CUHK LEAP Showcases 45 Startup Teams; Paul Chan Pledges to Optimize Fundraising Platforms
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago7 MIN
Summary
The inaugural CUHK LEAP (中文大學科博薈), a flagship innovation and entrepreneurship event combining the former CUHK Entrepreneurship Day and CUHK Innovation Day, took place on October 9-10, 2026, at the Yasuda International Academic Hall. The event showcased 45 startup teams from the CUHK community spanning artificial intelligence, life health, advanced manufacturing, new energy, and education technology. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, speaking at the opening ceremony, emphasized the government dedication to optimizing IPO platforms to help enterprises raise capital more easily, citing examples of successful CUHK-born technologies including Professor Lo Yuk-ming's non-invasive prenatal testing and AI-powered surgical robots developed by Professor Chiu Wai-yan and Professor Au Kwok-wai . The event, themed "Innovation to Impact," attracted over 1,500 visitors and featured the 10th anniversary CUHK Entrepreneurship Competition, with Robozyme Limited winning the championship prize of HK$50,000 .
Key Points
- The event was held at the Yasuda International Academic Hall on CUHK campus, October 9-10, 2026, featuring 45 startup teams and drawing more than 1,500 visitors
- Robozyme Limited won the championship in the 10th anniversary CUHK Entrepreneurship Competition, utilizing bacterial-driven immobilized enzyme technology for eco-friendly bio-based chemical production, earning HK$50,000
- Runners-up included SOTA Robotics (HK) Limited developing next-generation intelligent robotic systems with human-like dexterity, and VasoLean HealthCare Limited focusing on cardiovascular health nutrition solutions
- Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po stated the government will optimize listing systems to help startups access capital for business expansion, while advancing the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone and Northern Metropolis university town projects
- CUHK Board of Trustees Chairman Andrew Yuen Chi-tak noted CUHK has established "new quality industry centers" in Nansha and Qianhai, aiming to connect with national and HKSAR development strategies
Why It Matters
This inaugural event demonstrates Hong Kong universities are increasingly effective bridges between cutting-edge research and commercial applications, with the government pledge to refine listing mechanisms signaling stronger institutional support for the local startup ecosystem. The success of CUHK LEAP in attracting over 1,500 visitors underscores growing public interest in technology entrepreneurship and innovation-driven economic diversification .
This inaugural event demonstrates Hong Kong universities are increasingly effective bridges between cutting-edge research and commercial applications, with the government pledge to refine listing mechanisms signaling stronger institutional support for the local startup ecosystem. The success of CUHK LEAP in attracting over 1,500 visitors underscores growing public interest in technology entrepreneurship and innovation-driven economic diversification .