From Innovation to Real-World Impact
Accelerating startups from Proof of Concept to Scale-up through strategic partner Linkages and User Validation.
HKUST InnoBay 1M PLUS is an initiative built upon the HKUST-SINO One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition. The program aims to help promising startups move beyond innovation and demonstration by connecting them with industry partners, testbeds, and real-world deployment opportunities.
Through collaboration with corporate, community, and ecosystem partners, participating startups will gain opportunities to validate their solutions in authentic operating environments, gather user feedback, strengthen product-market fit, and explore pathways for wider adoption.
PLUS stands for:
Proof of Concept
Linkages
User Validation
Scale-up
Why Join HKUST InnoBay 1M PLUS?
Selected startups will receive:
Access to Real POC Opportunities: Work with industry and community partners to identify suitable deployment scenarios and pilot opportunities.
Strategic Industry Linkages: Connect directly with corporations, property developers, technology leaders, community stakeholders, and innovation ecosystem partners.
User Validation: Gather real user insights and feedback to validate business assumptions and improve commercial readiness.
Ecosystem Support: Receive guidance from program partners and access to broader innovation networks in Hong Kong.
Pathway to Growth: Leverage successful POC outcomes to pursue larger deployments, commercial partnerships, and future expansion opportunities.
Program ThemE
Smart City Development
The inaugural cohort focuses on Smart City solutions that address challenges and opportunities across urban environments, communities, buildings, public services, sustainability, mobility, and digital experiences.
Startups from various technology domains are welcome, provided their solutions demonstrate relevance to smart city applications and real-world deployment potential.
Who Can Apply?
HKUST One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition Alumni
Companies that have previously participated in any regional edition of the One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition, regardless of year or location.HKUST Alumni-founded Startups
Companies founded or co-founded by HKUST alumni, including those that have not previously participated in the competition.
Suggested Readiness
Applicants should ideally possess:
A working product, MVP, or deployable prototype
A committed project owner
The capability to execute a time-bound Proof of Concept project
Program Structure
1. Application & Selection
Applicants will submit information covering:
- Company profile
- Solution overview
- Target use cases
- Deployment requirements
A selection panel consisting of program partners and ecosystem stakeholders will assess:
- Problem-solution fit POC feasibility
- Smart City relevance
- Readiness for deployment
Five startups will be selected for the inaugural cohort.
2. Linkages & POC Matching
Selected startups will be matched with potential partners and deployment opportunities through:
- Industry meetings
- Site visits
- Problem-owner engagement
- POC scoping and KPI alignment
3. POC Delivery & Validation
Participants will work with stakeholders to:
- Deploy solutions
- Validate technology performance
- Collect user feedback
- Refine implementation strategies
4. Outcome Showcase
At the conclusion of the program, startups will showcase:
- POC results
- Validation outcomes
- Partner feedback
- Future deployment opportunities
Program PartnerS
The program is powered by Sino Group and supported by a growing network of industry, community, and ecosystem partners committed to fostering startup innovation and Smart City development in Hong Kong. Potential collaborators include corporate partners, community organizations, innovation hubs, and technology ecosystem stakeholders.
Key Program Partner
Sino Group provides foundational support and contributes industry perspectives, deployment opportunities, and ecosystem connections to help startups validate and scale their solutions.
Other Program Partners
Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Kowloon East Community, Samsung Electronics and Smart City Consortium
Join Us in Building the HKUST InnoBay 1M PLUS Ecosystem
HKUST InnoBay 1M PLUS is more than an accelerator programme. We are building a collaborative platform that brings together startups, corporates, public-sector organisations, community partners, technology enablers, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of impactful solutions in Hong Kong.
Whether you are a startup seeking real-world deployment opportunities, a corporate exploring innovative technologies, or an organisation interested in co-creating Smart City solutions, we invite you to become part of the HKUST InnoBay 1M PLUS community.
For Industry and Ecosystem Partners
We welcome corporations, property owners, developers, technology companies, public organisations, NGOs, industry associations, and ecosystem partners interested in supporting startup innovation. Partners may contribute by sharing business challenges, introducing deployment opportunities, providing industry expertise, facilitating user validation, or connecting startups with relevant stakeholders and networks.
For Startup Teams
If you have a deployable solution and are ready to validate your innovation in real-world settings, HKUST InnoBay 1M PLUS provides opportunities to connect with potential users, industry partners, and deployment environments that can help accelerate your growth. Eligible startups include companies that have previously participated in the HKUST-SINO One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition as well as ventures founded or co-founded by HKUST alumni.
Express Your Interest
Together, we can create meaningful Proof-of-Concept opportunities, accelerate user validation, and help innovative startups bridge the gap between technology development and real-world adoption.
Scan the QR code below or complete our Interest Form:
Interest Form Link: https://ust.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6SFaIO7OwykwREy