The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK)'s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) held the Launch Ceremony of the "GBA Youth Start-up and Social Innovation Programme"on 24 February 2026, bringing together government representatives, University leadership, youth development stakeholders, and a vibrant network of industry and academic partners, including mentors, judges, students, alumni entrepreneurs, and guests. With over 100 audience members in attendance, the event marked a major milestone as 13 selected teams officially began a three-year incubation journey, moving bold, campus-born ideas toward real-world validation and growth across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Opening Remarks: Turning Ideas into Action Through Mentorship and Cross-Sector Support
In her welcoming address, Professor Jeanne Fu, Vice-President (Learning and Student Experience) and Director of CIE, encouraged students and alumni to fully leverage the programme's training, mentorship, and cross-sector networks. She emphasised that promising ideas become impactful ventures through disciplined execution: continuous refinement, evidence-based testing, and the courage to learn fast and iterate.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Ms Tori Chan, Principal Assistant Secretary (Youth Affairs), Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, Youth Affairs Branch, Youth Affairs Division. She congratulated the selected teams and reaffirmed the importance of youth entrepreneurship and social innovation. Highlighting resilience as a defining trait of successful founders, she encouraged participants to stay agile through experimentation, deepen market understanding, and build partnerships that accelerate implementation and impact.
Recognising the Judges: Insight That Strengthens Feasibility and Impact
Behind every strong cohort is rigorous selection and thoughtful guidance. The programme's judging panel contributed time and expertise across key dimensions, supporting both the preliminary and final rounds. During the launch ceremony, Professor Fu presented Certificates of Appreciation to recognise the judges'commitment to nurturing emerging entrepreneurs and social innovators.
Judges (preliminary and final rounds; listed in alphabetical order by surname) included:
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Ms Joyce Hung (Business Director, Mobicon Group Ltd) and Dr Patrick Mok (Assistant Professor, Department of Art and Design, HSUHK) for serving as judges and supporting the programme, although they were unable to attend the ceremony.
Launch Ceremony: "CIE・GBA" Activation Marks the Official Start
A key highlight of the day was the launch moment, when officiating guests and representatives of the 13 teams took to the stage to activate the symbolic "CIE・GBA" Launch Device—a shared signal that the journey had begun. The activation captured the spirit of the programme: momentum powered by collaboration, and ambition grounded in action.
Start-up Forum:
"Creators・Innovators・Changemakers"
Building on the energy of the ceremony, CIE hosted a Start-up Forum under the theme "Creators・Innovators・Changemakers". The forum explored how early-stage teams can move from vision to validation, through user insight, experimentation, operational execution, and strategic partnerships.
The forum was moderated by Dr Chung Ho Ying, Associate Director of CIE, and concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants engaged speakers on challenges such as product-market fit, sustainability, and building credibility while staying mission-driven.
Team Showcase: Booth Presentations Spark Dialogue and Collaboration
A booth showcase featuring all 13 teams ran before and after the ceremony and forum, providing a dynamic platform for teams to introduce their initiatives, test their narratives, receive feedback, and connect with potential partners. Guests engaged teams through conversations and Q&A, while teams also learned from one another, strengthening peer exchange, sharpening ideas, and opening doors to future collaboration.
The launch of the "GBA Youth Start-up and Social Innovation Programme" signals HSUHK's continued commitment to empowering students and alumni to pursue entrepreneurship and social innovation with purpose and rigour. Over the next three years, CIE will provide training, mentorship, resources, and platforms to support teams through testing, iteration, and growth, helping them develop solutions that can create value and deliver meaningful impact in Hong Kong and across the GBA.
This Programme is funded by the "Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" under the Youth Development Fund of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and The Youth Development Commission.