HKUST ETA Fellowship: Pioneering Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition in Asia
The HKUST ETA Fellowship is a selective program that prepares high-potential individuals to acquire and become CEOs of established small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) through Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) — using the proven search fund model.
Why ETA?
Lower risk than starting a company from scratch
Acquire an existing business with proven products, customers, revenue and cash flow
Focus on value creation through better operations, digital upgrades, and strategic growth
Become an equity-owning CEO with mentor and investor support
Search funds have delivered strong returns globally — and Asia is the next frontier.
Program Vision
Jointly offered by the HKUST Entrepreneurship Center and HKUST MBA Program, in strategic partnership with Search Panda™, we are building Asia’s leading university-anchored ETA ecosystem — connecting exceptional talent, experienced mentors, long-term capital, and quality SME opportunities.
Who We Are Looking For
We seek driven individuals with the potential to become outstanding searchers and CEOs. Ideal candidates include:
Industry executives with deep operational experience and leadership capability
Investment professionals with SME deal experience and execution skills
Strategic generalists with strong entrepreneurial motivation and learning agility
Priority given to HKUST alumni and students with working experience. Exceptional non-alumni candidates will also be considered. Fellows join a lifelong HKUST ETA community.
Fellowship Structure & Timeline
The HKUST ETA Fellowship is a 4–6 month, cohort based journey designed to prepare high potential individuals for Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition through structured learning, mentorship, and real world exposure.
Program Timeline
Pre-Stage – Information Session & Call for Applications
Stage I – Selection & Orientation
Stage II – Intensive Training Camp
Stage III – Practical Development & Refinement
Stage IV – Investor Engagement & Validation
The Fellowship focuses on building fundraising readiness and execution capability, with subsequent search and acquisition phases progressing as Fellows advance.
Training & Mentorship
Fellows benefit from a structured learning experience combined with close guidance from experienced mentors and investors within the global ETA ecosystem.
Key Learning Components
ETA and search strategy development
Valuation and deal structuring fundamentals
Acquisition financing principles
Post acquisition operations and leadership perspectives
The core training includes a 16 hour, in person intensive program delivered by the HKUST Entrepreneurship Center, complemented by guided discussions and practical exercises.
Mentor & Investor Ecosystem
Fellows engage with a network of seasoned ETA practitioners, investors, and academic leaders. This ecosystem provides mentorship, perspective, and long term partnership throughout and beyond the Fellowship.
Application
The HKUST ETA Fellowship welcomes applications from individuals interested in pursuing Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition in Asia.
Application deadline: 15 June 2026
Investor Engagement
We are also seeking investors to join our ETA ecosystem. Please connect with us to learn more about this unique opportunity.
Enquiries
Please contact ecenter@ust.hk