HKBU Startups Ride the Wave of Innovation at StartMeUpHK 2024

23 Oct, 2024
 

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) made a splash at the StartMeUpHK Festival 2024, showcasing the innovative spirit of its entrepreneurial community. As part of the festival's dynamic lineup, the university's Entrepreneurship Innovation Centre (EIC) selected promising HKBU-affiliated startup teams to compete in the thrilling Star Ferry Radical Pitch Debate, a unique event held on a ferry, where startups pitched their ideas head-to-head.

On October 23rd, six talented HKBU startup teams took to the waters for a thrilling competition hosted by LOUDER Connect within the “Connecting the Dots for Responsible Tech” event. In a highly innovative format, the event paired startups working on similar problems to solve and challenged teams to pitch their ideas head-to-head in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The teams had just minutes to present their concepts, provide strong arguments in favour of their solutions, and defend their positions against tough questions from the judges and opposing teams. The intense competition pushed the entrepreneurs to think critically on their feet, communicate effectively, and adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

Dr. Marta Dowejko, Director of HKBU’s EIC, served as both mentor and judge for the event. She emphasized the importance of such experiences in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial leadership. “This event provided a platform for our students to not only showcase their ideas but also to learn from experienced mentors and industry experts,” she said. “It aligns with HKBU’s commitment to driving positive change in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.”

Following the debate, HKBU's startup teams participated in the Business & Mentor Matching: CONNECT Networking Area at the Maritime Museum. This event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with industry experts, explore potential partnerships, and gain insights from experienced mentors.

By actively participating in StartMeUpHK 2024, HKBU demonstrated its dedication to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. The university's involvement in this prestigious event showcases its commitment to preparing future leaders who are equipped to address global challenges, make positive impact on society, and drive economic growth.

StartMeUpHK, an initiative by InvestHK, is dedicated to assisting founders of innovative and scalable startups from overseas in establishing or expanding their ventures in Hong Kong every year. Partnering with leading organizations, StartmeupHK hosted a series of exhilarating activities, including pitching competitions and startup-investor matchmaking. The event, held from 21 to 25 October 2024, brought together over 600 talented speakers, 12,000+ participants, and 16,000+ online viewers from across the globe.