HKUST: A Breeding Ground for AI Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong

Brief overview of HKUST

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) stands as a beacon of innovation in the landscape of . Established in 1991, this relatively young institution has rapidly ascended global rankings, consistently recognized among the top universities worldwide. Its strategic location at Clear Water Bay provides a picturesque backdrop for cutting-edge research and academic excellence. HKUST has cultivated a distinctive identity characterized by its strong emphasis on science, technology, and business education – a combination that perfectly positions it at the intersection of technological innovation and commercial application. The university's commitment to pushing boundaries is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities and its recruitment of world-class faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. Within this dynamic environment, the field of artificial intelligence has emerged as a particular strength, with HKUST establishing itself as a regional powerhouse in AI research and education. The university's multidisciplinary approach encourages collaboration between engineers, computer scientists, business specialists, and other disciplines, creating fertile ground for innovative thinking and problem-solving. This integrated educational philosophy has proven particularly effective in nurturing the next generation of technology leaders who possess both deep technical expertise and business acumen.

HKUST's contribution to higher education in Hong Kong extends beyond traditional academic boundaries. The university has actively shaped the territory's innovation ecosystem through strategic partnerships with industry, government, and international research institutions. Its graduates have become sought-after professionals in various sectors, with many choosing to launch their own ventures rather than pursue conventional career paths. This entrepreneurial spirit is actively encouraged through numerous initiatives and support systems designed to transform promising ideas into viable businesses. The university's focus on real-world impact ensures that research conducted within its laboratories often finds practical applications that benefit society and drive economic growth. As Hong Kong positions itself as an innovation hub in the Greater Bay Area and beyond, HKUST's role in supplying talent, generating knowledge, and fostering innovation has become increasingly vital. The university serves as a crucial bridge between academic discovery and commercial implementation, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence where theoretical advances can quickly transform industries.

Thesis statement: HKUST's unique ecosystem fosters AI entrepreneurship in Hong Kong

HKUST has developed a comprehensive ecosystem that systematically nurtures AI entrepreneurship, making it a driving force behind Hong Kong's emerging technology landscape. This ecosystem represents a carefully constructed framework that integrates cutting-edge research, practical education, mentorship, funding, and industry connections – all essential components for successful venture creation. What distinguishes HKUST's approach is its holistic understanding of the entrepreneurial journey, providing support at every stage from initial concept development to startup scaling and beyond. The university recognizes that technological innovation alone is insufficient for entrepreneurial success; thus, it deliberately cultivates the business skills, network access, and mindset required to transform promising AI research into viable commercial enterprises. This integrated support system has proven remarkably effective in producing a steady stream of AI-focused startups that contribute to economic diversification and technological advancement in Hong Kong. The university's strategic location within the Greater Bay Area further amplifies its impact, providing entrepreneurs with access to manufacturing capabilities, investment capital, and market opportunities that extend well beyond Hong Kong's borders.

The success of HKUST's approach to fostering AI entrepreneurship stems from its ability to create synergistic relationships between various elements of its ecosystem. Research breakthroughs in laboratories inspire new venture ideas, while interactions with industry partners help researchers understand real-world problems that AI can address. Meanwhile, the entrepreneurial education provided through various programs equips students and faculty with the business knowledge needed to commercialize their innovations. Funding mechanisms bridge the critical gap between research funding and traditional venture capital, enabling promising projects to reach proof-of-concept stages that attract further investment. This carefully orchestrated interplay between different components creates an environment where AI entrepreneurship can flourish naturally rather than through forced intervention. The results speak for themselves: HKUST has become the origin point for numerous successful AI startups that have gone on to raise significant funding, create jobs, and develop innovative solutions with global applicability. As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries worldwide, HKUST's role in cultivating entrepreneurs who can leverage this technology positions Hong Kong advantageously in the global innovation landscape.

