HKU IMPACT (Jul 2025)
Event Highlights
HKU Showcases Six Breakthrough Biotech Teams at BIO International Convention 2025
HKU joins the delegation hosted by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and InvestHK at the BIO International Convention 2025 (BIO 2025), taking place from June 16–19 in Boston, USA. Six innovative biotech teams from HKU are showcasing state-of-the-art medical technologies on this global stage.
As the world's largest and most prestigious biotechnology event, BIO 2025 gathered thousands of industry leaders for a week filled with networking, deal-making, and idea exchange.
The teams included Arbele Limited; Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology, and Therapeutics; Hong Kong Universal Biologicals; Immuno Cure Holding (HK) Limited; Serilink Biotechnology Company Limited,
Prof. Stephanie Ma, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Prof. Joshua Ho, Assistant Dean (Innovation & Technology Transfer) at the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, represent HKU at BIO 2025. They joined the delegation to visit leading MedTech companies and academic institutions.
Prof. Stephanie Ma stated, “HKU’s participation in world-class industry events like BIO 2025 is one of the most effective ways for knowledge transfer. It showcases HKU’s innovations to the world and fosters potential collaborations with global experts and industry players. HKU is dedicated to supporting startups in shining on the world stage.”
At HKU, we are proud to showcase our research breakthroughs and the entrepreneurial spirit of our start-ups at BIO 2025. HKU’s commitment to supporting start-ups is evident through various initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration:
- Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF): Our flagship initiative to fuel start-ups and transform research into real-world solutions. EEF partners invest in top-tier early-stage medical and healthcare ventures, creating a robust ecosystem of long-term capital and expertise.
- Super Angel Network: A supportive group of HKU alumni and advocates dedicated to strengthening the HKU start-up community through donations, investments, and mentorship.
- Versitech: HKU’s commercial arm focused on research commercialization, facilitating IP licensing and driving industry collaboration.
- Techno-Entrepreneurship Core: Incubating HKU start-ups by connecting them with potential investors, organising training (e.g., MedTech Hackathon), bridging with industry incubators (e.g., HKSTP and Cyberport), and providing office space and resources.
Congratulations to Sodaz on Receiving the Rosewood Foundation Entrepreneurship Award 2025!
As a proud member of HKU TEC | iDendron, Sodaz Limited – “From Pulp to Seed, Nothing Wasted” – is turning the tide on food waste with innovation and determination!
Every year, countless fruits and peels are discarded due to minor blemishes. Sodaz’s patented extraction technology transforms these “imperfect” and surplus fruits into healthy, delicious beverages, dramatically reducing waste. Their process makes full use of fruit pulp, peel, and even seeds, crafting tasty teas and sparkling drinks that maximize the value of every fruit and every resource!
Techno-Entrepreneurship Camp 2025 Recap
A vibrant gathering of nearly 100 educators, technologists, and innovators convened at the Techno-Entrepreneurship Camp 2025, hosted in collaboration with China Prosperity Capital Fund. The event provided a lively platform for passionate entrepreneurs to exchange practical strategies for startup success and to navigate the RAISe+ application process. A notable milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) and China Prosperity Capital, officiated by key figures such as Mr. King MA, Founding Partner of China Prosperity Capital, and Dr. Paul Wang, TEC's Director, with attendance from other distinguished leaders. The day was further enriched by insightful presentations from speakers including Mr. Hendrick Sin, Mr. Pierre Wang, and Dr. Meijie TANG, who shared valuable lessons on overcoming entrepreneurial challenges and strengthening applications for the RAISe+ programme. The interactive discussions highlighted a strong community eager to share knowledge and foster successful ventures.
Clearbot team, a startup born from HKU students turned entrepreneurs, has been featured on Channel News Asia (CNA)
The innovative Clearbot team, comprising HKU alumni turned entrepreneurs, has recently garnered attention for their efforts to improve waterways, featuring on Channel News Asia as part of Singapore’s Smart Port Initiative. Recognised for their pioneering technology in marine pollution mitigation, they also received acclaim through their selection for the rebranded Tech-Up Programme, formerly known as "Gear Up". This programme offers substantial support, including funding of up to HK$600,000, incubation, workspaces across Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and guidance from prototype to market launch. Aspiring technopreneurs seized this opportunity by 6 June 2025, as they become part of the next wave of impactful technology innovators.
External Opportunities
2025 粵港澳大灣區創業大賽 (Available in Chinese only）
由國家人力資源社會保障部、中央港澳工作辦公室、國務院港澳事務辦公室與廣東省人民政府聯合主辦首屆「粵港澳大灣區創業大賽」，主題為「灣創未來 粵聚英才」，即日起接受報名。
InterGEN Biz-net ∙ Youth Start-Up Programme
The Hong Kong Housing Society actively promotes youth entrepreneurship through various initiatives. The Start-Up 2.0 Programme, initiated by the Hong Kong Housing Authority, aims to foster an inclusive and harmonious community that spans all generations—including the elderly, middle-aged, youth, and children. To support this vision, HKHS has established the “InterGEN Biz-net ∙ Youth Start-Up” Programme, providing four dedicated retail premises at Healthy Village and Ka Wai Chuen specifically for young entrepreneurs. We invite aspiring young business owners to seize this opportunity, unleash their creativity, and turn their dreams into reality. Join in and be part of shaping a vibrant future.