The University of Hong Kong (HKU) commemorated on Saturday the institution of the HKU School of Innovation (I-School), showcasing its influence on innovation and expertise (I&T) growth in town.
Xiang Zhang, president and vice-chancellor of HKU, highlighted in his opening deal with on the celebration the strategic function of the I-School in advancing interdisciplinary studying and fostering deep collaboration between universities and business.
The school, established in November 2024, celebrated its inaugural 12 months after the arrival of the primary cohort taking Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Technology in September 2025.
Since then, college students have engaged with town’s I&T ecosystem by visits to Hong Kong Science Park, the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy in Shenzhen, and Tencent, whereas collaborating with organizations, together with the Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Shipowners Association, and Food Angel.
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“The opening of the HKU School of Innovation marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development,” Lillian Cheong Man-lei, underneath secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, mentioned in a video greeting proven throughout the occasion at Rayson Huang Theatre.
“By bringing together research excellence, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurial talent, the school will play a vital role in transforming bold ideas into real-world impact and nurturing the next generation of innovation leaders,” she added.
Terry Wong Ping-sau, chief govt officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), emphasised the significance of college–business collaboration in advancing Hong Kong’s I&T panorama.
“HKU’s School of Innovation represents an important step forward for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem, advancing world-class research into outcomes that benefit society and industry,” mentioned Wong, including that the I-School will nurture innovators and contribute to Hong Kong’s future.
James Tang, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee (UGC), highlighted the important function of upper training excellence in supporting innovation expertise growth throughout Hong Kong’s college sector.
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“The establishment of the I-School corresponds closely with both the UGC’s strategic priorities and the government’s broader objectives of developing Hong Kong into an international education hub and innovation powerhouse, and demonstrates a clear commitment to nurturing a new generation with interdisciplinary expertise, an entrepreneurial mindset, and strong real-world engagement,” he mentioned.
Hayden So, I-School director, outlined its imaginative and prescient and mission to equip college students with the abilities, mindset and real-world publicity wanted to sort out advanced innovation challenges.
“Once they are motivated, they will pursue their passions across diverse fields throughout their innovation journey. That’s what future innovators will look like—self-motivated, agile, and compassionate,” So mentioned.
Looking forward, I-School mentioned it plans to broaden its educational and experiential choices, together with the launch of a grasp’s program in the approaching 12 months.