We are proud to announce that two outstanding startup teams from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have been selected as Top 5 finalists in the prestigious EQT Impact Challenge 2025. This recognition highlights the university's commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and real-world impact in the fields of biotechnology and healthcare.

Allegrow Biotech: Pioneering Artificial Cell Solutions for Drug Delivery
A spin-off from the Biomaterials Laboratory at HKUST, Allegrow Biotech is at the forefront of revolutionizing drug delivery through its innovative artificial cell technology. The team has developed a synthetic, scalable platform capable of mimicking various human cell types, offering wide-ranging applications—from laboratory research tools to therapeutic manufacturing.

Allegrow’s mission is to create science-driven, effective therapies that significantly improve outcomes for patients. Their work holds particular promise for advancing cell therapy research and its clinical applications, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine.

▶️ Watch Allegrow Biotech’s elevator pitch

Editact Therapeutics: Transforming Genome Editing with “One-for-Many” CRISPR
Editact Therapeutics, another HKUST-based startup, is spearheading innovation in the field of genome editing. The company is developing a “one-for-many” CRISPR platform designed to combat inherited diseases. Founded on the groundbreaking research of Professor Nancy Ip, Editact’s initial focus is on treating Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD)—a severe, early-onset neurodegenerative condition.

What sets Editact apart is its approach to designing drugs that can target multiple disease-causing mutations using a single treatment, addressing significant unmet clinical needs and offering new hope to patients and families affected by genetic disorders.

▶️ Watch Editact Therapeutics’ elevator pitch

Support HKUST Teams – Cast Your Vote by June 8!
Public voting for the EQT Impact Challenge 2025 is now open and will run until June 8. This is a unique opportunity to support these visionary teams as they compete for a spot on the Grand Finale stage.