Prof. Stephanie Ma, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Dr. Paul Wang, Director of HKU TEC, took photos with 14 Awardees and Mentors of of Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme.
The University of Hong Kong Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (HKU TEC) showcased more than 30 high-potential startups at HKTDC Entrepreneur Day 2025 (E-Day) last week, highlighting HKU's expanding innovation pipeline and its impact across the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The combined HKU Demo Day and Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme Results Announcement drew more than 450 attendees, with founders demonstrating how HKU research and bold ideas are being translated into real-world solutions. These spanned advanced materials, healthcare and life sciences, smart industry, food and agri‑tech, construction and built‑environment technologies, education technology, and climate and environmental solutions.
Pipeline from Lab to Market
The exhibiting teams included HKU alumni and incubatees from HKU TEC's flagship initiatives, including DeepTech 100, SEED, TSSSU and the Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme, illustrating an integrated pathway that supports founders from concept through scale‑up. Organised by HKU TEC and supported by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau through the Youth Development Fund, the Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme received over 100 applications. Thirty-four shortlisted teams took part in an intensive Lean Launcher Training Programme, with 14 ultimately selected for incubation after rigorous judging. Many of these innovators formed the core of HKU's 30‑startup delegation at E‑Day, showcasing AI‑driven healthtech, rehabilitation solutions, green technologies and advanced manufacturing breakthroughs to investors and industry partners.
Science- and Engineering-Led Startups Tackling Global Challenges
Among the Tech‑Up portfolio, companies such as DiamNEX, ReGen Technology and Snapp Ocean Data Solutions demonstrated how deep tech can address pressing global challenges.
DiamNEX is pioneering flexible diamond membranes using proprietary processes that overcome long‑standing bottlenecks in producing large, high‑quality, transferable diamond films for mass commercial applications. ReGen Technology has developed a patented solar‑powered desalination system that delivers low‑cost, off‑grid fresh water for agriculture, remote communities and regenerative land projects in coastal and arid regions, while Snapp Ocean Data Solutions is building the world's fastest robotic fish for remote underwater data collection, using fish‑like propulsion and autonomous, tetherless mobility in an affordable, 3D‑printable form factor that avoids the clogging and failure risks associated with traditional propellers.
Championing Young Innovators in the GBA
"Tech-Up is about empowering young innovators to move from ideas to real businesses that can serve people and create lasting positive impact in Hong Kong and across the GBA," said Professor Stephanie Ma, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation) of HKU. "In a period when our community faces hardship, these founders have reminded us why research, innovation and technology matter – to build safer, more resilient and more compassionate cities.
"HKU TEC stands at the coordination centre of our university's tech-startup ecosystem," said Dr Paul Wang, Director of HKU TEC. "Through flagship programmes such as Tech-Up GBA, we support founders from the spark of an idea through incubation, funding and cross‑border growth. With over 30 promising startups featured at Entrepreneur Day 2025, the event created valuable opportunities for investors, industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate and grow with HKU's vibrant innovation community."
High-Energy HKU Startup Demo Day
During the "HKU Innovation Showcase Day" segment, 10 fast-growing HKU startups presented their latest developments in ESG, advanced technology and ICT/AI to members of the HKU innovation community, venture capital investors and industry leadersd. The session enabled founders to engage directly with potential investors and partners, accelerate their fundraising efforts and drive business expansion in the Greater Bay Area and overseas markets.
