A grand opening ceremony for the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy (TEA) in Shenzhen Qianhai was held on September 4.
This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the strategic cooperation agreement signed between HKU and the Qianhai Authority in 2022. The strategic initiative seeks to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement in the Greater Bay Area.
Located in the North District of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub, the Academy is designed to be a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs and technologists, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and support needed to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.
The first batch of 11 start-ups in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, new energy, and new materials will be based at the Academy. These ventures, founded by HKU professors, students, and alumni, were chosen through a rigorous selection process. (A list of the eleven companies and introductions)
The opening ceremony was officiated by Professor Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) of HKU; Mr Wang Shourui, Director, Qianhai Authority of Shenzhen Government; Ms Wu Cheng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; and Professor Xiaobo YIN, Director of Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy and Associate Vice President.
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, addressed the audience through a video recording.
Mr Hendrick SIN, Co-founder of CMGE Technology Group Limited, and Founding Partner of China Prosperity Capital Chairperson delivered the keynote speech entitled "Hong Kong's New Chapter – Embracing GBA and Beyond". Mr Sin is also Hong Kong's Deputy of the 14th National People's Congress; and chairman of the Committee of Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme, HKSAR.
Another keynote speaker was Mr Steve Hoffman (Captain Hoffman), Chairman and CEO of Founders Space, a global incubator and accelerator based at US's Silicon Valley. Mr Hoffman shared valuable insights on the topic "The Future of AI & Entrepreneurship: Direct from Silicon Valley".
During the event, the Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF) First Batch Investment Partners Inauguration Ceremony and the HKU Super Angel Network Kickoff Ceremony were held.
EEF will serve as a mother fund to channel capital into top early-stage investment institutions both domestically and internationally, investing in deep-tech ventures of HKU at the seed and early stages to drive the development of promising startups, while the HKU Super Angel Network seeks to unite and mobilise HKU alumni to back early-stage HKU startups. Twelve projects seized the chance to pitch for investments on site.
Two seminars were held with renowned experts, professors and investors invited to give keynote speeches and roundtable discussions around the themes of Artificial Intelligence and Life and Health. The whole day's event attracted more than 300 participants, including representatives from various Faculties of HKU, students, alumni, industry partners and people from various sectors in Shenzhen.
HKU TEA will combine HKU's academic excellence with Shenzhen's dynamic business environment to drive technological breakthroughs and entrepreneurial success. Through innovative technology training programs, themed accelerators, and collaboration with regional innovation ecosystems and HKU's global network, TEA will serve as a launchpad for disruptive innovations, supporting the growth of young startups. Qianhai, a modern service industry cooperation zone, offers a supportive policy environment, infrastructure, and a thriving business ecosystem, creating opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
"The establishment of the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy in Qianhai marks a significant milestone in our mission to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the Greater Bay Area. We are excited to provide a platform that empowers the next generation of technopreneurs and contributes to the region's economic growth and technological advancement," said Professor Max Shen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) of HKU.
