HKUST has long been the place where sparks fly for entrepreneurs. “Incorporating Innovation and Entrepreneurship in our Spirit” is among five strategic objectives for HKUST’s Strategic Plan for 2021-2028.
The Office of Knowledge Transfer (OKT) assists the Associate Vice-President for Research and Development (Knowledge Transfer) in areas of Knowledge Transfer (KT) strategic planning, implementation of KT missions, governance of KT operations, and more. Its major functions include management and protection of HKUST intellectual property, technology marketing, fostering research collaborations and funding from industry, technology licensing and commercialization, project and contract development, and enhancing technology transfer and start-up incubation through various funding schemes and programs.
Under the umbrella of OKT, the Entrepreneurship Center supports innovation and entrepreneurship at HKUST, running its signature Unicorn Day, HKUST-Sino One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition, HackUST, Entrepreneurship Week, seminars, study tours, seed funds, the BASE and MentorHub, and more. Meanwhile, the HKUST R and D Corporation Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University, converts research and technology into business and industry applications.
Action in the Greater Bay Area (GBA)
For those wishing to connect to the GBA, there are a variety of options including HKUST Shenzhen-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Research Institute, which rides on the state-level initiatives of the GBA and opportunities in Futian District. This unique and strategic platform allows HKUST members to participate in mega research and development projects, reach out for opportunities and funding, commercialize research, and carry out executive education programs. Alumni are also welcome to use its facilities. On top of this, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute has developed into a prominent research, training, incubation base and local liaison platform. Run jointly by both Shenzhen-based institutions, the Blue Bay Incubation Program provides incubation services for high-potential start-ups with technology, entrepreneurship, venture capital, industry, and resources from Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
In Nansha District, the Guangzhou HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute bridges innovation, commercial technology, and youth entrepreneurship. They also run a Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau (International) Youth Entrepreneur Hub with a Technology Seeding Program. Over in other areas of the GBA, the HKUST Foshan Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization nurtures high-end talent, incubating many start-ups since launching in 2021.
Alumni Endowment Fund
The Alumni Endowment Fund Student Start-up Grant plays a key role in that first step towards fulfilling the dream of kick-starting your own business.