On 19 December 2025, The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) welcomed 24 shortlisted teams to the final judging round of the GBA Youth Start-up and Social Innovation Programme, a day filled with bold ideas, real pressure, and moments of genuine inspiration.
From early morning to late afternoon, teams took the stage one by one to pitch their ventures to a panel of seven esteemed judges. Each pitch was the result of months of hard work, reflection, and collaboration. And for many of these young entrepreneurs, it was the very first time standing in front of a live audience to share something they built from scratch.
Despite the nerves, they delivered. And the room, packed with mentors, peers, and guests, listened.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Judges
We are deeply grateful to both of our preliminary and final judging panels, who gave their time, expertise, and full attention to each team. Their insightful questions, thoughtful feedback, and encouraging words helped shape the mindset of the founders moving forward.
Preliminary and final judges list:
| Title | Name | Affliation | Category # |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ir | Antony Chan | Deputy General Manager, Shenzhen Qianhai Ehub Operation Company Limited | GBA or Start-up Ecosystem |
| Mr | Dannie Cheung | HSUHK Council Member (Business Community) Founder, B Action Company Limited | Finance and Investment |
| Ms | Winnie Fong | Mainland Affairs Manager, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups | Strategic Partner |
| Dr | Kelvin Ho * | Senior Lecturer, Department of Marketing, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong Chairman and Chief executive officer, Saint Alp's Teahouse | Business and Entrepreneurship |
| Dr | Roy Ho | Assistant Professor, Department of Business Administration, Hong Kong Shue Yan University | Academia |
| Ms | Joyce Hung | Business Director, Mobicon group Ltd | Business and Entrepreneurship |
| Dr | Patrick Mok | Assistant Professor, Department of Art and Design, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong | Academia |
| Mr | Skylar Zhang | Deputy Director, ASTRI (HK) Innovative Mind Department, Smart Living | Strategic Partner |
*On the preliminary judging panel only.
# The category aligns with the requirements of our programme's judging panels.
About the Programme
The GBA Youth Start-up and Social Innovation Programme is a three-year flagship initiative launched by CIE and funded by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Youth Development Commission (YDC). It brings together the innovation potential of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) with the academic and creative energy of Hong Kong’s youth.
At its core, the programme is about empowering students and alumni to explore entrepreneurship not just as a career path, but as a platform for meaningful impact.
Key supports include:
- Seed funding (up to HKD360,000) for 13 selected teams
- Three-year incubation with access to mentors, co-working space, and resources
- Hands-on training across the full start-up journey
- One-on-one advisory support from industry professionals
- Cross-border market connections through the GBA network
A Showcase of Purpose-Driven Innovation
The 24 shortlisted teams reflected the Programme’s diverse focus areas, and we are proud to see young entrepreneurs developing ideas across the following three pillars:
- Integration of Traditional and Innovative Economies
Leveraging Hong Kong’s heritage industries and the GBA’s innovation strengths to create new business models - Sustainable Development and Social Innovation
Addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as climate action, education equity, and social inclusion - Cultural, Arts, and Creative Industries
Turning creativity and cultural assets into commercially viable and socially meaningful ventures
Each pitch demonstrated not only technical potential but also a deep sense of social responsibility, creativity, and collaboration: values at the core of CIE’s mission.
Looking Ahead
Following the final judging, 13 teams will be selected to receive the HKD360,000 seed fund by hitting five key entrepreneurship milestones, and move forward into the full incubation phase. The official announcement of the finalist teams will be made during the Grand Kick-off Ceremony on 24 February 2026 (Tuesday).
Whether or not a team is selected, every participant has already taken a huge step. They pitched, listened, adapted, and grown.
Entrepreneurship is not only about outcomes. It is about showing up, being brave, and taking ideas seriously, even when no one else has yet.
To all 24 teams: we are proud of you. You have already proven that innovation is not just for the few, it is for those willing to try.
And here at CIE, we’ll continue to walk with you on this journey.
* The Programme is funded under the“HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area” by the Youth Development Fund of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Youth Development Commission.