NOVOMI VAX Limited's project "Broad Spectrum Reprogramming Tumour Immunity Therapy" won champion in the pitching session.
The MedTech Hackathon GBA 2026, co-organised by The University of Hong Kong's (HKU) Techno-Entrepreneur Core (TEC) and Techno-Entrepreneur Academy (TEA) in collaboration with Bay Charm, presented the pioneering medical solutions of its top ten finalist teams at the Asia Summit on Global Health this week. The teams showcased their innovations to a distinguished panel of life sciences experts, demonstrating a sophisticated synergy between cutting-edge laboratory research and real-world clinical demand.
The finalists were selected from over 60 multidisciplinary teams following a series of programmes including expert-led workshops, industry visits across the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and participation in major industry events such as BioChina 2026. These initiatives were designed to equip teams with both technical excellence and commercial readiness. Two of the featured innovations presented at the Summit include:
Broad Spectrum Reprogramming Tumour Immunity Therapy
Company Name: NOVOMI VAX Limited
Faculty: HKU MED
Project Description: To address the challenges faced by solid tumours—such as the lack of drug targets, high heterogeneity, and a "cold tumour" phenotype—we have developed an intratumoral injection therapy. This approach can reprogram tumours in situ to express exogenous pathogen antigens, thereby recruiting immune cells to kill the tumour. Dying tumor cells release tumor-specific antigens and induce local inflammation, further promoting immune cell infiltration and converting "cold tumours" into "hot tumours." At the same time, abundant viral antigens prime systemic immunity, triggering a systemic anti-tumour response and achieving distant therapeutic effects. This therapy is safe, effective, and off-the-shelf. When combined with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, it produces an additive therapeutic effect, opening a new direction in tumour immunotherapy.
Nose-to-Brain NanoPowder Nasal Spray for Rapid Ischemic Stroke Rescue
Company Name: CereThera Limited.
Faculty: HKU MED
Project Description: A pioneering portable, rapid first-aid for ischemic stroke: the NanoPowder Nasal Spray that delivers lifesaving neuroprotectants within minutes to the brain. After an ischemic stroke, NanoPowder sprayed into the nose will release neuroprotectant-encapsulated nanoparticles which travel directly to the brain and counter multiple pathological pathways of the ischemic cascade. Preclinical studies demonstrated rapid neuroprotection around the ischemic core and preservation of motor functions, highlighting its potential to transform stroke care. This accessible, portable therapy could significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce global healthcare burden by enabling timely intervention outside hospital settings.
Dr. Enhe, Chief Executive Officer of NOVOMI VAX Limited, said that the MedTech Hackathon GBA 2026 provided invaluable opportunities to connect across the GBA, gain direct industry insights through site visits, and receive constructive feedback and expert guidance—significantly accelerating their project from concept to implementation. He added, "We are truly grateful for the support from all sides and for the resources contributed by the ecosystem. Starting with the 'MedTech Hackathon', NOVOMI VAX will conquer solid cold tumours worldwide and make cancer as simple as the common cold!"
The MedTech Hackathon is built on three strategic pillars: providing structured mentorship, prototyping support, and investor engagement to accelerate the development of promising technologies; offering immersive industry and ecosystem exposure through real-world engagements; and equipping participants with essential entrepreneurial skills and domain-specific capabilities through training workshops and hands-on training.
By bringing together researchers, industry stakeholders, investors, and ecosystem partners, the programme serves as a powerful catalyst for MedTech innovation in Hong Kong and the GBA, driving the translation of groundbreaking ideas into impactful real-world applications.
