The PolyU International Future Challenge Kick-off Ceremony was inaugurated by Dr Daniel Yip Chung-yin, PolyU Deputy Council Chairman (sixth from right); Prof. Wing-Tak Wong, PolyU Deputy President and Provost (sixth from left); Ir Arthur Lee Kam-hung, PolyU Council Member and Chairman of the Knowledge Transfer Committee (fifth from right); along with representatives from various partners.Zoom In

Supporting the HKSAR Government's ambition of transforming Hong Kong into a premier international innovation and technology centre, PolyU is driving innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) through its PolyVentures initiative. The comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem allows PolyU startups to effectively translate research into impactful solutions. It has grown considerably in recent months with the introduction of the International Future Challenge and the launch of the PolyU InnoHub@BHIC.

 

International Future Challenge inaugurated

The PolyU International Future Challenge competition integrates education, incubation, research translation, project landing, and investment. Enterprises serve as sponsors and strategic partners, providing real-world problem statements, while participating teams compete for prizes by developing demand-driven solutions. Open to startups and innovators from Hong Kong, the Mainland, and around the globe, the competition provides a dynamic platform to accelerate the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies. In addition to the prizes, winning teams also receive valuable support from PolyVentures.

 

Click here for details about this flagship competition.

 

PolyU InnoHub@BHIC unveiled

The PolyU InnoHub@BHIC is the latest addition to the growing PolyU InnoHub network. Created in partnership with Shougang Holding (Hong Kong) Limited and conveniently situated in Wanchai, this off-campus co-working facility is designed to cultivate a dynamic I&E ecosystem. It offers workspace for PolyU startups and encourages collaboration between Hong Kong and Beijing. The initiative aims to connect startups with industry partners and investors, enhancing cooperation across the industry chain and bolstering the innovation environment in both cities.

 

Click here to learn more about PolyU InnoHub@BHIC.

 

Group photo

 

PolyU funding schemes support startups

PolyVentures is dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs affiliated with PolyU to turn innovative concepts into successful businesses. It provides essential resources such as funding, networking opportunities, incubation programmes, training, and business matching services. The recent intake for the PolyU Micro Fund in 2023/24 attracted more than 100 startups, highlighting the effectiveness of these support programmes. 


In February, an awards ceremony celebrated over 100 teams and startups that have benefited from various PolyU funding programmes, including the PolyU Micro Fund, the PolyU Angel Fund, and the PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund, along with other innovation competitions. The event also honoured the latest group of postdoctoral researchers involved in the Translational Startup Postdoc Programme. 


PolyVentures supports PolyU startups throughout their entrepreneurial journey, from education and idea development to incubation, acceleration, and fundraising. Over the years, this ecosystem has successfully nurtured over 500 promising startups, including four unicorns that demonstrate the programme's remarkable impact.

 

Visit here for more photos of the awards presentation ceremony.