place on January 17, 2026, at the University of Hong Kong, the Grand Finale of the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge will provide a platform for the brightest minds to present their innovative ideas through on-site roadshow presentations. Esteemed industry experts, renowned entrepreneurs, venture capital institutions, and other professionals have been invited by the organizing committee to evaluate the participating projects. The final scores will determine the award-winning teams in both the startup and growth divisions, with corresponding prizes for the champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up. Following the intense competition and the announcement of the winners, an award ceremony will be held to celebrate the achievements of these pioneering techno-entrepreneurs. We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants who applied for the challenge, as your active involvement in this initiative plays an essential role in fostering collaboration, promoting technological innovation and industrial development, enhancing international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, and accelerating the transformation of scientific and technological achievements.  

  

More information about this challenge, please visit: https://icb.hku.hk/en/innovalley 

香港大學團隊參與中國國際大學生創新大賽 (2025) – 港澳區域賽

Posted on by Jessie

(Available in Chinese only)

香港大學團隊參與中國國際大學生創新大賽 (2025) – 港澳區域賽

中國國際大學生創新大賽（前稱中國國際「互聯網+」大學生創新及創業大賽）自2015年創辦以來，一直是全國最高規格的大學生創新創業比賽。今年首次增設「港澳區域賽」，吸引了來自香港21所高校的244個項目及澳門6所高校的171個項目參加。經過激烈角逐，最終有香港31個及澳門16個項目成功入圍。

香港大學共有74名來自醫學院、理學院、工程學院、商學院及文學院的本科生和研究生參賽，提交了31份創新項目，其中5項成功晉級港澳區域賽，分別為：

Saint Novel Biotech Limited 神農智能製藥 – Cheuk Shuen Li
Haykozé 風環49 安全帽生物醫學降溫配件 – Jeff Li
Palette Space Limited 智築未來 – Neo Wang
鈉電破冰–安全領航低溫儲能 – Joe Lee
重擎科技–新一代重型車輛輪轂直驅馬達

區域賽於8月12至13日舉行，並於13日上午舉行開幕典禮，香港特別行政區行政長官李家超及國家教育部部長懷進鵬出席並致辭。參賽項目通過路演及答辯進行，分為五大組別。值得一提的是，香港大學的 Palette Space Limited「智築未來」項目（Neo Wang）榮獲人工智慧組第一名。

全國總決賽將於9月在河南鄭州大學舉行，由香港新一代文化協會組織和帶領香港特別行政區代表隊參賽；香港大學科創中心 HKU TEC | iDendron 亦將繼續協作，全力支持入圍項目，為香港爭光！

智築未來 – Neo Wang
Saint Novel Biotech Limited 神農智能製藥 – Li Cheuk Shuen
Haykozé 風環49 安全帽生物醫學降溫配件 – Jeff Li
鈉電破冰–安全領航低溫儲能 – Joe Lee

2025 InnoValley Hong Kong and Overseas Competition Regional Competition

Posted on by Bonnie

The global recruitment phase has successfully concluded and the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge has officially entered the Semi-final competition stage. Teams from the 5 competition zones including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong and Overseas will engage in a battle of wisdom and innovation, competing for the ticket to the Grand Finale.

The Hong Kong and overseas preliminary competition will take place on August 16. After a rigorous review, 25 outstanding teams have been selected to advance to the semi-final, including 20 projects for Start-up Division and 5 projects for Growth Division. The winning teams will represent the Hong Kong and overseas regions on the international stage, competing alongside the world’s top innovation teams.

The shortlisted projects focus on fields such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, new materials, and new energy. These projects cover diverse areas including medical devices, educational applications, robotics, and chip development. The regional competition will invite judges from the HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund and HKU Super Angel Network to witness the startups competing for spots in the final. All projects advancing to the final will have the opportunity to join HKU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and enjoy the co-working spaces iDendron in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, becoming part of the vibrant startup community.

