In a recent event organized by the HKU Centre of Development and Resources for Students (HKU Cedars), over 50 students from The University of Hong Kong had the opportunity to visit the HKU Techno-Entrepreneur Academy (TEA) at Qianhai. The event provided a unique platform for students to immerse themselves in the dynamic startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The students were treated to firsthand accounts of entrepreneurial journeys by HKU TEA’s startups, WeWrites Limited and OpenGMV | 星店通. These insights offered invaluable perspectives and ignited a sense of motivation among the attendees.
The exposure and learning experiences gained from this event are expected to ignite and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit within the students.
The HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF) Partnership Agreement Signing Ceremony marked the start of the first round of partner funds under the EEF. Three notable partners— CASSTAR(中科创星), Inno Angels (英诺天使基金) and Beyond Ventures (海闊天空創投) —have collectively pledged HK$370 million to invest in HKU-affiliated start-ups.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Prof Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor; Mrs Margaret M.Y. Leung Ko, Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Prof Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), who witnessed this significant occasion.
Prof. Xiang Zhang – President and Vice-Chancellor, HKU
Mrs Margaret M.Y. Leung Ko – Treasurer, HKU
Prof. Max Zuojun Shen – Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), HKU
Signing Representatives: HKU: Prof. Stephanie Ma – Associate Vice President (Research & Innovation) InnoAngel: Ms Mavis Wu – Junior Partner Beyond Ventures: Ms Floria Chan– Vice President Witnesses: HKU: Prof. Xiang Zhang – President and Vice-Chancellor, HKU Mrs Margaret Leung – Treasurer Prof Max Shen – Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Mr Jason Chiu – HKU Council Member and EEF Advisory Board Member InnoAngel: Dr Samson Tam – Managing Partner Beyond Ventures: Ms Susan Hu – Venture Partner
Signing Representatives: HKU: Prof. Stephanie Ma – Associate Vice President (Research & Innovation) CASStar: Ms. Lin Xia – Partner Witnesses: HKU: Prof. Xiang Zhang – President and Vice-Chancellor, HKU Mrs Margaret Leung– Treasurer Prof. Max Shen – Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Mr Jason Chiu – Council Member and EEF Advisory Board Member CASStar: Dr Lei Mi – Founding Partner Bank of China Group Investment Limited: Mr Li Sheng – Chairman Mr Wang Jun – Deputy CEO
The EEF partners are committed to actively supporting the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives through mentorship and financial backing. These early-stage investors will offer valuable expertise in commercialising academic research outcomes and fostering connections between entrepreneurs and industries, both locally and internationally.
The EEF is set to deliver key benefits to HKU, including:
Support for Start-ups: Providing vital financial backing to nurture seed and early-stage deep-tech start-ups
Access to Expertise: Enhancing mentorship and resource-sharing for emerging entrepreneurs through partnerships with leading investors
Fostering Innovation: Driving transformative solutions by connecting academic excellence with entrepreneurial vision.
Dr Paul Wang, Director of Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC), Executive Director of HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy (TEA) and Associate Director of Knowledge Exchange Office
Announcement of Finalists Advancing to the Grand Finale of the HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge
On 4 September 2024, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) proudly celebrated the grand opening of its Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy (TEA) in Qianhai, Shenzhen.
A Vision for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy is strategically positioned in the North District of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub. This hub is specifically designed to cultivate and empower aspiring entrepreneurs and technologists by providing them with the vital resources, mentorship, and support needed to translate innovative ideas into thriving ventures.
Inaugural Ceremony Highlights
The grand opening ceremony was a momentous occasion, attended by over 300 distinguished guests, alumni, start-ups, investors, corporate partners, and government officials. The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and project showcases, highlighting the Academy’s commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Professor Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) of HKU, officiated the ceremony alongside Mr. Wang Shourui, Director of the Qianhai Authority of the Shenzhen Government; Ms. Wu Cheng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; and Professor Xiaobo Yin, Director of the Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy and Associate Vice President of HKU.
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, addressed the audience through a video recording, emphasising the importance of innovation and technology in driving economic growth and development in the region.
Keynote Speeches and Insights
The ceremony featured inspiring keynote speeches from industry leaders. Mr Hendrick Sin, Co-founder of CMGE Technology Group Limited and Founding Partner of China Prosperity Capital Chairperson, delivered a keynote speech entitled “Hong Kong’s New Chapter – Embracing GBA and Beyond.” Mr Sin, also Hong Kong’s Deputy of the 14th National People’s Congress and Chairman of the Committee of Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme, HKSAR, shared his insights on the opportunities and challenges facing Hong Kong in the Greater Bay Area.
Another keynote speaker, Mr Steve Hoffman (Captain Hoffman), Chairman and CEO of Founders Space, a global incubator and accelerator based in Silicon Valley, shared valuable insights on “The Future of AI & Entrepreneurship: Direct from Silicon Valley.” His speech underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
A Hub for Future Innovators
The HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy is poised to become a hub for future innovators. It offers distinctive technology training programs and themed accelerators that leverage the regional innovation ecosystems and HKU’s international network. The Academy aims to serve as a disruptive innovation launchpad, facilitating inbound and outbound expansion of young start-ups. For more information, visit https://tec.hku.hk/idendronqianhai/.
Looking Ahead
The grand opening of the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy in Qianhai, Shenzhen, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for HKU and the Greater Bay Area. The Academy will play a pivotal role in driving the region’s technological advancement and economic growth by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
As the Academy continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of innovation, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and technologists to push the boundaries of what is possible. With its strategic location, world-class resources, and unwavering commitment to excellence, the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy is well-positioned to become a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
