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News and Events of Innoport Discover InnoPort's latest events and news for CUHK entrepreneurs and innovators driving the startup ecosystem.
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Event Highlight | Cyberport University Partnership Programme 2025 Graduation Ceremony (30 Aug 2025)
Group photo of Mr Kenny CHIEN, Board of Director of Cyberport, Dr Rocky CHENG, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, representative from 12 supported universities and CUPPers
On August 30, 2025, Cyberport hosted the graduation ceremony of the Cyberport University Partnership Programme (CUPP) 2025. The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Mr Kenny CHIEN, the Board of Director of Cyberport, Dr Rocky CHENG,Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, and Mr Chris JOANNOU, Vice President of Ecosystem Growth of Draper University, who delivered a valuable opening remarks. This year’s CUPP attracted 500 teams submitting entrepreneurial ideas. Following a rigorous selection process, a total of 20 teams, comprising over 50 students, were nominated to participate in an overseas entrepreneurship boot camp at Draper University in Silicon Valley, USA.
Mr. Vincent LIN and Mr. Alan LO from Venture Acceleration Team, Knowledge Transfer Office represented CUHK at the ceremony, celebrating the success of CUPP and reaffirming CUHK’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech leaders.
Following the opening remarks, the final awards were presented. 20 teams showcased their innovative solutions to the Cyberport judging panel at the graduation ceremony. 10 outstanding winning teams were each awarded HK$100,000 in seed funding from the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF) to support the development of product prototypes over the next six months. These teams will also can join the Cyberport Incubation Programme (CIP), gaining comprehensive support in funding, technology, and business to realize their entrepreneurial dreams
This year, Ink & Sight from CUHK was awarded HK$100,000 in seed funding from the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF).
Opening remarks by Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer, Cyberport (photo by Cyberport)
Opening remarks by Mr Chris JOANNOU, Vice President of Ecosystem Growth of Draper University (photo by Cyberport)
Group photo of Mr Kenny CHIEN, Board of Director of Cyberport (first from left), Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer, Cyberport (first from right )Mr Vincent LIN, Knowledge Transfer Office, CUHK (second from right), and members from Ink & Sight receiving HK$100,000 in seed funding(photo by Cyberport)
Group photo of Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer, Cyberport (right) and Mr. Vincent LIN, Venture Acceleration Team, Knowledge Transfer Office, CUHK (left) (photo by Cyberport)
Group photo of Mr Vincent LIN, Knowledge Transfer Office, CUHK (first from left), and members from JobReady (photo by VA Team)
CUPP Pre-camp Nurturing Session by Dr. Victor LAU, Head of Venture Acceleration Team, Knowledge Transfer Office, CUHK on 5 Jul 2025 (photo by Cyberport)
Details: https://kto.cuhk.edu.hk/en/news-events/announcements/event-highlight-cyberport-university-partnership-programme-2025-graduation-ceremony
Continue readingEvent Highlight | InnoPort Marketing and Branding Academy (MBα) Master Class #3 “Conversation with Founder of YouTube Channel Rice Zi2: Crafting Your Brand Story and Decoding the Secrets of Online Traffic” (12 Sep 2025)
On 12 September 2025, CUHK InnoPort hosted the third master class of the Marketing and Branding Academy (MBα) — “Conversation with the Founder of Rice Zi2: Crafting Your Brand Story and Decoding the Secrets of Online Traffic” at inno330, a cozy café located at InnoPort. The relaxed, vibrant atmosphere created an ideal space for CUHK students, staff and alumni to gather and deepen their understanding of brand storytelling and online growth.The evening began with a welcoming reception that set an inspiring tone. Ms. Ruby Lau, founder of the popular YouTube channel Rice Zi2, with over 600,000 subscribers, joined Mr. Basil Cheung, Lecturer at the School of Journalism and Communication at CUHK, as well as Founder and Brand Consultant at Elio Brand Consultancy, to deliver an insightful and practical session.Ruby captivated the audience with candid stories from her journey as a content creator, sharing valuable lessons on authenticity, timing, and crafting relatable narratives that keep viewers engaged. Her witty humor and charm kept the audience fully engaged, offering unique insider perspectives on building a successful digital presence. Basil complemented Ruby’s storytelling with his seasoned marketing expertise, breaking down complex online traffic strategies into clear, actionable insights. He emphasized data-driven content planning and strategic brand-building principles that participants could readily apply to their own ventures. Together, they led an engaging dialogue, blending theory with hands-on tips to decode the formula for viral content and sustainable audience growth. The class concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where attendees eagerly explored personal branding challenges and traffic optimization strategies, receiving thoughtful, practical advice from both speakers.
