The City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) Industrial and Business Leaders Circle (Leaders Circle) held an engagement event on 12 July to introduce CityUHK’s latest developments in innovation and technology to Leaders Circle members and guests. The event aimed to promote further cooperation between the industry and business sectors with CityUHK and solicit resources for the University’s advancement.

Speaking at the event, Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise) and Yeung Kin Man Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences of CityUHK, said that CityUHK was ranked in the top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, QS World University Rankings 2025 and U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 Best Global Universities Rankings, which is a testament to CityUHK’s excellent academic and scientific research achievements. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of its university status this year, CityUHK established the Academy of Innovation (CAI) and the Institute of Digital Medicine to promote healthcare innovation and cultivate talent in innovation and technology. Professor Yang expressed gratitude to the industry and business sectors for their unwavering support to CityUHK and expressed confidence in CityUHK’s continued collaboration with the industry and business sectors, innovating into the future.

Mr Steve Chuang Tzu-hsiung, Convenor of the Steering Committee of the Leaders Circle and Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, said in his speech that the Leaders Circle is committed to strengthening the connection between the University and the industry and business sectors. He believed that by enhancing collaboration and exchange between them, the Leaders Circle can contribute to the development of innovative technology and the transformation of scientific research into applications that address societal challenges.

Professor Michael Tse Chi-kong, Associate Vice-President (Innovation) and Director of the CAI, provided an overview of the latest developments of the HK Tech 300 innovation and entrepreneurship programme and the CAI. He mentioned that since its establishment in 2021, HK Tech 300 has nurtured more than 700 teams which received support from the Seed Fund and more than 140 start-ups which received support from the Angel Fund, creating a robust ecosystem for the development of innovation and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong. Additionally, the CAI, established this January, aims to nurture future innovation leaders and entrepreneurs through a series of programmes targeting undergraduate, master’s and PhD students.

During the event, five start-ups that received support from the HK Tech 300 Angel Fund presented their entrepreneurial concepts and project features. Among them were (in alphabetical order of the start-ups) ASA Robotics Limited, a company dedicated to advancing robotic technology; Digital Vision Brands Holdings Limited, which focuses on blockchain technology development; Invisible & Innovative Technology (Asia) Limited, which transforms wood waste into audio products; Lacess Limited (KIBO), which crafts sneakers with repurposed materials; and Meat the Next Company Limited, a food technology company focusing on developing plant-based protein food and beverages.

University representatives and faculty advisors including Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement), Ms Kathy Chan Yin-ling, Associate Vice-President (Development and Alumni Relations) and Secretary-General of CityUHK Foundation, Professor Johnny Ho Chung-yin, Associate Vice-President (Enterprise), Professor Thomas Ng Shiu-tong, Associate Vice-President (Campus Development, Facilities and Sustainability), Professor Yan Houmin, Chair Professor in the Department of Management Sciences, Ms Grace Liang Guizhen, Director, Alumni Relations Office, and Ms Alice Chan Yuen-ching, Director, Development Office; and Leaders Circle Steering Committee members including Mr Douglas Chan Lap-tak, Mr Eric Chow Yik-cheung, Mr Anthony Lam Sai-ho and Mr Lau Tat-chuen also attended the event. All guests engaged in fruitful discussions and exchanged views on innovation and entrepreneurship development. They also explored potential cooperation opportunities during the event.