HKU EntrepreneurshipResource Hub
About the Challenge
The 2026 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge is jointly organised by the HKU Institute for China Business (ICB) and the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC).
The Challenge aims to promote technological innovation and industrial development, while strengthening global scientific and technological exchanges and collaboration. Going beyond the display and exchange of innovative technologies, it places strong emphasis on accelerating the transformation of scientific and technological achievements into impactful real-world solutions.
A distinguished panel comprising leading technology experts, renowned investors, prominent investment institutions, and industry leaders from around the world will serve as judges. They will conduct rigorous evaluations, offer valuable mentorship and strategic guidance to participating teams, and provide outstanding projects with extensive resources, networks, and support.
Benefits & Opportunities
Comprehensive support across all aspects of your startup journey, from funding to global exposure.
Funding & Awards
Seed funding opportunities, and fast-track access to other competitions.
Industry & Investment Connection
Direct access to mentors, venture capitalists, and industry leaders for guidance and funding.
Global Exposure
Extensive media coverage increase public exposure and brand visibility.
Operational Support
Mentorship, one-to-one consultation, and co-working spaces in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Networking & Pitching
Empowering training, demo days, and investor roadshows to showcase your ideas.
Expert Guidance
Access to leading technology experts, renowned investors, and industry leaders worldwide.
Competition Timeline
Application & Preliminary Selection
Preliminary Competition
Empowerment
Grand Finale
Competition Tracks
Start-up Track
Company registered on or after 28 February 2025
No more than one round of equity investment received
At least two core team members
Applicants must be HKU students, staff, alumni, or nominated
Focus on business or technological innovation
Uncontested proprietary IP or key technologies
Growth Track
Company registered before 28 February 2025
Completed at least one angel investment round or higher
Cumulative funding not exceeding RMB 100 million
At least 10 employees
Applicants must be HKU students, staff, alumni, or nominated
Focus on business or technological innovation
The Organisers
(in no particular order)
Organisers
HKU Institute for China Business
HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core
Strategic Partners
Intellectual Property Department, The HKSAR Government
InvestHK, The HKSAR Government
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
HKU Technology Transfer Office
HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy
HKU iDendron
HKU Super Angel Network
HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund - Partners
Innovalley Partners
Grand Finale Speakers for Opening Remarks
Prof Chak Sing Lau, BBS, JP
Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health), HKU
Dean of Medicine, HKU
The Hon Duncan Chiu
Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR, Functional Constituency – Technology and Innovation
Deputy Leader of the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team, HKSAR Government
Mr Terry Wong
CEO of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation
Judges of the Grand Finale
(updating)
Mr David Wong, JP
Director of Intellectual Property, HKSAR Government
Mr Arnold Lau
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Invest Hong Kong, HKSAR Government
Prof Herbert Chia, JP
Independent Non-executive Director of HKEX
Director of Hong Kong Genome Institute
Former Venture Partner of Sequoia Capital China
Former Vice President of Alibaba Group
Dr Samson Tam, JP
Board Member of The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Former Legislative Council Member (Information Technology)
Chairman of Group Sense Limited
Partner of Hong Kong INNO Angel Fund
Prof Alice Wong
Associate Vice President (Research), HKU
Director, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, HKU
Fellow, Royal Society of Biology
Prof Mingxin Huang
Chair Professor of Materials Technology & Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, HKU
Chief Scientist, National Key R&D Program of China
Prof Nicholas Fang
Chair Professor of Photonics Innovation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, HKU
Co-founder, BMF Precision Tech
Dr Meijie Tang
HKU Technology Transfer Office Deputy Director & Director of MILES Technology Translation Center
PhD in Materials Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr Lingyun Gu
Founder and Chairman of IceKredit, Inc.
Innovative Talent of the Ministry of Science and Technology
PhD in Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University
Dr Norman Sze
Partner Emeritus, Deloitte China
Honorary University Fellowship, HKU
Dr Tim Pan
Former Senior Director, Microsoft Research Asia
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
Mr Bing Wan
Senior Vice President & Head of Strategy & Business Development, Siemens Ltd., China
MBA, Cambridge University
Dr William Yu
CEO, World Green Organisation
ESBN Task Force Member, The United Nations ESCAP
PhD, Cambridge University
Mr Patrick Yeung
CEO, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
Ms Tina Tao
President and Partner of Sinovation Ventures
Sinovation Ventures Investment Committee Member
MBA, Yale School of Management
Ms Lilian Xia
Partner of CASSTAR
Dr Richard Ji
Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of All-Stars Investment
Former Managing Director of Morgan Stanley
Doctor of Sciences, Harvard University
Dr Abby Gao
Deputy Head, Director of Investment Research, DEFTA Partners (Hong Kong)
Frequently Asked Questions
What will participants receive from the Challenge?
Participants will receive professional and systematic coaching on entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, access to startup and technology innovation resources, strengthened innovative thinking, and opportunities to reach out to investors from leading international investment institutions.
What languages are accepted?
The Challenge accepts applications in both Chinese and English.
Are there any application fees?
No. The Organising Committee does not charge any fees to participants, nor does it allow any institution or individual to collect fees in the name of the competition.
What support is available for overseas participants?
For overseas startups, semi-final interviews will be conducted online. Startups selected for the Grand Finale will be offered accommodation subsidies to support their participation in Hong Kong.
What materials do I need to submit?
Required materials include: ID card/passport copy, highest-level academic degree certificate, business license, roadshow presentation PPT, team member introductions, and business plan (for Growth Track only).
Ready to Transform Your Startup?
Join the 2026 HKU International Techno-Entrepreneurship Challenge and connect with industry leaders, secure funding, and scale globally.