World-class AI faculty and research labs

HKUST's strength in artificial intelligence begins with its exceptional faculty, which includes internationally recognized researchers who have made significant contributions to various AI subfields. The university has strategically recruited experts in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and data science, creating a critical mass of intellectual capital that drives innovation. Many faculty members hold doctoral degrees from prestigious institutions worldwide and maintain active research programs that push the boundaries of AI capabilities. Their work regularly appears in top-tier conferences and journals, establishing HKUST as a thought leader in the global AI research community. Beyond individual accomplishments, these researchers collaborate extensively across disciplines, bringing AI expertise to bear on challenges in healthcare, finance, environmental science, and other domains. This cross-pollination of ideas often leads to breakthrough innovations with strong commercial potential, providing fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures. The faculty's combination of academic excellence and practical problem-solving orientation creates an ideal environment for students aspiring to become AI entrepreneurs.

Complementing its distinguished faculty, HKUST has established numerous specialized research laboratories and centers dedicated to advancing AI technologies. These include:

• Big Data Institute: Focused on developing algorithms and systems for processing and extracting value from massive datasets
• Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR): Dedicated to fundamental AI research with applications across multiple domains
• Robotics Institute: Advancing intelligent robotic systems for industrial, service, and specialized applications
• Multimedia Technology Research Center: Exploring AI applications in video, image, and audio processing

These research entities are equipped with state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, including high-performance GPU clusters essential for training complex AI models. The laboratories serve as innovation hubs where faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students collaborate on cutting-edge projects, often with direct industry involvement. This research environment provides aspiring entrepreneurs with exposure to the latest technological developments while developing practical skills in implementing AI solutions. The close proximity of diverse research specialties encourages serendipitous connections between different AI subfields, frequently sparking innovative ideas that form the foundation of new ventures. Through these world-class research facilities, HKUST creates an environment where theoretical advances rapidly translate into practical applications with commercial potential.

Comprehensive AI curriculum and training programs

HKUST offers a comprehensive suite of academic programs designed to equip students with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in artificial intelligence. At the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science provides specialized tracks in AI and machine learning, covering fundamental concepts such as neural networks, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and ethical AI development. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with hands-on implementation, ensuring graduates possess both conceptual understanding and practical abilities. For students pursuing postgraduate studies, HKUST provides more advanced and specialized options including Master of Science programs in Big Data Technology and Artificial Intelligence, as well as research-focused PhD programs that contribute directly to the advancement of AI knowledge. These programs maintain close connections with industry needs, regularly updating course content to reflect emerging trends and technologies. The pedagogical approach emphasizes project-based learning, with students frequently working on real-world problems provided by industry partners – an experience that naturally prepares them for entrepreneurial ventures.

Beyond degree programs, HKUST offers numerous complementary educational opportunities that strengthen the AI capabilities of its community. These include:

This multifaceted educational approach ensures that HKUST graduates possess not only technical expertise but also the problem-solving mindset and adaptability required in the fast-evolving AI landscape. Many courses specifically address the commercial applications of AI technologies, helping students identify opportunities where artificial intelligence can create value in various industries. This combination of deep technical training and business awareness makes HKUST alumni particularly well-positioned to launch successful AI ventures. The university's emphasis on ethical AI development and responsible innovation further distinguishes its educational approach, producing entrepreneurs who consider the societal implications of their technologies alongside commercial objectives.

Collaboration with industry partners on AI projects

HKUST maintains extensive partnerships with leading companies across multiple sectors, creating valuable opportunities for collaborative AI research and development. These industry connections serve as crucial bridges between academic research and commercial application, providing both funding for advanced research and real-world contexts for testing and refining AI technologies. Major technology companies including Huawei, Tencent, and SenseTime have established joint laboratories with HKUST, combining academic expertise with industry perspective to tackle challenging problems. Beyond technology firms, HKUST collaborates with companies in finance, logistics, healthcare, and retail – sectors where AI applications can generate significant value. These partnerships often take the form of sponsored research projects where company representatives work alongside academic researchers to develop solutions for specific business challenges. For aspiring entrepreneurs, these collaborations provide invaluable exposure to industry needs and practices, helping them identify promising opportunities for new ventures.

