#Hong Kong #start-ups #CityUHK #HK Tech 300

HK Tech 300 Expo: A Major Showcase of Start-up Innovations

The City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) organized the HK Tech 300 Expo, a significant platform for innovation and entrepreneurship, on May 23 and 24, 2025. This grand exhibition, held on the university's campus, featured around 300 start-ups nurtured through CityUHK's incubator, which directly demonstrates the institution's commitment to translating world-class research into practical innovations that have a meaningful social impact.

The two-day event was not just a showcase; it involved multiple roadshows, totaling over 60, where various start-ups highlighted their advancements and solutions across different domains. From Biotech and Health to Fintech and Advanced Technologies including ICT and AI, attendees were able to experience firsthand the frontier of innovative ideas emerging from the university's support mechanisms.

Launch of the HK Tech 300 International Competition

Alongside the expo's opening ceremony, the university also inaugurated the HK Tech 300 International Start-up Competition. The ceremony was graced by notable figures including Professor Sun Dong, JP, who serves as the Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry for the HKSAR Government, and prominent representatives from both university councils and international consulates.

This competition marks an important step toward expanding CityUHK's innovation influence on a global scale, enhancing its existing initiatives aimed at entrepreneurship throughout Asia-Pacific and beyond. The competition aims to harness talent from various countries while fostering collaborative opportunities to address critical global challenges.

The Impact of HK Tech 300

Since its inception in 2021, the HK Tech 300 program has successfully incubated over 900 start-ups. Impressively, more than 200 of these have benefitted from angel funding amounting up to HK$1 million each. However, the support does not stop at just financial aid. The program also offers business matching opportunities, leveraging an expansive network of more than 250 industry mentors and partnerships with over 100 public and private institutions. This collaborative environment enriches the entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging innovation and sustainable business models.

In 2022, the program broadened its horizons to engage startups from the national regions of mainland China and, in 2023, set its sights on the Southeast Asian market. The evolution of HK Tech 300, along with newly established international competitions, will foster greater cross-border dialogues between emerging start-ups in Asia and worldwide, creating a melting pot of ideas and solutions to tackle pressing challenges.

Closing Thoughts

As the HK Tech 300 Expo showcased the remarkable achievements of CityUHK's incubated start-ups, it underscored an essential narrative that innovation thrives on collaboration and diverse perspectives. With global initiatives like the International Start-up Competition, CityUHK continues its mission to inspire and empower new generations of entrepreneurs, aiming to create a positive influence not only in Hong Kong but throughout the world. This innovative spirit fuels the future growth and resilience of the start-up ecosystem, ensuring that creativity and technological advancements remain at the forefront of social progress.

The expo not only highlighted the capabilities and achievements of the CityUHK incubators but also reinforced the university's pivotal role in shaping tomorrow's leaders and innovators.