City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) was proudly ranked 80th globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. For the second consecutive year, CityUHK achieved a perfect score for the “Industry” indicator. Through its flagship HK Tech 300 programme, CityUHK is transforming research breakthroughs into real-world solutions, supporting over 190 start-ups with angel investments and offering resources such as business networks and investment matching. These efforts have helped attract over HK$200 million in funding for participating start-ups.

Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise) of CityUHK, emphasised the University’s strategic role in bridging academia and industry: “CityUHK collaborates closely with government, industry, academia, research institutions and investors to cultivate globally minded innovators and transform innovative ideas into reality. Through initiatives such as the HK Tech 300 National Start-up Competition and the HK Tech 300 Southeast Asia Start-up Competition, we have created an international platform for start-ups to connect with investors and accelerate their growth, addressing global challenges with innovative solutions.”

Since its launch in 2021, HK Tech 300 has supported over 700 start-up teams; more than 190 start-ups have received up to HK$1 million in angel funding. Additionally, over 180 seasoned entrepreneurs have joined as mentors, and more than 90 public and private organisations serve as strategic partners, co-investors and supporters.

Robust Industry Network Helps Startups Adapt to Market Needs

One standout HK Tech 300 start-up is MediConCen, a pioneer in health insurance technology. By simply scanning a QR code via their insurer’s mobile application during outpatient visits, policyholders can leverage MediConCen’s automated insurance matching system, which verifies policies, calculates charges and expedites claims processing. The system reduces manual reviews while detecting fraud, such as duplicate claims and overbilling.

In early 2024, MediConCen completed its Series A funding, raising several million Hong Kong dollars. The system is now used by 16 insurance companies and 1,200 doctors. Co-founder Kelvin Yeung, a CityUHK alumnus, attributes the company’s rapid growth to the HK Tech 300 network, which provided both industry expertise and investor connections. The company is now eyeing expanding into Mainland China, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Endorsement from HK Tech 300 Co-Investment Partners

Kamakura Foods (also known as Wada Bento), which operates a decentralised food service platform, has also received angel investment from HK Tech 300. Leveraging “hot chain” bento robot technology, consumers can enjoy hot and fresh meal boxes from bento vending machines in just 17 seconds. Currently, about 40 vending locations have been set up across Hong Kong, including schools, hospitals and construction sites, with thousands of bentos sold daily.

Following its Pre-A funding round in 2022, the company has secured tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars in investment. Co-founder and CEO Jason Chan, a CityUHK Business School alumnus, acknowledged the pivotal role of HK Tech 300 in promoting the start-up’s innovation to a wider audience. A strategic partnership with Gravity Capital Partners resulted in three rounds of investment, supporting the company’s expansion into Japan and Australia.

Beyond Investment: Inventor Shares Patented Technology Firsthand

Invisible Tech is another start-up that received angel investment from HK Tech 300. Founded in 2021, the start-up specialises in eco-friendly audio systems made from reclaimed wood and upcycled wine crates. It has since attracted over a million Hong Kong dollars in external investment, and its products are now available in retail outlets. Leveraging CityUHK’s patented technology, Invisible Tech is collaborating with its inventor, Professor Peter Tsang Wai-ming, a retired faculty member from the Department of Electrical Engineering, to develop an audio system that offers an immersive sound experience tailored for modern living environments.

The 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings evaluated 2,092 universities from 115 regions and ranked CityUHK 78th, up from 80th in 2024. In recognition of its international environment, CityUHK was named the “Most International University” globally in early 2024. Moreover, in the QS 2025 Asia University Rankings, CityU was ranked 10th in Asia and 3rd in Hong Kong.

Some of the HK Tech 300 start-ups with external investment: 

• BOXS Limited:  Point of Sale (POS) system for the retail and catering sectors
• Datality Lab:AI communication and training platform
• Dayta AI: Monitoring consumer behaviour on a real-time basis
• Greater Bay Biotechnology:  Research and development of transdermal drug and cell delivery technology
• i2Cool: Energy-free, passive radiative cooling paint
• iFinGate: Big data analytics, automation and AI-machine learning to streamline Anti-Money Laundering compliance procedures
• Kamakura Foods: Bento vending machines
• Kanaya AI: Cloud-based, data-driven and robotic hydroponic factory
• MediConCen: Automated insurance claims and matching system
• Zeta Motion: Automated management and monitoring of physical assets

(*in alphabetical order)