CUHK InnoPort is committed to empowering the university community with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in branding and marketing. Through this MBα@InnoPort initiative, we aspire to nurture a vibrant ecosystem where startups and entrepreneurs flourish by transforming innovative ideas into impactful realities. Stay tuned for our next master class!
Sharing from Ms. Ruby Lau, founder of YouTube channel Rice Zi2 (Photo: KTO)
Attendees gathered outside inno330 café, fully engaged in the master class and lively discussions. (Photo: KTO)
Attendees gathered outside inno330 café. (Photo: KTO)
Sharing from Mr. Basil Cheung, Founder of Elio Brand Consultancy and Lecturer at the School of Journalism and Communication, CUHK (Photo: KTO)
Sharing from Ms. Ruby Lau, founder of YouTube channel Rice Zi2 (Photo: KTO)
A Q & A session was held to address attendees’ questions (Photo: KTO)
A Q & A session was held to address attendees’ questions (Photo: KTO)
A Q & A session was held to address attendees’ questions (Photo: KTO)
Continue reading【#中大創新日2025】AI 時代的思想盛宴 – 主題講座
人工智能不只是一項技術,更是引領未來的強大動能🔥 想知道 AI 將如何革新我們的生活與產業?誠邀您親臨 中大創新日2025,與四位頂尖專家面對面交流,一同探索 #AIEmpowerment 的無限可能!
今年主題講座環節以「人工智能賦能」作主題,將突破傳統框架,匯聚四位來自學術界與業界的 AI 領軍人物,以精闢的15分鐘分享,為您帶來最前沿的洞見:
1️⃣冼漢迪先生, MH, JP: 人工智能資助計劃委員會主席 (香港特別行政區政府),將分享如何藉由人工智能超算中心與資助計劃,建構香港的 AI 生態系統。2️⃣蒙美玲教授:中大禤永明系統工程與工程管理學講座教授,將探討如何藉由 AI 賦能學生,推動互動學習與倫理素養。3️⃣王鵬程先生: 江蘇航天大為科技股份有限公司研發總監,他將分享人工智能如何驅動全球協作式智能交通系統。4️⃣朱萬程先生: 帆軟軟件(香港)有限公司總經理,他將剖析 AI 如何與商業智慧(BI)結合,讓數據成為核心生產力。
這場科技盛宴是您不容錯過的交流機會!名額有限,請立即報名,掌握先機。
🗓️ 日期: 2025年9月26日(星期五)⏰ 時間: 上午9時至下午5時📍 地點: 香港新界沙田香港中文大學康本國際學術園地下🔗 報名連結: https://innovationday2025.cuhk.edu.hk/registration
CUHK Innovation Day 2025: A Feast for the Minds in the AI Era
AI isn’t just a technology; it’s a powerful force shaping our future🔥. Want to know how AI is bringing about transformative innovation in our lives and industries? We cordially invite you to CUHK Innovation Day 2025 to meet four top experts face-to-face and explore the endless possibilities of #AIEmpowerment!
This year’s Thematic Talk, centered on “AI Empowerment” , will break the traditional format, bringing together four AI pioneers from academia and industry. Through concise 15-minute presentations, they will provide you with the most advanced insights:
1️⃣Mr. Hendrick SIN, MH, JP: As Chairperson of the Committee of the Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme, HKSAR, he will share how to build Hong Kong’s AI ecosystem by leveraging the AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) and the AI Subsidy Scheme (AISS).2️⃣Professor Helen MENG: As the Patrick Huen Wing Ming Chair Professor of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management at CUHK, she will discuss how to empower students with AI through innovation, interactive learning, and ethical literacy.3️⃣Mr. Pengcheng WANG: R&D Technical Director at Aerospace Daway Technologies Co., Ltd., he will share how AI can drive a global collaborative intelligent transportation system.4️⃣Mr. Howard CHU: General Manager of FanRuan Software Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong), he will analyze how AI and Business Intelligence (BI) can be integrated to make data a productive force.
This tech event is a networking opportunity you won’t want to miss! Spots are limited, so register now and get ahead of the curve.
🗓️ Date: Friday, September 26, 2025⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM📍 Venue: G/F, Yasumoto International Academic Park, The Chinese University of Hong Kong🔗 Registration link: https://innovationday2025.cuhk.edu.hk/registration
===#CUHKInnovationDay2025 #CUHK #Innovation #AIEmpowerment #AI #InnovationDay #CUHKKTO #科技創新 #人工智能 #大學研究 #香港中文大學
Continue readingEvent Highlight | From Challenge to Opportunity: Social Innovation for Workforce Solution (10 September 2025)
Ryan shared HRCA’s mission of promoting positive ageing and fostering diversity and inclusion, with a focus on empowering the young-old. (Photo: Social Innovation Team)
We were delighted to welcome around 20 participants to our recent webinar From Challenge to Opportunity: Social Innovation for Workforce Solution, featuring Mr Ryan Yeung, CEO and Founder of Happy-Retired and Happy-Retired Charity Action (HRCA).
During the session, Ryan shared HRCA’s mission as NGO offering diverse programmes to support the 50+ community — from maintaining their mental and physical health, contributing through job, volunteer, or start-up opportunities, to living with dignity and fulfilment. HRCA also works with employers to create age-friendly workplaces and strengthen ESG social impact.
In addition, Ryan introduced the ‘Y+Y Partnership Program’, a collaboration with KTO that brings together start-ups, young-olds (aged 50+), and student interns. This unique “Tri-Group” model is designed to maximise project success by connecting entrepreneurial energy with the wisdom of experience and the curiosity of future talent. In this model, start-ups define the project scope, tasks, and goals, young-olds contribute their professional expertise while mentoring interns, and students gain valuable real-world learning experiences to strengthen their future career prospects.
This innovative approach demonstrates how intergenerational collaboration can empower start-ups, support retirees in contributing their skills, and help students build competitive edges in their career journeys.
If you are interested in joining the programme as a start-up, we invite you to complete the Expression of Interest Form, and our team will be in touch with you.
The webinar recording is now available here. Feel free to revisit the sharing anytime through the archive.
Ryan introduced HRCA’s new initative “Y+Y Partnership Program”, launched in collaboration with KTO. (Photo: Social Innovation Team)
Details: https://www.orkts.cuhk.edu.hk/en/news-events/announcements/event-highlight-from-challenge-to-opportunity-social-innovation-for-workforce-solution-10-september-2025
Continue readingEvent Highlight | Innovation Connect – Driving Impact through Funding and Network (3 September 2025)
Nearly 30 CUHK startup team members attended the event to explore opportunities for funding and collaboration. (Photo: Social Innovation Team)
Co-hosted with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the Innovation Connect: Driving Impact through Funding and Network event welcomed approximately 30 CUHK professors and students who have launched startups funded by various knowledge transfer funding such as Sustainable Knowledge Transfer Project Fund (S-KPF), Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU) and Pre-incubation Program (Pi). The event served as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and exploring funding opportunities, fostering collaboration within CUHK’s entrepreneurial community to drive social and innovation impact.
HKPC delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining various government funding schemes available to startups. The session covered eligibility requirements, application procedures, and strategic approaches for securing support. Attendees gained valuable insights into navigating the funding landscape, including grants and subsidies specifically designed for early-stage ventures and research-based enterprises. The information provided helped participants align their startup goals with appropriate resources to scale their initiatives and amplify their impact.
Following the presentation, nearly 20 startup teams engaged in 1-on-1 consultation sessions with HKPC representatives. These personalised discussions offered tailored advice on accessing government funding, addressing specific business challenges, and refining funding strategies to strengthen scalability and long-term sustainability.
Running alongside the consultations, a networking session facilitated peer-to-peer connections, encouraging CUHK startup founders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. The interactive environment created new opportunities for partnerships that could further extend the reach and effectiveness of their ventures.
This event highlighted the vital role of collaboration and funding in driving innovation and impact, reinforcing the strong ties within CUHK’s growing community of innovative entrepreneurs.
An HKPC representative introduced government funding startup teams. (Photo: Social Innovation Team)
Participants engaged in 1-on-1 consultation session led by HKPC representatives. (Photo: Social Innovation Team)
Details: https://www.orkts.cuhk.edu.hk/en/news-events/announcements/event-highlight-innovation-connect-%E2%80%93-driving-impact-through-funding-and-network-3-september-2025
Continue readingTechnology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU Scheme)
If you would like to know more about TSSSU 2026-27 scheme and its application procedures, please register for the online Information Session held on next Thursday. 🔥
🔎 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏Date: 25 Sep, 2025 (Thu)Time: 3:00pm-4:30pmFormat: Virtual (Zoom)Register NOW❗ https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13716956
𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝑫𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒔✅Financial Support– (Successful TSSSU-O applicants) may receive up to HK$ 600,000 funding per year in 2026-27 for potentially up to three years– (Successful TSSSU+ applicants) may receive up to HK$ 1,000,000 matching fund per year in 2026-27 for potentially up to three years
✅Business and Technical Support– Potential to join HKSTP’s Incubation Programme*– Access to potential investors and industry partners– Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurship consultant*Subject to conditions
✅Eligibility of Person-in-Charge (PIC)– Current Full-time Students (either UG or PG), or– Current Full-time Professors, or– Alumni graduated within the last 36 months, unless the alumnus/alumna is an awardee of the last round of TSSSU
👉Application Deadline: 7 Nov 2025 (Fri), 5PM🔥Apply & Learn More: https://www.orkts.cuhk.edu.hk/en/knowledge-transfer/funding-support-incubation-program/tsssu,-tsssu-cuhk
Continue readingCUHK Library X EPIN Lunch Book Talk: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship: A Journey of Transformation
Ready to be inspired by stories of breakthroughs and innovation🤔? Join us for an engaging talk with 𝐌𝐬. 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐤 and 𝐌𝐫. 𝐊𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐠, who have successfully navigated the roller-coaster journey from corporate stability to impactful entrepreneurial ventures 🚀. Discover how they embraced challenges as opportunities for growth and purpose, leveraging self-published books, podcasts, and YouTube to connect with global audiences 🌟.
Don’t miss out this fantastic opportunity to kick off the new academic year 🤩! Both students and staff are welcome!
🎙 Meet Our Guests:
🔹 Katie Mok, Founder of Firefly and Ex-EY Business Consulting Manager
🔹 Kevon Cheung, Founder of Public Lab
💡Talk insights:
🔹 Navigating the ups and downs of their careers
🔹 Transitioning from professional mindset to entrepreneurship mindset
🔹 Finding the courage to launch passion projects
🔹 Advice they’d give their younger selves
📅 Date & Time: 25 Sep 2025, 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
📍 Venue: User Education Room, G/F, University Library
🌐 Language: English
⭐️ Light lunch will be available for participants
🔗 Register Now: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13715069
Continue readingInformation Session cum Talk on Knowledge Transfer Impact Funds 2025-26 and Impact Recognition Award 2025
You are cordially invited to join the Information Session cum Talk on Knowledge Transfer Impact Funds 2025-26 and Impact Recognition Award 2025, which will be held on 24 September 2025. The session will introduce two newly launched funding schemes as well as the Impact Recognition Award, and will feature a special talk on integrating Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) into evidence-based projects and ventures.
As part of a strategic restructuring of CUHK’s internal funding portfolio, the Knowledge Transfer Project Fund (KPF) and Sustainable Knowledge Transfer Project Fund (S-KPF) have now concluded and will be succeeded by new initiatives — the Knowledge Transfer Impact Project Fund (KT-IPF) and Knowledge Transfer Venture Impact Fund (KT-VIF).The two new initiatives are established to strengthen CUHK’s support for knowledge transfer and social innovation. They address different stages of the journey from academic knowledge to social impact. To assist in identifying the most suitable funding scheme for your project, you are welcome to utilise our self check-up form for guidance.
The KT-IPF supports research-based projects that are at the late-prototype stage and show clear potential for social innovation. With up to HK$200,000 available for a one-year project, the fund enables CUHK academics to refine, pilot, and apply their research outputs to address pressing social and community needs.
