CUHK
News Centre
Over 40 CUHK start-ups gather at Innovation Day to showcase fruitful results of industry-academia-research collaboration
CUHK establishes “CUHK Innovation Limited” to finance start-ups
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Today’s third CUHK Innovation Day, one of the diamond jubilee events, showcases the outstanding achievements of CUHK’s scholars, students and alumni in industry-academia-research collaborations, and how they create value and have a positive impact on society.
The third CUHK Innovation Day promotes the development of the campus innovation ecosystem
The Opening Ceremony of Innovation Day was officiated by Mr Ivan Lee Kwok-bun, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government; CUHK’s three Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Professor Chan Wai-yee, Professor Sham Mai-har and Professor Anthony T.C. Chan; and Professor Benny Zee Chung-ying, Director of CUHK’s Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services (ORKTS).
Mr Lee remarked that, “The Government has made unprecedented strides to promote innovation and technology (I&T) development by investing in developing I&T infrastructure, promoting research and development, nurturing talents and supporting industry, etc. We are steadfast in our commitment to leverage on I&T to promote societal progress and economic development. With the concerted efforts of the Government, academia, research institutions and the wider community, I believe we will have more and more success stories to share with our community, as well as outside Hong Kong.”
Professor Sham remarked, “CUHK is committed to promoting innovative scientific research, while at the same time encouraging the University’s researchers to create positive social impact through knowledge transfer, increasing well-being in society.”
A new event this year, a live broadcast of an exhibition tour, introduced CUHK’s start-ups and various innovative inventions to political, industrial, commercial and academic online guests from Beijing and Shanghai. It took place with the valuable support of the National Torch Academy of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ZGC) and the InnoPort@Shanghai (CUHK Shanghai Centre). More than 50 local secondary school students took part in another new event for this year, the Exhibition Guided Tour, promoting and enhancing young people’s understanding of and interest in innovation.
Innovation Day 2023 features more than 40 exhibitors, including innovative projects from six CUHK InnoHK centres, 21 CUHK start-ups funded by the Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU), two CUHK unicorns, and other start-ups established by CUHK students and alumni. Apart from the exhibition, the day included an inter-professional symposium, bringing together scholars, legislators, policymakers and investors to explore the transformation of innovative inventions from academic institutions into products. The six CUHK InnoHK Centres also held thematic talks to introduce their innovations. In addition, 12 TSSSU companies participated in the Elevator Pitch Competition, vying for four awards.
CUHK Innovation Investment Platform brings together funds, industry experience and connections
CUHK officially announced the establishment of CUHK Innovation Limited (CUHK Innovation) and held a kick-off ceremony on the same day. The company is dedicated to providing early-stage funding to promising CUHK start-ups, accelerating their growth and success.
Dr Norman Chan Tak-lam, Chairman of the Board of CUHK Innovation and Vice-Chairman of the CUHK’s Council, stated, “CUHK Innovation Limited is dedicated to expanding its network by collaborating with various stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem… Together, let us create a vibrant ecosystem where innovative ideas are nurtured, startups flourish, and groundbreaking solutions are born.”
CUHK Innovation has established a joint investment platform in collaboration with experienced venture capitalists, venture builders and family offices to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. This diverse group brings not only the capital funding but also extensive experience and valuable connections in different fields.
CUHK Innovation today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an additional eight companies, who join the platform as co-investment partners: Fresco Capital, Gravity Capital Partners, Hong Kong AI & Data Laboratory, NDN Ventures, ParticleX, Tiger Jade Pebble Accelerator, Transcend Capital Partners and Watten Investments.
For more information about CUHK Innovation Day, please visit:
https://innovationday2023.cuhk.edu.hk/
Mr Ivan Lee Kwok-bun, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, delivers the opening remarks at the CUHK Innovation Day 2023.
Professor Sham Mai-har, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), delivers a speech.
CUHK holds the 3rd Innovation Day.
CUHK holds the 3rd Innovation Day. Officiating guests include (from left) Professor Benny Zee, Director of CUHK’s Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services, Professor Chan Wai-yee, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Mr Ivan Lee Kwok-bun, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, Professor Sham Mai-har and Professor Anthony T.C. Chan, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellors.
Dr Norman Chan Tak-lam, Chairman of the Board of CUHK Innovation Limited, delivers a speech.
The kick-off ceremony of CUHK Innovation Limited. Officiating guests include (from left) Mr John Ng and Ms Cindy Chow, board members of CUHK Innovation, Professor Sham Mai-har, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr Norman Chan Tak-lam, Chairman of the Board of CUHK Innovation, Professor Chan Wai-yee and Professor Anthony T.C. Chan, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and Ms Joyce Ng, CUHK Innovation’s Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer.
Eight companies sign a Memorandum of Understanding with CUHK Innovation to join the investment platform as investing partners.
Mr Ivan Lee Kwok-bun, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government and CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Sham Mai-har tour the exhibition booths at the CUHK Innovation Day.
Panel discussion in Innovation Day.
The innovation exhibition displays scientific research from CUHK InnoHK Centres and TSSSU-funded companies.
