PolyU’s flagship International Future Challenge opens all competition regions to global technology innovators and startups

The PolyU International Future Challenge (IFC), a flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) with seven competition regions across Hong Kong and Mainland cities, is inviting technology talents, project teams and startups from across the globe to address industry challenges with their innovative solutions. PolyU recently held an Information Session for the Hong Kong Region, featuring experienced industry experts to discuss the latest developments and challenges in various sectors.

The IFC features a unique “1+N” framework with a main competition region in Hong Kong, alongside multiple regions across six Mainland cities, including Huizhou, Wenzhou, Qianhai in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Jinjiang. This marks the first time PolyU elevates its Future Challenges to an international level, opening to projects and teams worldwide. International teams are welcome to apply as long as they team up with members of the PolyU community, license PolyU technologies, or land on the incubation centres of PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs). In partnership with leading domestic enterprises and PolyU’s MTRIs, IFC ensures participants to have access to diverse resources and opportunities, including trips to Mainland China, consultation and corporate visits for shortlisted teams. Selected teams will have the opportunity to embark on overseas journeys to enhance their international experience.

With an Open Track for all competition regions, the Hong Kong and Jinjiang Regions also uniquely offer a Student Track to engage students with high potential and interest in entrepreneurship. Participating students will benefit from a variety of activities, including comprehensive training sessions and immersive exploratory tours in multiple regions and countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, Xinjiang and the Greater Bay Area, with a view of broadening their perspectives on entrepreneurship and innovation.

The cash prize across seven competition regions totals over HK$ 2 million. Winning teams from each region will compete in the finals for a grand prize of up to HK$ 500,000, as well as receive funding for trial and adoption, and comprehensive entrepreneurial support from the PolyVentures startup ecosystem.

The focus areas of each competition region are aligned with local industry needs and priority areas of PolyU’s MTRIs. The domains of each competition region are listed below:

During the Information Session, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) said, “As PolyU’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition, the IFC is committed to empowering and inspiring the next generation of innovators. It integrates education, translation of research outcomes, incubation and investment for startups, creating a holistic platform for budding entrepreneurs.” He also encouraged innovative talents and startups worldwide to embrace the excellent opportunities offered by the IFC and become part of the driving forces to advance the economic development of participating regions and cities.

In addition to sponsorship from PolyU’s Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, IFC boasts an expanding list of sponsors, including NYSE-listed Waterdrop Inc. founded by Outstanding PolyU Alumnus Dr SHEN Peng; Flair Capital Limited founded by alumnus Mr Benny CHAN Yik-chung; Suzhou Kowloon Hospital; CHINT Group Co., Ltd; Xinjiang Xiangfu. Apart from sponsors, IFC has gained support from partners such as Cathay Pacific Airways; Nike; and NTT Com Asia. Both sponsors and partners will provide their real-world problem statements for participants to develop demand-driven solutions. Four experienced industry representatives from these organisations shared the latest development and pain points in the fields of healthcare, air cargo, fintech, insurtech, sports technology and information and communications technology during the Information Session.

For more details about the IFC, please visit the official website.

***END***