Largest-Ever HKU Innovation Week 2026 Showcases 120+ Innovative Breakthroughs

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) yesterday hosted the Main Event of HKU Innovation Week 2026, its flagship annual celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge exchange. Returning on a larger scale under the theme “The Innovation Reef: Where Ideas Breed and Thrive”, the event showcases more than 120 groundbreaking innovations across biomedical sciences, healthcare, smart living, engineering, architecture and sustainability. 

The Main Event brought together over 1,000 leaders and representatives from government, industry, academia, research institutions and the investment community, fostering dialogue and partnerships to accelerate the translation of research into real-world impact locally, nationally and globally. 

The ceremony marked the launch of HKU SPARC, and the first close of the joint fund between HKU and Silicon Valley venture capital firm DEFTA Partners. Together, these initiatives strengthen the partnerships and funding support needed to accelerate university research to market. HKU also presented its inaugural HKU Impact Awards to recognise four alumni and faculty members transferring knowledge and innovation into societal impact. 

The event commenced with a video graphed welcome address by Professor Xiang Zhang, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, followed by remarks from Professor Richard Wong, SBS, JP, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of HKU; The Hon Leung Chun-ying, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; and Professor Dong Sun, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government. 

Professor Richard Wong, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of HKU, said in his remarks, “We gather at a defining moment for Hong Kong’s Innovation & Technology development. HKU stands ready to play its full part. Long recognised as a world-leading hub for blue-skies research, the University remains committed to generating fundamental knowledge and translating it into tangible benefits for society. HKU SPARC closely connects research institutes with industry partners to nurture and convene talent. With the alliance launched, we continue to drive innovation in alignment with national priorities and strategies.” 

The Hon Leung Chun-ying, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, said, “Innovation and technology must deliver tangible benefits to society to achieve sustainable development. As universities hold the vast majority of Hong Kong’s research resources, I place particular emphasis on how they can better connect innovation and technological achievements with the full chain of government, industry, academia, research, investment and application. Under ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Hong Kong enjoys unique advantages in translating innovation into impact both domestically and internationally. Through its academic excellence, HKU serves as a bridge for talent, knowledge, technology and resources, while providing a trusted platform for frontier research, innovation and startups to go global, contributing to the high-quality development of both Hong Kong and the nation.” 

Professor Dong Sun, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, noted that the release of our city's First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address made Hong Kong’s goal clear to have established an international innovation and technology centre based in the Greater Bay Area after 2030.  “This brings me to the theme of this year’s event—‘The Innovation Reef: Where Ideas Breed and Thrive’. A healthy innovation ecosystem, like a reef, relies on different parties performing different but complementary roles. Our universities play an indispensable role in advancing knowledge, nurturing talents, and transforming research into real-world impact. Talents aside, we need to drive the synergistic development among the Government, industries, academia, research and investment sectors.” 

Connecting industry and patient capital to support research commercialisation 

HKU officially launched the HKU Strategic Partnership Alliance for Research and Commercialisation (SPARC), convening 40+ corporations and organisations to establish a dynamic global network that advances research translation and innovation. 

SPARC will foster collaborative research, facilitate the establishment of joint laboratories, and accelerate the translation of discoveries into practical applications. By strengthening connections between researchers and industry partners, the alliance will support market-driven innovation, technology transfer, commercialisation opportunities and strategic investment. 

Building on the momentum of its expanding industry partnerships, HKU announced the first close of the HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund x DEFTA Joint Fund. With an initial fund size of HK$160 million, it will provide patient capital to seed- and early-stage ventures emerging from the University's innovation ecosystem, supporting the long-term development of high-potential technologies. 

Inaugural HKU Impact Award Honours Outstanding Changemakers 

In recognition of members of the HKU community who have successfully translated knowledge, research and innovative ideas into meaningful societal and economic impact, HKU presented its inaugural HKU Impact Awards. 

Innovation extends beyond technological advancement. It encompasses the transformation of public services, the advancement of sustainability, and the improvement of quality of life. Nominated by Faculty Deans and the Director of Development and Alumni Affairs, awardees were selected by a cross-sector judging panel based on demonstrated impact, innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Recipients of the HKU Impact Award 2026:

• Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, PhD, RN, RSCN, FAAN, FFPH, FRCN, GBS, JP, Professor and Director of HKU Primary Health Care Academy; Head of WHO Collaborating Centre for Health and Nursing Workforce Development in Primary Health Care: As Hong Kong's first nurse to serve as Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Chan translated health services research into public policy, advancing preventive and community-based primary healthcare across Hong Kong.

• Professor Chun-hung Chu, Associate Dean (Research and Knowledge Exchange), Faculty of Dentistry, HKU: Professor Chu pioneered the translation of Silver Diamine Fluoride research into a widely adopted, non-invasive approach to preventing childhood dental caries. Over the past two decades, his work has improved oral health outcomes for children and influenced public oral health policy in Hong Kong and beyond.

• Ms Doris Leung, Founder and CEO, Diamond Cab: Ms Leung pioneered Hong Kong's first licensed barrier-free taxi service for wheelchair users, improving accessibility and mobility while advancing social entrepreneurship and inclusive transportation.

• Ms Poman Lo, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Regal Hotels Group: Ms Lo has championed the integration of psychology, mindfulness and Buddhist studies into ESG initiatives, while launching iClub Hotels, Hong Kong's first carbon-neutral hotel brand. 

Journey from Discovery to Impact: Insights from International Leaders and Entrepreneurs 

A highlight of the programme was a fireside chat kickstarted with pre-recorded keynotes by Professor Robert Langer of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, often referred to as the “Edison of Medicine”. The discussion, titled "From Lab Bench to Commercialisation", brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and innovation leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities involved in transforming research discoveries into impactful products and ventures. 

The programme concluded with the Founders Spotlight, featuring internationally recognised founders of HKU-born startups. Their entrepreneurial journeys exemplify the University's commitment to translating world-class research into impactful innovations and underscore the strength of HKU's entrepreneurship and incubation ecosystem. 

By continuing to nurture its "Innovation Reef", HKU is strengthening a comprehensive innovation ecosystem that spans fundamental research, technology development, intellectual property management, industry collaboration and commercialisation. Through this interconnected ecosystem, HKU dedicates to facilitating the exchange of knowledge, talent, technology and capital, accelerating the journey of transformative discoveries from the laboratory to society and creating lasting impact for Hong Kong, the nation and the world. 

More event highlights: HKU Innovation Week 2026

For more details of other HKU Innovation Week 2026 activities, please visit: https://tec.hku.hk/innovation-week-2026/ 

About HKU RISE
HKU RISE — Research, Innovation, Strategic Partnerships and Entrepreneurship — is dedicated to translating discoveries into practical solutions that foster positive social impact and contribute to a sustainable future. We connect the HKU community with essential services and opportunities, including research funding, intellectual property (IP) management, knowledge/technology transfer, commercialisation, industry collaborations, and startup incubation. 

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Office of Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), HKU
Ms. Esther Yiu (Tel: 3917 3949 / Email: estherey@hku.hk) 
Ms. Winnie Lam (Tel: 3917 3168 / Email: lamwin@hku.hk)