HKU IMPACT (Mar 2025)
HKU and Cyberport Collaborate to Establish Digital-Tech Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
On 27 February 2025, HKU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cyberport to create a collaborative framework aimed at fostering a robust digital technology entrepreneurship ecosystem in Hong Kong.
HKU is commited to utilise its diverse expertise across various faculties to bolster the digital technology sector. Cyberport, recognising the sector's potential as a key economic driver, is focused on nurturing the next generation of innovators, including youth, startups, and entrepreneurs, by facilitating connections with strategic partners and investors.
The MoU outlines shared objectives to promote technological transformation and enhance cooperation. Key initiatives include launching programmes to support startups in fintech and Web3, hosting AI development forums, and advancing the commercialisation of intellectual property. This partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening Hong Kong's position as a leader in digital technology and innovation.
External Opportunities
Versitech-ZTE Meeting
The management team of the Technology Planning Department at ZTE Communication Technology Co. Ltd. recently visited Versitech Ltd. to explore potential collaboration opportunities with the University of Hong Kong (HKU) that align with their research focus. ZTE has proposed a total of 68 projects for the 2025 University-Industry-Research Cooperation Fund Application, spanning a range of advanced technological fields.
These projects encompass several key areas, including:
- Intelligent Computing Technology
- Wireless Communication Technology
- Network and Optical Transmission Technology
- Multimedia Technology
- Intelligent Terminal Technology
- Energy Technology
- Reliability Technology
- Intelligent Manufacturing Technology
- Integrated Circuit Technology
2025 Shanghai-Hong Kong University Alliance Forum
The Business Development team from Versitech participated in the 2025 Shanghai-Hong Kong University Alliance Summit, hosted by the esteemed Fudan University in Shanghai. This pivotal event brought together representatives from a dozen leading universities within the Shanghai-Hong Kong University Alliance, all united in engaging discussions aimed at 'exploring innovative models of university-enterprise collaboration to enhance cooperation efficiency and outcomes significantly. Throughout the two-day summit, attendees had the invaluable opportunity to visit pioneering companies in medical care and robotics, gaining critical insights into the business landscape and uncovering exciting collaboration prospects. This is an exceptional chance for universities and enterprises to bridge gaps and create impactful partnerships that drive progress.
HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund: Call for 2025 National Disruptive Technology Competition Submissions
The competition champions the principle of innovation regardless of background, celebrating heroes from all origins. Our goal is to extensively select and accelerate the development of disruptive technologies that will transform the competitive landscape, taking the lead in innovation and advancement. This initiative serves as a vital channel for identifying key projects in disruptive technology innovation, actively recommending and seeking backing from national and local key projects alongside investment from local funds focused on disruptive technology innovation. We are proud to announce that several award-winning projects from the 2024 competition have successfully secured support from both national and local key projects in this field!
Join us in the journey of innovation and apply to be at the forefront of disruptive technology today!
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Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition
Inspired by one of the world’s most visionary leaders, the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) is one of Asia's most globally representative and exciting deep-tech startup challenges. Every two years, our pitch competition lights up a global stage for next-gen founders to showcase their groundbreaking innovations and connect with the world, fueling their growth.
Powered by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE), we have fostered a global youth innovation village and launched countless successful ventures solving real-world challenges since 2002.
Join us and be part of this exciting journey – apply now and bring your vision to life!
HICOOL 2025
HICOOL, established in 2020, is a comprehensive startup ecosystem managed by the Beijing Overseas Talents Association. We attract and support entrepreneurial talent through competitions and summits, with a focus on empowering technology-based startups and fostering innovation through value creation. In 2021, HICOOL developed six business units: the Competition/Summit, Business College, Industrial Park, Service Manager, Investment Fund, and the HICOOL@ONLINE Digital Platform. Our multi-faceted and international service network enables entrepreneurs and startups to prosper in Beijing. Leveraging global partnerships, HICOOL has created a resource matchmaking platform to connect all stakeholders in the startup ecosystem. Join us in building the future of innovation—connect with HICOOL today!
Highlights
Discover the Future with HKU DeepTech100 & MedTech Hackathon GBA 2025
Exciting times at the HKU DeepTech100 X MedTech Hackathon Lean Launcher Programme Bootcamp today! With over 40 teams and 110 participants from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, we’re set to innovate the future together.
This programme equips aspiring entrepreneurs with essential tools and strategies to bring deep tech solutions to market.
Admitted teams will validate their ideas and develop business plans with the guidance of experienced industry professionals. Over the next two months, through customer interviews and feedback, they will refine their concepts.
A huge thank you to our trainers, track leaders, and mentors for their invaluable support.
Join us in revolutionising the future!
![[HKU Startup News] Hay-kozé](/f/page/1300/4405/750p0/016_Hay-koz.jpeg)
[HKU Startup News] Hay-kozé
We’re delighted to share that Hay-kozé, one of our iDendron incubatees, has been featured in TechApple Magazine. Starting as an HKU student venture, Hay-kozé has created hashtag#AR49, an innovative cooling device designed to assist outdoor workers in coping with extreme heat.
![[HKU Startup News] ChatBear](/f/page/1300/4405/750p0/017_ChatBear.jpeg)
[HKU Startup News] ChatBear
We’re thrilled to share that EMOLAB’s ChatBear – the groundbreaking AI-powered companion for children from our very own HKU iDendron community – has been spotlighted by TechApple Magazine!
![[HKU Startup News] Body Nova](/f/page/1300/4411/750p0/WhatsApp Image 2025-03-23 at 8.55.59 PM (4).jpeg)
[HKU Startup News] Body Nova
Body Nova, a dynamic tech startup based at HKSTP, is redefining health empowerment through innovation by integrating cutting-edge AI with holistic wellness to make personalised diets accessible to everyone. Awarded 1st Runner-Up at the 2024-2025 Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge, Body Nova collaborates with health professionals and over 25 local food and beverage brands to prioritise customer wellness. Their AI-powered app, which analyses meals in seconds and offers insights from both Chinese and Western medicine, is linked with local restaurants to ensure accuracy, thereby empowering users to manage their well-being seamlessly.
This innovative approach aligns with HKU's iDendron initiative, which focuses on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and social impact through technology and entrepreneurship.