The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and GPTX Investment Management Limited (GPTX簡坤投資), a leading Hong Kong-based digital investment firm, have established a strategic partnership to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across artificial intelligence(AI), robotics, healthcare, and other related multi-disciplinary fields through the HKUST UniVenture Program. This collaboration aims to incubate student-led, technology-based startups by providing investment support, business mentorship, industry networking, and partnership development-further enhancing HKUST's thriving innovation ecosystem.
Named UniVenture, the program reflects its dual focus on university education and venture capital support. It is intentionally structured as a closed‑loop entrepreneurship education and incubation pathway that links classroom learning, project development, and commercialization with ongoing curriculum and mentorship. Co-founded by HKUST's Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD) and the Entrepreneurship Center, UniVenture is a university-wide incubation initiative designed to empower student entrepreneurs. Initially supporting graduates of HKUST's MPhil in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE), the program will expand to encompass all HKUST student-led technology startups in subsequent phases.
The MPhil in TIE programme, under ISD Division at HKUST, aims to nurture visionary leaders who can bridge cutting-edge research with entrepreneurial impact. With its dual emphasis on research mastery and real-world application, the program prepares TIE graduates for successful careers as technology entrepreneurs and industry innovators-empowering them to create lasting impact in the global innovation ecosystem.
Through the UniVenture program, selected startups will receive seed funding and prioritized investment opportunities. As a key partner, GPTX簡坤投資 will amplify the program's impact by leveraging its expertise in digital investments and global networks. The firm intends to invest a minimum of HKD $750,000 in equity per selected startup to accelerate its growth. The partnership will also feature mentorship sessions co-hosted by HKUST and GPTX簡坤投資, connecting founders with industry leaders to refine fundraising strategies and scaling plans, fostering a seamless bridge between cutting-edge academic research and commercial success.
HKUST Provost Prof. GUO Yike expressed gratitude for GPTX簡坤投資's steadfast support, stating, "Since 1999, HKUST has been dedicated to sowing and nurturing the seeds of Hong Kong's entrepreneurial spirit. The success of our innovation ecosystem owes much to partners like GPTX簡坤投資, which helps translate research outcomes into real-world applications, address market needs, and empower startups to enter the global market. Looking ahead, both parties will collaborate to support the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in driving sustained technological advancement and economic growth. HKUST remains committed to providing a platform for students to realize their dreams, encouraging them to turn bold and imaginative ideas into practical solutions-taking the crucial first step toward soaring high and becoming globally influential enterprises in the future."
GPTX Investment Management Limited CEO Ms. Ophelia GAO stated, "As a top research-oriented university in Asia, the HKUST UniVenture Program aims to establish a high-quality platform that facilitates the transition of students' technological entrepreneurship projects from concept to realization. This aligns perfectly with the strategic direction of GPTX簡坤投資, which delves deeply into the field of artificial intelligence and empowers technological innovation. As a SFC licensed institution, GPTX 簡坤投資has accumulated solid experience in industrial investment, capital operation, and resource integration. Through managing the Pan-AI industry fund, co-initiating the Shanghai-Hong Kong Technology Fund, and collaborating closely with the Hong Kong Generative AI R&D Center, we have established a comprehensive service system that covers the entire chain "technology transformation - capital empowerment - industrial implementation". This collaboration is a strategic move for both parties to leverage their respective strengths and achieve resource synergy."
From the pioneering establishment of its Entrepreneurship Center 26 years ago to its flagship One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition, HKUST has consistently provided platforms, funding, and mentorship to aspiring innovators, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. This enduring commitment over two decades extends to initiatives such as the Entrepreneurship Fund (E-Fund) and the Founders' Club, which collectively inject substantial capital and resources into the startup landscape. By investing not only financially but also through multi-disciplinary educational research programs like the TIE, HKUST cultivates a holistic environment where groundbreaking research translates into real-world impact, training the next generation of technology leaders and entrepreneurs poised to shape Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.
