The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is proud to announce that four outstanding entrepreneurs from our community have been named to the Gen.T List of Leaders of Tomorrow 2025, a prestigious recognition by Tatler Asia that honors emerging talents who are shaping the future of Asia through innovation, impact, and leadership.
These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication to solving real-world problems across diverse sectors — from sustainable mobility and smart commerce to climate tech and community-based tourism. Each honoree has strong ties to the HKUST innovation ecosystem, including the HKUST Entrepreneurship Center and the HKUST Founders’ Club, where their entrepreneurial journeys were nurtured and supported.
The Honorees:
Shizheng TAO (Danny)
Co-founder & CEO, ePropulsion | HKUST Founders’ Club Fellow
Danny co-founded ePropulsion, a global leader in electric marine propulsion systems. The company’s technology has powered France’s first 40-meter electric food cruise ship and replaced over 2,000 diesel raft motors in Guilin, contributing to cleaner waterways and maritime sustainability.
Alan Chan
Founder & CEO, Omnichat | HKUST Founders’ Club Fellow
Alan leads Omnichat, an AI-powered omnichannel messaging platform that enables e-commerce brands to unify customer engagement and increase sales through smart behavioral insights.
Luke Tam
Co-founder & Executive Director, Kaifong Tour | HKUST Founders’ Club Member
Luke is redefining local tourism by training community members as neighborhood docents. In just 18 months, Kaifong Tour has created over 6,000 jobs and welcomed more than 120,000 visitors, promoting cultural sustainability and economic inclusion.
Dr. Martin Zhu
Co-founder & CEO, i2Cool Limited (SENG 2018)
Martin’s deep-tech startup transforms academic research into scalable climate solutions. i2Cool has raised US$13.8 million, expanded its operations by 400%, and delivered over 200 passive cooling projects across 29 global markets.
These achievements reflect the strength and impact of HKUST’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, which empowers students and alumni to develop innovative, meaningful ventures that address global challenges.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all four honorees. Their work continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers at HKUST and beyond.
To view the full list of Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2025, please visit the official Tatler Gen.T website.