The ceremony was officiated by Prof Xiang Zhang, President of HKU; Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary to Innovation, Technology and Industry; Dr Peter T.S. Wong, Chairman of HKU Council; Ms Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited; and Prof Max Shen, Vice-President (Research) of HKU.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) launched HKU Innovation Week 2025 at Loke Yew Hall on 14 October, marking a pivotal moment in the University's journey towards fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Under the theme "Dreams Unbounded: From Ideas to Global Solutions", the event showcased HKU's commitment to turning visionary research into real-world impact, further cementing Hong Kong's status as an emerging global hub for innovation and technology.
The kick-off ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests, including Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Ms Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC); Dr Peter Wong, Chairman of the HKU Council; Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor; and Professor Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), HKU.
In his keynote opening speech, Professor Xiang Zhang emphasised HKU's unique position—and its responsibility to undertake significant and challenging innovations. This involves not merely to optimise what exists, but to open new frontiers. He outlined three strategic pillars to realise this vision: positioning HKU as a global talent hub for the AI era, building an innovation platform for interdisciplinary and university–industry collaboration, and cultivating a vibrant global innovation ecosystem.
Dr Peter Wong, underscored the University's strategic vision — one that advocates deep engagement with the community and translates academic excellence into impactful solutions and shared, "Dare to dream. Pursue your passions with courage and creativity. The entire HKU community stands with you."
Professor Max Shen celebrated the University's transformation into a thriving innovation hub, noting "Two years ago, we switched our engine on—and the results speak for themselves," Professor Shen said, citing over 150 annual innovation activities, more than 500 ventures, and HK$7 billion in combined valuation. Highlighting breakthroughs from AI to biomedicine, Professor Shen urged the community to "keep dreaming boldly, innovating relentlessly, and shaping a future where ideas truly know no bounds."
Addressing the kick-off ceremony, Ms Lillian Cheong said she was delighted to witness the launch of two additional joint investment funds with reputable venture capital firms which provide support to HKU start-ups. She added that the Government was also actively promoting Hong Kong's I&T development via collaboration with the industry, academia, research and investment sectors with key focuses on commercialisation of outstanding research and development outcomes.
Ms Clara Chan appreciated HKU's vision and efforts to support innovation, which aligned with the HKIC's mandate to invest for the future of Hong Kong. She expressed confidence on the growing vibrancy of the HKIC's investment ecosystem where best-in-class, like-minded and multi-disciplinary partners such as HKU, Gobi Partners and Brizan Ventures could work together with the HKIC to accelerate the flywheel effect of capital, talents and opportunities to support innovation in Hong Kong. The formation of systematic investment partnerships between HKU and these respective fund managers supported by the HKIC was a great example of such stories.
A major highlight was the launch of the Global Hub for Future Dentistry, Hong Kong's first Dental Incubation Programme. Developed in partnership with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and leveraging the Faculty of Dentistry's world-leading expertise (ranked second globally), the initiative will accelerate the commercialisation of cutting-edge dental research, enhancing Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area's standing in global innovation.
The event also saw the expansion of the HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF) to HK$1 billion through strategic partnerships with Gobi Partners, BioTrack Capital, and Brizan Ventures. This "fund of funds" model provides patient capital and investor expertise to support high-potential HKU start-ups.
A flagship University-wide event, HKU Innovation Week featured over 40 pioneering technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and health sciences, alongside panel discussions and networking opportunities. The gathering of more than 300 guests—including policymakers, investors, and industry leaders—facilitated knowledge exchange and collaboration.