 

Event Details

Date: 16 August 2025 (Saturday)

Time: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue: HKU Centennial Campus

Format: Closed-door

Organisers:

HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core

HKU Institute for China Business

Co-Organiser:

Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy

Supporting Parties:

HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund

HKU Super Angel Network

2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge Preliminary Round Statistics

Posted on by Bonnie

As the wave of technological innovation sweeps across the globe, the Greater Bay Area is leading the way with its vibrant innovative energy. The 2025 HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge (InnoValley) has successfully attracted a total of 253 high-quality entries from teams of innovators around the world. 

This year’s projects span across 4 pioneering fields, including: 

  • AI & Digital Technologies 
  • Biotech & Medical Healthcare 
  • New Energy & Green Technologies 
  • New Materials & Manufacturing 

Of all entries, 51% have already advanced to the commercialization stage, underscoring significant potential and the vibrant momentum in transforming technological breakthroughs into tangible market outcomes. 

43% entries come from Hong Kong or overseas category, highlighting the growing international influence of this competition. Innovators from top global universities including HKU, Stanford, Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, Cornell, Columbia, National University of Singapore, Tsinghua, Peking University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Fudan, will compete among others, bringing the techno-entrepreneurial wisdom of the East and West together.

Over 79% participating teams prioritize the Chinse market in their strategic plans. This is driven both by China’s billion-strong population and thriving consumption upgrade, as well as the nation’s leading capabilities in industrial integration and commercialization of research. Alongside China, many teams are actively pursuing overseas expansion strategies. Southeast Asia and economies along the “Belt and Road” initiative are key expansion targets, signalling an agile market strategy as the global value chain continues to evolve. 

With global recruitment concluded, the 2025 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge has entered its preliminary phase. After regional preliminary selection, the most innovative and commercially promising teams from each area will advance to the Grand Finale—stay tuned! 

Video Credit: HKU Institute for China Business 

Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme Launch Ceremony & FHKI Startup Council x HKU Demo Day Conclude Successfully

Posted on by Jessie

Hong Kong, 9 June 2025 – The Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) celebrated the successful launch of the Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme and co-hosted the HKU Demo Day with the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) Startup Council’s STARS Programme on 9 June 2025.

Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Entrepreneurs

The Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme is designed to empower young tech entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The programme provides seed funding, mentorship, and access to essential resources, equipping participants with the tools needed to succeed in today’s competitive startup ecosystem.

Supported by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) through the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Entrepreneurship Scheme), and administered under the Youth Development Fund (YDF) by the Youth Development Commission (YDC), Tech-Up is set to recruit a second cohort of emerging young tech entrepreneurs from HKU. This initiative builds on the legacy of HKU’s iDendron, which launched the ‘Gear-Up Incubation Programme’ in 2019—a three-year initiative that has already supported numerous young entrepreneurs and HKU startups in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams.

Opening Remarks by Prof Stephanie Ma, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation), HKU 
Mr Clarence Leung, BBS, JP, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Bureau 
Hon. Duncan Chiu, Legislative Councillor (Technology and Innovation) 

Officiating Guests and Keynote Speakers

The launch ceremony was graced by a distinguished lineup of officiating guests:

  • Prof. Stephanie Ma, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation), HKU
  • Mr. Clarence Leung, BBS, JP, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, HKSAR Government
  • Hon. Duncan Chiu, Legislative Councillor (Technology and Innovation)
  • Dr. Steve Chuang, Chairman, Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI)
  • Professor Jimmy Tao, Chairman, Hong Kong Startup Council
  • Ms Chan Wing Man, MH, Convenor, Action Group on Youth Development Fund and Programmes, Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB)
  • Mr. Jason Chiu, Chairman, Versitech
  • Professor Dr. Winnie Tang (鄧淑明博士), Chief Convenor, HKU Super Angel Network
  • Dr Paul Wang, Director of HKU TEC
Tech-up GBA Innovator Launch Ceremony
Officiating Guests and Supporting Organizations of Tech-Up Programme

The event featured inspiring keynote speeches from two prominent HKU alumni:

  • Mr. Harris Sun, CEO & Founder of RaSpect.ai, shared his entrepreneurial journey and vision for leveraging AI and robotics in infrastructure inspection.
  • Mr. Albert Lam, Founder & CEO of Novelte Robotics, provided valuable insights into scaling a tech startup in the Greater Bay Area.
Keynote Speaker: Mr Harris Sun, Founder and CEO of RaSpect Intelligence Inspection 
AI Robotic Inspection – In the era of Low Altitude Economy 
Keynote Speaker: Mr Albert Lam, Founder and CEO of Novelte Robotics 
Beyond BordersBuilding Startups in the GBA 

HKU Demo Day x FHKI Startup Council’s STARS Programme

HKU Demo Day, co-organised with the FHKI Startup Council’s STARS Programme (Cohort 6 – Session 2), showcased a dynamic lineup of rapidly developing HKU startups engaged in fundraising for ESG & Advanced Tech, ICT, and AI sectors. This special edition event brought together innovative startups to pitch their business plans and latest progress to an audience of super angel network members, venture capital investors, and industry experts.

Prof Jimmy Tao, Chairman Hong Kong Startup Council 

The event provided an exceptional networking opportunity, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with industry leaders. FHKI Startup Council members also offered personalised one-on-one consultations, providing tailored guidance to help startups accelerate their journey to success.

Dr Steve Chuang, Chairman of FHKI and Executive Committee Members of Hong Kong Startup Council

Congratulations to DIAMNEX Limited for securing 1st Runner-Up and to Shenzhen Stellar Robot Technology Co., Limited for winning the Championship and the Outstanding Presentation Award at Demo Day!

STARS Programme Cohort 6 x HKU Demo Day: Schedule and Participating Startups

TeamCategoryCompany Name (English)Company Name (Chinese)Academic PIC
1RoboticsExynergy类生科技Prof. Xi Ning
2 (1st Runner Up)Material TechDIAMNEX Limited钻耐科思有限公司Prof. CHU Zhiqin
3ICT/AI & Big DataEngram忆生科技Prof. Ma Yi
4ICT/AI & Big DataHigh Tech Technology Limited芯高科技有限公司Dr. David NG
5RoboticsTreadCloud Tech踏雲科技Prof. LU Peng
6ICT/AI & Big DataSenseAI山海科技Prof. WU Chenshu
7RoboticsSpatial Roboticsn/aProf. ZHANG Fu
8Health TechE-Sense Innovation & Technology Limited溢生創新科技有限公司Prof. Desmond Yap
9Fin TechFinSiliconX Limitedn/aDr. David NG
10 (Outstanding Presentation Award)RoboticsShenzhen Stellar Robot Technology Co.,Limited星际光年Prof. Luo Ping

Looking Forward

The successful launch of the Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme and the HKU X Startup Council Demo Day marks a significant milestone in nurturing the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and innovators. These initiatives continue to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, driving technological innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the Greater Bay Area.

Tech-up GBA Innovators Programme 

The Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme (Tech-Up) aims to empower young tech entrepreneurs to transform their concepts into viable business ventures in Hong Kong and/or the Greater Bay Area by providing seed funding, mentorship, and access to key resources. 

Tech-up is organised by the Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and supported by Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) through the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Entrepreneurship Scheme), under the Youth Development Fund (YDF) administered by the Youth Development Commission (YDC). 

HKU Demo Day X FHKI Startup Council’s Star Programme 

HKU Demo Day, a dynamic showcase co-organised with FHKI Startup Council’s STARS Programme (Cohort 6 – Session 2). The pitching teams will mainly consist of rapidly developing HKU startups that are currently in fundraising activities in ESG & Advanced Tech plus ICT & AI sectors. This special edition event brings together innovative startups to pitch their business plans and latest progress to a distinguished audience of super angel network’s community, venture capital investors and industry experts.  

This event offers an exceptional networking opportunity, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with industry leaders. Additionally, FHKI Startup Council members will provide personalised one-on-one consultations, offering tailored guidance to help startups accelerate their journey to success.  

Learn more about Tech-Up: https://tec.hku.hk/tech-up-gba-innovators-programme/

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