The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of PolyU concluded its fourth Innovation and Technology Forum Series themed “Breaking Barriers for Hong Kong’s Start-ups and Investment” in July. The Forum gathered industry leaders and stakeholders from the I&T ecosystem, policymakers, entrepreneurs and investors to contribute ideas in-person and online about how to support the growth of start-ups and research commercialisation.

In her opening address, Dr Miranda Lou, PolyU Executive Vice President, said, “To propel the growth of start-ups in Hong Kong, a supportive environment, facilitating policies and strong incentives are essential for attracting talents to commercialise their research and innovations.” She further highlighted the University’s achievement in nurturing more than 480 startups, including more than 50 academic-led initiatives, four unicorns and quite a number of ponies through different initiatives.

Renowned industry leaders Mr Hendrick Sin, Co-founder and Vice Chairman of CMGE and Founding and Managing Partner of China Prosperity Fund; Mr Chris Shum, Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Asiabots Limited; Dr Abraham Lam, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MEGA Automation Limited; and Mr Hugh Chow, Executive Director of The ESG Consortium delivered keynote speeches on topics that included how start-ups secure early-stage funding, the significance of incorporating environment, social, governance (ESG) elements into business development strategies, leveraging opportunities in the Greater Bay Area to scale up businesses and how policy can boost entrepreneurial spirit. They also exchanged ideas with attendees during the panel discussion.

The Forum was co-organised by PolyU’s Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, and supported by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited.