On 16 Jan 2025, The Learning and Cultural Enhancement Section of the Office of Student Affairs presented the Minor Programme and Learning Expo 2025 in Yasumoto International Academic Park (YIA), the first-ever exhibition dedicated to showcasing the diverse range of minor programmes available at CUHK. InnoPort is excited to join as the exhibitor and speaker during the information talk, to share how innovation and entrepreneurship can enrich student learning experience, academic journey and open new career opportunities.  In the Information Talk, InnoPort team introduced InnoPort is the gateway for knowledge transfer at CUHK and outlined how students can engage in their entrepreneurial journeys through joining minor programs, participating in competitions, and accessing funding opportunities at CUHK.  Student startup team (InnoPeers) FACCi abd DayChat were invited to deliver sharing on the topic of“Why University Students Should Embrace Entrepreneurship? GenZ’s Inspiring Journeys”. Ms. Joanne LEUNG, co-founder of DayChat and the student in the Integrated BBA Program at CUHK, emphasized that her enriching startup internship experience sparked her entrepreneurial ideas. She highlighted the practical guidance she received from mentors and colleagues, which helped her develop her pitching skills.  Mr. Leo CHAN, co-founder of FACCi and also a student in the Integrated BBA Program at CUHK, shared how he transformed his concept for an AI Personalized Fashion E-Commerce Platform into a market reality by participating in various entrepreneurship competitions. He encouraged fellow students to pursue their dreams without fear of failure and to have confidence in themselves.  InnoPort welcomes students who are interested in innovation and entrepreneurship to join the Inno-Ambassador Program and Startup job opportunities by visiting InnoPort website. 

On 13 Jan 2025, CUPress x InnoPort x Morningside College co-hosted the event of the book talk of  Future Needs Wisdom by Prof. Helga Nowotny at UGA, InnoPort. The event was a resounding success, attracting a full audience and providing an inspiring session for aspiring scientists and academics, particularly women looking to carve out their careers in science. Attendees, including professors, students, alumni from CUHK gained valuable insights on resilience and leadership from Professor Nowotny’s extensive experiences.    The event adopted real-time speech-to-text  translation services from Centre for Perceptual and Interactive Intelligence (CPII). The CPII AI Meeting Assistant system can recognize speakers’ voice in Cantonese, Mandarin or English in real time and support simultaneous machine translation, which not only greatly enhanced the experience for audience, but also   illustrated the transformative potential of AI technologies in research and academia, echoing themes from Prof. Helga Nowotny’s publication,  In AI We Trust 《未來的錯覺–人類如何與AI共處》.  Professor Helga Nowotny, a prominent figure in science and technology studies and former President of the European Research Council, delivered a book talk about focusing on her memoir,  Future Needs Wisdom, which details her journey as a female scientist in a predominantly male academic landscape.  During Q&A session, Professor Nick Rawlins, Master of Morningside College, joined Professor Helga Nowotny to share insights of extensive work in promoting inclusivity in research. During the talk, Prof. Nowotny shared personal anecdotes about the challenges she faced throughout her career and how her steadfast belief in herself enabled her to navigate these obstacles. She discussed her unconventional career path, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one’s passions despite societal expectations. She encouraged the audience to rethink what we call a smart future and emphasized – “True wisdom lies in learning to live with contradictions and embrace uncertainty”.  The event concluded with a highly successful book signing session that received an enthusiastic response.  Photo: (from left to right) Dr. Gerhard ZETTL  (The Austrian Consulate General that Consul General), Professor Nick Rawlins(Pro-Vice-Chancellor / Vice-President (Student Experience) ,Master of Morningside College), Professor Anthony T.C. Chan(Pro-Vice-Chancellor / Vice-President (Alumni Relations & Advancement)), Prof. Helga Nowotny, Professor Alan K.L. Chan , student  MC from Morningside College, Professor Fanny M. Cheung  (Honorary Senior Advisor to the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at  CUHK).  Photo: Professor Anthony T.C. Chan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor / Vice-President (Alumni Relations & Advancement) delivered the opening remarks.  Photo: Professor Nick Rawlins, Pro-Vice-Chancellor / Vice-President (Student Experience), Master of Morningside College.  Photo: Prof. Helga Nowotny. Photo: Student Q&A session.  Photo: Q&A session by Prof. Helga Nowotny and Professor Nick Rawlins.  Photo: The CPII AI Meeting Assistant system  provided  real-time speech-to-text  translation service  on the presentation screen.  Photo: Book signing session.  Photo: Group photo of CUPress, InnoPort Team and Morningside College. 

  Over the past week (02-05 Dec 2024), 25 students teamed up and took on the role of “One-day Store Manager,” working alongside inno330 staff and their teammates to learn the ropes of customer service. For many, it was their first time making coffee, and they found it to be an amazing and valuable experience. The inno330 staff have been incredibly impressed with the students’ dedication and enthusiasm. They’ve observed significant growth in the students, not only in their barista skills but also in their confidence and teamwork. In total, nearly 400 customers supported their favorite teams by voting. Our 2-month “Caring Barista Programme @inno330” has concluded, and we are planning a finale ceremony on January 17, 2025, at inno330 to celebrate all their hard work. We invite you all to join us in cheering on these wonderful students who have brought so much heart and passion to InnoPort and inno330. Drop by on January 17 (Friday) and experience the warmth and care our student baristas put into every cup. They make inno330 a special place for everyone! Stay tuned for more exciting events at InnoPort!

  We are thrilled to share the success of our recent collaboration, “Innovate & Elevate with New Gen Creative—Marketing Consultation for Startups@InnoPort,” with the CUHK School of Journalism and Communication (JC). This event marked the culmination of a two-month program in which master students in Advertising from CUHK JC engaged in in-depth discussions with our InnoPeers Startup Teams (SmartAge Intelligence, Doko Tech, DaTong, FACCi, and PLACY® (Physics Literacy Academy for Children and Youth)). The students hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds and marketing experiences, analysed the companies and devised comprehensive marketing plans. Guest Presentation by Ms Winnie Lee We were honoured to have Ms Winnie Lee, co-founder of the micro-influencer platform Spread-it, as our guest speaker. She provided both startups and students with new insights into micro-influencer marketing, covering topics about: Next targeted customer base Tips on how to run a successful campaign The role of micro-influencers along the customer journey Their platform for more than 40K+ micro-influencers (Spreadians) Threads, a new platform for real-time conversations and interactions Insights into the future of influencers Marketing Practicum Presentation by Master of Advertising Students The evening continued with the Marketing Practicum Presentation by the student teams. Drawing from their coursework and in-depth investigation over the past 2 months with our startup teams, they presented their innovative marketing solutions. The students provided unexpected ideas and perspectives that impressed everyone in attendance. This exchange of intelligence was invaluable and highlighted the innovative potential of the next generation. Thanks to Mr Basil Cheung from the Master of Advertising, our InnoPeers startup teams, and all the students who contributed to making this Program a success! We look forward to more collaborations and opportunities to Innovate and Elevate together! Stay tuned for more exciting events at InnoPort! Ms. Winnie Lee, Co-Founder of Spread-it, was sharing her insight. (Photo: InnoPort Team) InnoPeer Team Doko Tech and the student presentation group. (Photo: InnoPort Team) InnoPeer Team FACCI and the student presentation group. (Photo: InnoPort Team) The student group was presenting the marketing practicum for InnoPeer Team SmartAge Intelligence. (Photo: InnoPort Team) The student group presented the marketing practicum for InnoPeer Team PLACY.  (Photo: InnoPort Team) InnoPeer Team DaTong and the student presentation group. (Photo: InnoPort Team)  The Best Presentation Award went to the student presentation group of FACCI. (Photo: InnoPort Team)

各位中大創業人注意！創博館推出了流動應用程式，登記成為會員後，您可以享受一站式服務，包括預約創博館場地舉辦活動、參與InnoThreads討論區了解最新創新創業資訊、閱讀中大社創志 Cubic Zine、提出線上查詢等。 馬上下載！iOS: Apple StoreAndroid: Google Play

  On the evening of November 1, 2024, InnoPort was abuzz with excitement as we hosted a special talk as part of the InnoPort x inno330 Caring Barista Program – the Introduction Talk of Social Innovation and Startup Funding Scheme. The event drew a full house of participants from the Caring Barista Program, CUHK startup teams, and CUHK students and staff eager to delve into the realms of entrepreneurship funding. We express our deep gratitude for the invaluable insights shared by representatives from various funding units, including the CUHK Student Affairs Office – Student Experience and Development Team (2024-25 Social Enterprise Startup Scheme), Lee Woo Sing College (DARE Scheme), CUHK PI Centre (CUHK Venture Acceleration Team), Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge (HKSEC), and Innovation and Impact Lab (MakerBay Foundation). A special appreciation goes out to Tony Wong and Angus Leung, representatives from the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, for his enlightening contributions. Key highlights of the event encompassed an overview of funding support at CUHK, detailing eligibility criteria, benefits, and successful case studies. Attendees also gleaned insights into the marketing and ecosystem of social enterprises, alongside skills for collaborating with rehabilitators. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees and contributors for making this event a resounding success! We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming InnoPort events! Ms. Alice Fong, Communications Officer of InnoPort. (Photo: InnoPort Team) Ms. Candice Chung, Assistant Student Development Manager of Office of Student Affairs Student Experience and Development Section. (Photo: InnoPort Team) Ms. Eunice Lee, Senior College Development Officer of Lee Woo Sing College. (Photo: InnoPort Team) Mr. Alan Lo, Community Engagement Officer of ORKTS. (Photo: InnoPort Team) Mr. Frank Ng, Program Manager (Incubation) of MakerBay Foundation. (Photo: InnoPort Team) Ms. Timmy Lee, Project Manager of Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge. (Photo: InnoPort Team)  Speakers were sharing their insights during Q&A session. (Photo: InnoPort Team) Mr. Tony WONG, Social Enterprise Business Manager of New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. (Photo: InnoPort Team) Angus Leung, the representative from New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, was sharing experience with inno330 Caring Barista Teams. (Photo: InnoPort Team)

一起追夢！立即參加社創及起動資金講座 感謝過百名中大同學報名參與「InnoPort x inno330 : 共融咖啡大使計劃」！中大學生事務處（學生經驗及發展組）、和聲書院、CUHK PI Centre、香港社會企業挑戰賽及 創效實現室 將會在11月1日【社創及起動資金講座】上介紹不同起動資金及計劃，助你實踐夢想！活動歡迎計劃參加者、中大同學以及中大初創團隊參與。 「InnoPort x inno330 : 共融咖啡大使計劃 – 社創及起動資金講座」 01 Nov 2024  (5-8pm) 2B, InnoPort CUHK 立即登記: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13697571 資金單位代表：中大學生事務處（學生經驗及發展組）- 「2024-25 社會企業起動計劃」Social Enterprise Startup Scheme 2024-25和聲書院 – DARE SchemeCUHK PI Centre香港社會企業挑戰賽 HKSEC創效實現室 內容:– 介紹創業資金支援@InnoPort– 社會企業行銷與生態– 與復康者工作的技巧 InnoPort x inno330: Caring Barista Program – Social Innovation and Startup Funding Scheme Introduction Talk We thank over a hundred CUHK students for signing up to participate in the ‘InnoPort x inno330: Caring Barista Program’! On this Friday, We are hosting the event ‘Social Innovation and Startup Funding Scheme Introduction Talk’. We invited funding units to introduce various startup funds, assisting CUHKers in realizing their dreams! The event welcomes participants of the program, CUHK students, and CUHK startup teams to join. Event Details Date: 01 Nov 2024 (Friday) Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Mode: 2B Event Hall, InnoPort Medium: Cantonese Registration: https://lnkd.in/grdSTepR Speaker: Representative of funding units and Tony WONG (Social Enterprise Business Manager of the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association) Representatives of Funding Units: -CUHK Student Affairs Office (Student Experience and Development Team) – 2024-25 Social Enterprise Startup Scheme – Lee Woo Sing College – DARE Scheme – CUHK PI Centre (CUHK Venture Acceleration Team) – Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge (HKSEC) – Innovation and Impact Lab (MakerBay Foundation) Content: -Introduction to startup funding support @InnoPort -Marketing and ecology of social enterprises -Skills for working with rehabilitators Event Page: https://lnkd.in/gZR49EcK

   On October 19, 2024, InnoPort participated in an exciting Information Day for prospective university students, featuring engaging activities, informative booth, and thrilling games. We were happy to welcome over 1000 visitors to our booth, where we introduced “Life @CUHK is a Startup”, a collaboration with Pai, a talented undergraduate music student. Inspired by CUHK’s animals and insects, we created characters representing various startup roles. Participants explored their personalities through the MBTI framework, connecting their traits to potential startup roles and engaging in activities that helped them think about how these traits could influence their future careers and entrepreneurial endeavours. This initiative supports student participation, highlights these roles through creative illustrations, attracts young people to entrepreneurship, and raises awareness of our campus’s diversity. The Open Day was a fantastic opportunity for prospective students to explore what InnoPort has to offer and get a taste of the vibrant campus life. We hope to see you all next year as part of our innovative community!

  On 2 Oct 2024, InnoPort and Mr.Basil Cheung, lecturer from the School of Journalism and Communication – Master of Advertising (COMM6848B) co-hosted the event “Innovate & Elevate with New Gen Creative: Marketing Consultation for Startups”. We are excited to invite five InnoPeer startup teams, including SmartAge Intellience, Doko Tech, DaTong, Facci and PLACY®(Physical Literacy Academy for Children and Youth), to join the Marketing Consultation offered by students from the Master of Advertising program, running from October to December 2024. This consultation is designed to provide valuable consultation services and practical marketing insights tailored to the startup’s needs. Stay tuned for the video event highlight! Ms. Christine Leung, Manager of InnoPort (Photo: InnoPort Team) Mr. Basil Cheung, Lecturer of School of Journalism and Communication. (Photo: InnoPort Team) InnoPeers Team: SmartAge Intelligence. (Photo: InnoPort Team) InnoPeers Team: Doko Tech. (Photo: InnoPort Team) InnoPeers Team: Facci (Photo: InnoPort Team) InnoPeers Team: DaTong (Photo: InnoPort Team)  Students from Master of Advertising are divided into groups to discuss with InnoPeers Teams  (Photo: InnoPort Team) Students are studying the background of InnoPeers Team PLACY. (Photo: InnoPort Team)