HKU Launches School of Innovation to Reimagine Talent Development for Hong Kong's Innovation Future
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) celebrated a major milestone in its innovation journey on 9 May 2026, with the "HKU School of Innovation Inaugural Celebration: A Dialogue with Future Innovators" held at Rayson Huang Theatre. The event commemorated the establishment of the HKU School of Innovation (I-School) and highlighted the transformative impact of its inaugural year, following the arrival of the first cohort of the Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Technology [BSc(I&T)] in September 2025.
Since welcoming its first cohort of students, the I-School has translated its educational vision into action through a robust curriculum centred on experiential, interdisciplinary, and project-based learning. Over the past academic year, students have engaged with the local innovation and technology ecosystem through visits to Hong Kong Science Park, the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy in Shenzhen, and Tencent; collaborated with organisations including the Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Shipowners Association, and Food Angel; and contributed to the HKU community through events like the InnoJoy Carnival. These activities underscore the School's emphasis on bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.
At the inaugural celebration, Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, delivered the opening address, highlighting the strategic role of the I-School in advancing interdisciplinary learning and fostering deep collaboration between universities and industry. He remarked that in this ever-changing world, universities need to equip the next generations with inter-disciplinary horizons. Our I-School integrates research, education, and entrepreneurship to empower students to turn ideas into impact. We envision that our students will embody the spirit of innovation and creativity gained from their programme, and apply them in their future endeavours for the betterment of the society.
The celebration featured remarks from key stakeholders across Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem. Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR, affirmed the Government's support for innovation and talent development in a congratulatory video greeting. She said, "The opening of the HKU School of Innovation marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong's innovation and technology development. By bringing together research excellence, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurial talent, the School will play a vital role in transforming bold ideas into real-world impact and nurturing the next generation of innovation leaders."
Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), emphasised the importance of university–industry collaboration in advancing Hong Kong's I&T landscape.
"HKU's School of Innovation represents an important step forward for Hong Kong's innovation and technology ecosystem, advancing world-class research into outcomes that benefit society and industry," said Mr Wong. "As Hong Kong's largest I&T ecosystem, HKSTP partners with institutions like HKU to connect talent, technology and industry, helping innovative ideas move from the lab to the market. The I-School will nurture tomorrow's innovators and contribute to Hong Kong's future."
Professor James Tang, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee (UGC), highlighted the vital role of higher education excellence in supporting innovation talent development across Hong Kong's university sector. He said, "The establishment of the I-School corresponds closely with both the UGC's strategic priorities and the Government's broader objectives of developing Hong Kong into an international education hub and innovation powerhouse, and demonstrates a clear commitment to nurturing a new generation with interdisciplinary expertise, an entrepreneurial mindset, and strong real-world engagement."
Professor Hayden So, Director of the School of Innovation, outlined the School's vision and mission to equip students with the skills, mindset and real-world exposure needed to tackle complex innovation challenges. "The key is to plant the seed of innovation early in their studies," he explained, summarising the rationale behind the programme's design. "Once they are motivated, they will pursue their passions across diverse fields throughout their innovation journey. That's what future innovators will look like—self-motivated, agile, and compassionate."
The event featured two themed panel discussions. The first session, "Nurturing Innovation & Technology Talents for the Future," brought together two I-School student moderators with Professor Jay Siegel, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) of HKU, Mr Chuck Ng, Co-Founder of the Foundation for Science & AI Research, Ms Carol Yu, Founding Partner & Senior Vice President of Shenzhen InnoX Academy, and Mr Raymond Chu, Associate Director of University Collaborations and Entrepreneurship of HKSTP and Head of Secretariat Office of the Global University Innovation Network (GUIN). The panel explored how universities, industry and the wider ecosystem can work together to attract, train and retain top innovation talent.
The second session, "Conversation with Future Innovators," was co-moderated by Professor Jason Woodard, Co-Director of the I-School, and Mr Jason Chiu, HKU Council Member and Founder of Cherrypicks. During the session, six I-School students shared their journeys in entrepreneurship and cross-disciplinary collaboration, illustrating how the I-School's unique curriculum empowers a new generation of innovators to tackle challenges across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and the global stage.
A highlight of the celebration was the student project showcase. Featured work demonstrated the breadth of the I-School's problem-based approach, including computational models of Hong Kong rental prices, paper plane design, visitor flow at a theme park, the spread of cybersecurity attacks, and the spread of online "brainrot" culture; a startup idea focused on the prevention of computer-related health issues; and a robot butler that can find a target, avoid obstacles, and respond to voice commands.
Looking ahead, the I-School plans to expand its academic and experiential offerings, including the launch of a master's programme in the coming year. The inaugural celebration marks a vital step in HKU's long-term mission to reimagine innovation education for the benefit of Hong Kong and beyond.
About the School of Innovation
The HKU School of Innovation was established in November 2024 to transform how universities cultivate innovation and technology talent. Through project-led, problem-based learning that integrates design thinking, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration, the I-School prepares students to tackle complex real-world challenges. The School offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to develop both technical capabilities and the innovative mindset needed to turn ideas into impactful solutions for Hong Kong and beyond.