For projects that are ready to scale further, the KT-VIF provides up to HK$300,000 over two years to support CUHK academics in building research-informed ventures. The fund is designed to encourage the development of sustainable, scalable enterprises that tackle social challenges with evidence-based solutions.
Alongside these funds, the Impact Recognition Award (IRA) is introduced to acknowledge and showcase outstanding impact-driven projects led by CUHK academics. A judging panel formed by leading local funders and social innovation experts will select the top three finalists, who will share a total award of HK$200,000. Beyond the monetary prize, finalists will join a structured programme of workshops and coaching to sharpen their pitching skills, culminating in a live pitching session at the IRA Ceremony. This award not only celebrates impact created by CUHK academics but also equips them with tools to engage potential funders and stakeholders more effectively.
This year, both the funding schemes and the IRA incorporate concepts of Impact Measurement and Management (IMM). To support applicants in integrating IMM into their proposals, we are honoured to invite Ms Natalie Chan and Mr James Chan, Co-founders of PIE Strategy Limited and accredited trainers of the UNDP SDG Impact Standards as the guest speakers for the special talk. They will share practical insights on how IMM can be applied to design evidence-based projects and ventures, assisting applicants in strengthening their case for impact and sustainability.
Event DetailsDate: 24 September 2025 (Tuesday)Time: 10:00 am – 12:30 pmVenue: UGA, InnoPort, CUHKMode: HybridRegistration: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13716461
*Successful registrants will receive an email notification on or before 23 September to confirm their registration.
SpeakersMs Natalie ChanManaging Director, PIE Strategy Limited
A sustainability strategist, Natalie has two decades of hands-on experience turning ESG intent into measurable impact across Asia-Pacific. After establishing the corporate sustainability functions at Swire Pacific and The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, she founded PIE Strategy—an award-winning B Corporation®—to help organisations embed environmental, social and governance priorities into strategy, operations and product design, fueling resilience and sustainable growth. Natalie is a UNDP-validated international expert in Impact Measurement & Management (IMM) and an accredited SDG Impact Standards trainer. She sits on boards and policy committees that shape the region’s sustainability agenda. Natalie holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD–Tsinghua and a master’s in Corporate Environmental Governance from the University of Hong Kong.
Mr James ChanCo-founder and Senior Consultant, Sustainable Transformation, PIE Strategy Limited
With more than a decade steering sustainability and ESG agendas across Asia-Pacific, James converts complex sustainability challenges into board-room action, charting clear pathways for growth and resilience. A co-founder of PIE Strategy—an award-winning B Corporation®—he helps Fortune 500 companies, investors and public bodies weave ESG and social-innovation thinking into core strategy, governance and product portfolios. A UNDP-accredited SDG Impact Standards trainer and certified Sustainability & Climate Risk (SCR®) professional, his work spans double materiality, ESG strategy and goal-setting, and impact measurement and the design of impact-management systems that turn data into better decisions. James holds a BA in Politics and Public Administration from the University of Hong Kong.
We warmly encourage you to join this information session to explore how these new opportunities can help bring your research into action, scale its social impact, and gain recognition for your contributions to the SDGs.
Continue readingFunder Insights Webinar Series: The D. H. Chen Foundation
Are you wondering how to identify the right funders to scale your impact projects or pitch your impact projects to potential funders?
Join us for the Funder Insights Webinar Series, where CUHK academics can explore the impact philosophies and funding approaches of leading foundations to drive systemic social change. you will gain invaluable tips on securing funding for your impact projects, tackling critical social issues through your research outcomes with funders.
The upcoming session on 17 September 2025 (Wednesday) will feature Ms Tammy Liu, Assistant Programme Director of The D. H. Chen Foundation, sharing the Foundation’s mission and partnership journey, highlighting how they are partnering with changemakers to co-learn, co-create, and achieve impactful change. Participants will gain valuable insights into the Foundation’s funding approach and social impact strategies to promote individual and community wellbeing.
Details
Date: 17 September 2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 4:00 – 4:30 pm
Mode: Zoom
Medium: English
Registration: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13716637
*Successful registrants will receive an email notification on or before 16 September to confirm their registration.
Continue reading