The Innovation@Community Carnival, held from 2 to 5 January 2025, transformed the vibrant venue at D2 Place ONE into a dynamic showcase of technological advancements, entrepreneurial ingenuity and creative engagement. Organized by the Office of Vice-President (Community Engagement) of CityUHK, the event featured five thematic zones, namely, Education, Sustainability, Food, Lifestyle, and Healthcare, and offered an array of STEAM workshops, busking performances, and interactive experiences, including a game booth designed by alumni of CityUHK’s School of Creative Media.

The City University of Hong Kong Press also featured exclusive university-branded souvenirs and books, further enriching the visitors’ experience. A timeline highlighting the milestone developments of CityUHK over the past 30 years invited visitors to journey through how CityUHK has established itself as a world-leading university since achieving university status. The event attracted a diverse audience of students, families, and professionals, successfully drawing nearly 4,200 visitors, with 80% of them expressed high satisfaction with the Carnival.

The Carnival’s thematic zones were designed to reflect CityUHK’s vision of transforming cutting-edge research into practical solutions that enhance everyday living. A showroom was set up in a home-like layout, allowing visitors to experience firsthand how start-up products and solutions can seamlessly integrate into daily life. A total of 11 HKTech 300 start-ups and CityUHK partner participated at the Carnival, demonstrating how technology and creativity can address real-world challenges and improve quality of life.

In the Education Zone, technologies aimed at enriching learning and rehabilitation experiences were featured, such as platforms like Medmind Technology offering cognitive training for the elderly and cutting-edge AR/VR applications from Re:learn Education designed to enhance engagement and inclusiveness in educational settings.

The Sustainability Zone showcased electricity-free cooling technologies, including radiative cooling paints and films from i2Cool, along with nano-coatings for air purification and thermal insulation by Sambo Group Technology, highlighting sustainable solutions for everyday challenges.

In the Food Zone, visitors discovered natural, low-glycemic sweeteners developed by Goolab Technology and plant-based milk alternatives from Meat the Next that combined health benefits with superior taste, offering more eco-friendly dietary choices.

Exhibitors in the Lifestyle Zone offered solutions to improve quality of life, including AI-driven platforms for early detection of pet health issues by Petalife, smart book crossing cabinets promoting sustainable reading from Onepile, and 3D scanning technology for humans and pets presented by Ubivox.

The Healthcare Zone highlighted personalized and accessible healthcare advancements such as at-home test kits for gut health management by GUTolution and portable devices for quick blood glucose and lipid testing developed by SG Diagnostics.

Other start-ups also featured interesting products, demonstrating the integration of sustainability and technology in everyday items, such as Lacess’s sneakers made from repurposed materials like apple waste and audio devices crafted from upcycled wood by Invisible Tech.

Participants enjoyed a variety of STEAM workshops, including parent-child workshop on computational thinking by CoolThink@JC, workshops blending creativity with cultural heritage, and sessions focused on creating practical tools for pet owners. Visitors also engaged in inclusive sports activities through virtual reality, promoting empathy and understanding.

Adding to the lively atmosphere, busking performances by students from CityUHK and Chak Yan Boys’ School captivated the audience, drawing applause and engagement from visitors of all ages.

As CityUHK continues to drive impactful initiatives, the Carnival stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in shaping a brighter future for the community and beyond.

Photo Gallery of the Carnival: Link

Check out the Home Affairs Department's post for more highlights: Facebook