Celebrating Innovation at HKU: A Recap of Recent Events
A series of remarkable events aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange was organised through the collective efforts of the Knowledge Exchange Office (KEO); Versitech Limited and the Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) under Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Office, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and students. These events showcased HKU’s commitment to transforming ideas into impactful solutions.
Innovisionaries: Knowledge Exchange to Benefit Society
The HKU KEO Innovisionaries event drew a diverse audience eager to engage with transformative ideas. Held at InnoWing2, the event featured esteemed speakers from various faculties in HKU sharing their journeys, illustrating how their research has catalysed meaningful societal contributions.
The atmosphere was charged with creativity as participants explored how innovation can effectively address society's most pressing challenges. The fusion of visionary thinking and practical solutions epitomised the essence of the "Innovisionaries" theme, inspiring attendees to harness their ideas for positive change.
Feedback from participants highlighted the importance of such events in nurturing a culture of collaboration and creativity within the HKU community. The event served as a catalyst for future initiatives, reinforcing the university's position as a leader in knowledge exchange.
HKU Industry Forum: AI Synergy – Shaping Tomorrow's Technologies
The HKU Versitech’s Industry Forum brought together leading experts, industry pioneers, and HKU researchers to delve into the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. Taking place in Lok Yew Hall, the forum featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including representatives from prominent organisations such as China Mobile, China Merchant Group, and Bytedance, alongside the renowned research firm Gartner.
Discussions focused on recent breakthroughs in AI, emerging trends, and how real-world applications are transforming various industries, as well as the future of AI innovation, addressing both local and global challenges. The forum provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaborations that aim to shape the future landscape of technology.
The event concluded with a strong emphasis on the necessity for continued dialogue between academia and industry, ensuring that research aligns with the evolving needs of society. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to contribute to the ongoing evolution of AI technologies.
HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy Anniversary Celebration
HKU celebrated the first anniversary of its Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy (TEA) in Qianhai, Shenzhen. This milestone event highlighted the Academy's significant contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship over the past year. With 67 high-tech startups incubated, led by 18 distinguished professors and 40 professionals, the academy has secured nearly 400 million yuan in financing and nurtured nearly 300 entrepreneurial talents, including 115 from Hong Kong.
At the anniversary celebration, TEA’s Director, Prof. Yin Xiaobo emphasised the Academy's role as a pivotal platform for technology transfer and the integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The event also featured strategic cooperation agreements, including a partnership with the University of Cambridge, aimed at enhancing international cooperation in sci-tech innovation.
Scholars praised Qianhai's supportive environment for startups, showcasing how the region's industrial integration has facilitated the development of innovative solutions. The Academy's achievements exemplify HKU’s commitment to driving impactful change and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
HKU Innovation Week 2025 Exhibition
Prof. Xiang Zhang, HKU’s President and Vice-Chancellor
The HKU Innovation Week 2025 Exhibition marked a significant milestone in the university's celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship. With the theme “Dreams Unbounded: From Ideas to Global Solutions,” the Exhibition showcased over 40 groundbreaking innovations, including the launch of Hong Kong’s first Dental Incubation Programme.
The event featured keynote addresses from prominent figures, including HKU’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Xiang Zhang, who underscored the university's pivotal role in nurturing talent and fostering an interdisciplinary collaboration ecosystem. The Exhibition also provided an opportunity for participants to network and explore partnerships that could lead to impactful innovations.
Attendees were particularly impressed by the diversity of projects presented, which highlighted HKU's commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. The exhibition not only celebrated existing achievements but also set the stage for future initiatives that will continue to drive societal progress.
Conclusion
These four events collectively showcase HKU's commitment to innovation and knowledge sharing. By cultivating an environment that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, HKU is primed to take the lead in solving future challenges. The efforts of the Vice-President's (Research) Office have emphasised the significance of innovation and motivated the HKU community to keep dreaming big and pursuing meaningful solutions. Innovation continues to be a fundamental part of HKU's mission, ensuring a transformative future for both the University and society.