Events
Successful Conclusion of HKUST E-25th Entrepreneurship Carnival:
Founders' Club dinner
November 8, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the HKUST E-25th Entrepreneurship Carnival, which marked the 25th anniversary of our Entrepreneurship Center. This year's carnival was a remarkable event, filled with energy, innovation, and wide-ranging participation.
One of this year's standout features was the introduction of our first-ever gamified exhibition. Inspired by the popular board game, Monopoly, the exhibition provided an immersive entrepreneurial experience for all attendees. The response to this unique offering was overwhelmingly positive, providing an engaging platform for numerous entrepreneurs, startups, and attendees.
Throughout the event, we successfully connected with over 200 HKUST founders and showcased more than 100 startups at our exhibition booths. The gamified exhibition engaged over 3,500 participants and we welcomed more than 1,000 individuals to various entrepreneurship activities. These activities spanned a range of topics, including investment talks, networking lunches, and workshops.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the exhibitors, guest speakers, and participants who dedicated their time and effort to make this event a resounding success. We also wish to express our appreciation to all parties and stakeholders who supported this event. Your backing has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial culture at HKUST.
As we reflect on this milestone, we are filled with anticipation for the future of entrepreneurship at HKUST. We look forward to sharing more updates and events with you in the near future.
Innovation Across Borders:
HKUST & Blue Bay Host Milestone Founders' Club Event in Shenzhen
May 10, 2024
Last Friday marked a significant milestone for the HKUST Founders' Club as the HKUST Entrepreneurship Center hosted its inaugural Founders' Club event outside Hong Kong, co-hosted with Blue Bay Incubator in Shenzhen.
This exceptional evening was more than just an event; it was a vibrant celebration of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, drawing together over 80 participants, including faculty and alumni founders from Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Professor Tim Cheng, Vice-President of Research and Development at HKUST, inaugurated the evening with welcoming remarks that set the tone for a night of inspiration and visionary thinking.
As the evening unfolded, attendees engaged in lively discussions, exchanged ideas, and explored potential collaborations, underscoring the boundless nature of entrepreneurial spirit. Professor Carrie Hang-yin Ling, Director of the Entrepreneurship Center, and Professor Jinglei Yang provided updates on the development of entrepreneurship in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
The event was not only a reflection on past achievements but also a forward-looking session focused on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. The collaboration between HKUST and Blue Bay exemplifies our commitment to fostering an ecosystem that supports our entrepreneurs at every stage.
Here's to more groundbreaking initiatives and a future where HKUST continues to lead the way in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.
HKUST FOUNDERS' CLUB HAPPY HOUR : A TOAST TO INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION
March 15, 2024
Last Friday marked not just the end of another workweek but also the celebration of ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit at the HKUST Founders' Club Happy Hour event. Held at the vibrant Business Central, the gathering was a testament to the thriving community that HKUST has cultivated over the years.
With over 50 attendees, the venue buzzed with enthusiasm and the exchange of groundbreaking ideas. The event was a melting pot of talent, with faculty founders, alumni, and students all bringing their unique experiences to the table. This diverse group, undeterred by their different stages in the entrepreneurial journey or academic backgrounds, shared insights and explored potential collaborations.
The HKUST Founders' Club has been a driving force in uniting approximately 150 fellows and members since its inception. Its objective is clear: to build a community centered around a technological university, where founders from various disciplines can converge, connect, and catalyze change.
The Happy Hour event was a microcosm of what the HKUST Founders' Club aims to achieve – a platform for connections that transcend the conventional boundaries of entrepreneurship and academia. As glasses clinked and conversations flowed, there was a palpable sense of a shared mission to innovate and push boundaries.
The HKUST Founders' Club continues to welcome new fellows and members into its fold, expanding the network of visionaries committed to making a mark on the world through technology and innovation. The Happy Hour event may have concluded, but the ripple effect of the connections made and ideas shared will undoubtedly shape the future of entrepreneurship at HKUST and beyond.
The HKUST Founders' Club is more than just a club – it's a beacon for those who dare to dream and do. Here's to the next chapter of innovation and success stories that will emerge from this vibrant community.
For those who missed the event, worry not – there will be more opportunities to engage, share, and grow with the HKUST Founders' Club. Keep an eye on upcoming events and be ready to be part of a journey that redefines the entrepreneurial landscape.
SHAPING THE FUTURE
HKUST FOUNDERS' CLUB FELLOW DINNER SPARKS COLLABORATION AND IDEAS
January 16, 2024
The inaugural HKUST Founders' Club Fellow Dinner was a phenomenal success, drawing together approximately 40 fellows—including HKUST faculty and alumni founders—from diverse fields. We were deeply appreciative of the positive dynamics and the strong bonds that were formed during the delightful evening. The atmosphere was filled with vibrant conversations and hearty laughter.
Prof. Tim Cheng, HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasized the crucial role of the HKUST Founders' Club in uniting individuals and expressed confidence in the fellows as masterminds to our future endeavours.
Dr. Shin Cheul Kim, PhD, RTTP, Associate Vice-President for Research and Development (Knowledge Transfer), alongside Prof. Carrie Hang-yin Ling, Director of the Entrepreneurship Center, outlined HKUST's dedication to fostering impact through innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives. They also discussed the envisioned trajectory for the Founders' Club.
Fellows like Terry Tsang, co-founder of Madhead, Hardy Liu, co-founder of Apoidea, Prof. Fei Sun, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Dr. Moez Louati, Research Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, contributed insightful perspectives on maximizing the Founders' Club's influence.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our alumni and faculty members for being part of our proud and vibrant HKUST startup community. Their presence and participation have made this special event truly unforgettable. We look forward to connecting with our HKUST founders more and exploring new ways of collaboration and value creation together.
HKUST Founders' Club Launched on May 23, 2023
On May 23, 2023, HKUST announced the establishment of the HKUST Founders' Club to support graduated founders from the university. The Club will invite selected startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and deep technology companies created by HKUST founders. Members of the Club will receive free entrepreneurship training, potential investment opportunities, business matching services, and R&D collaboration opportunities with HKUST professors. Additionally, the Club will nominate members to incubation or accelerator programs hosted by the University's external partners, such as Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP) or Hong Kong Cyberport.
