Grand Opening of the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy in Qianhai, Shenzhen
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.
New Initiatives Empowering Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The opening ceremony included the Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF) First Batch Investment Partners Inauguration Ceremony and the HKU Super Angel Network Kickoff Ceremony. The EEF aims to channel capital into top early-stage investment institutions both domestically and internationally, investing in deep-tech ventures of HKU at the seed and early stages. The HKU Super Angel Network seeks to unite and mobilise HKU alumni to back early-stage HKU startups.
During the event, twelve projects seized the opportunity to pitch for investments on-site, showcasing their innovative solutions in artificial intelligence, healthcare, new energy, and new materials. These ventures, founded by HKU professors, students, and alumni, were chosen through a rigorous selection process.
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.