HKU Innovation Week 2026: Taking University Breakthroughs Global

The University of Hong Kong will host its flagship event, HKU Innovation Week 2026, from 12 to 16 October.

Returning on an expanded scale under the theme “The Innovation Reef: Where Ideas Breed and Thrive”, this year’s programme will showcase over 120 cutting-edge innovations spanning biotechnology and medicine, smart living, architecture and engineering, and sustainability.

“With the strong support of the Central Government and the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong is entering a golden age of research and innovation”, Professor Anderson Shum, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) of HKU, said of the event.

“HKU aspires to become the ‘coral reef’ of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem, connecting the full value chain from basic research to industry collaboration and commercialisation. This will enable knowledge, talent and resources to flow freely, allowing more high-potential research rooted in Hong Kong to successfully journey from the laboratory to the market.”

HKU Innovation Week 2026 will bring together more than 1,000 representatives from government, industry, academia, research and the investment community. Through thematic forums, industry networking sessions and insights shared by leading startup founders, Innovation Week aims to foster cross-disciplinary and cross-sector collaborations while elevating Hong Kong’s research breakthroughs onto the global stage.

HKU Innovation Week 2026 — Event details

Four Key Highlights: Bridging University-Industry Collaboration

HKU–DEFTA Joint Fund reaches first close: HKU’s Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF) and Silicon Valley venture capital firm DEFTA Partners will announce the first close of their joint fund, channelling essential “patient capital” into high-potential hard-tech projects and startups emerging from HKU.

Launch of the HKU SPARC strategic partnership alliance: A high-profile strategic alliance will be established to forge deep connections between research talent, capital and industry partners, with the aim of propelling home-grown innovation into international markets.

Video keynote by MIT Professor Robert Langer: Professor Robert Langer of the MIT, widely regarded as the “Edison of Medicine,” will deliver a keynote address via video on the keys to successfully translating research from the laboratory to the market.

Insights from standout startup founders: Founders of HKU startups that have achieved international recognition will share their entrepreneurial journeys, showcasing their innovative technologies and commercialisation achievements.

For more information about HKU Innovation Week 2026, and to register in advance, please click here or scan the QR code below.