The benefits of HKUST's industry partnerships extend beyond research funding and practical problem-solving. These relationships create multiple pathways for technology transfer and venture creation:

• Licensing Opportunities: Companies license HKUST-developed AI technologies for commercial development
• Joint Ventures: HKUST researchers co-found startups with industry partners who provide market access and business expertise
• Talent Pipeline: Industry partners often hire HKUST graduates with AI expertise, while sometimes spinning out new ventures from these teams
• Validation: Industry adoption of HKUST research provides validation that strengthens fundraising efforts for related startups

These industry connections are facilitated through dedicated offices within HKUST that manage technology transfer and industry engagement. The university has established clear policies regarding intellectual property that fairly balance the interests of researchers, the institution, and industry partners, removing potential barriers to collaboration. For AI entrepreneurship, these industry partnerships provide essential market validation, early adopter relationships, and sometimes initial revenue streams that significantly de-risk new ventures. The network of industry relationships also creates mentorship opportunities, with experienced executives providing guidance to fledgling entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of venture creation and growth.

HKUST Entrepreneurship Center and its programs

The HKUST Entrepreneurship Center serves as the central hub for entrepreneurial activities across the university, providing comprehensive support for students, faculty, and alumni interested in launching ventures. Established with the mission of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the HKUST community, the Center offers educational programs, mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical resources that guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the venture creation process. Its team includes experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and business specialists who understand the unique challenges of building technology companies, particularly in the AI domain where technical complexity intersects with market uncertainty. The Center's approach recognizes that successful entrepreneurship requires more than just good ideas – it demands specific knowledge, skills, and networks that can be systematically developed through appropriate programs and support structures. By making these resources accessible to all members of the HKUST community, the Center significantly lowers barriers to venture creation, particularly for technically brilliant researchers who may lack business background.

The Entrepreneurship Center coordinates a diverse portfolio of programs tailored to different stages of the entrepreneurial journey:

• Entrepreneurship Education: Credit-bearing courses, workshops, and seminars covering topics from idea validation to fundraising
• Idea Incubation: Programs that help refine early-stage concepts through customer discovery and business model development
• Venture Competitions: Events like the HKUST One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition that provide funding, exposure, and feedback
• Mentorship Network: Connections with successful entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts who provide guidance

These programs create multiple touchpoints where members of the HKUST community can engage with entrepreneurship, regardless of their prior experience or current venture stage. The Center pays particular attention to the unique requirements of AI ventures, which often face challenges related to data acquisition, model interpretability, and computational resources. Specialized workshops address these AI-specific considerations, while the Center's network includes mentors with specific expertise in commercializing artificial intelligence technologies. Through these tailored offerings, the Entrepreneurship Center has become an essential component of HKUST's ecosystem for AI entrepreneurship, transforming technical creativity into viable business ventures that contribute to economic development and technological progress.

Incubation and acceleration support for startups

HKUST provides structured incubation and acceleration programs that offer crucial support during the most vulnerable early stages of venture development. The HKUST Entrepreneurship Center operates the HKUST-SINO One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Fund Incubator Program, which provides selected startups with seed funding, office space, mentorship, and access to the university's network of resources. This program accepts applications from both current community members and alumni, recognizing that entrepreneurial ideas may develop at different stages of one's relationship with the university. For ventures specifically focused on deep technology including AI, HKUST offers the HKUST-DT System and Design Incubation Program, which provides specialized support for technologies requiring longer development cycles and more substantial R&D investment. These incubation programs create protected environments where early-stage ventures can refine their products, validate their business models, and build initial traction before entering the competitive marketplace.

Beyond general incubation, HKUST offers acceleration programs designed to help ventures scale more rapidly once they have achieved initial product-market fit. The HKUST Accelerator Program provides intensive mentorship, networking opportunities, and additional funding access for ventures preparing for significant growth. Participants in acceleration programs benefit from structured curricula addressing common scaling challenges, regular progress reviews with experienced entrepreneurs and investors, and demo days that connect them with potential partners and funders. The university has also established specialized acceleration tracks for AI ventures through partnerships with organizations like the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport. These AI-focused programs provide access to specialized infrastructure including computing resources and data sets, while connecting entrepreneurs with potential customers in relevant industries. The combination of incubation and acceleration support creates a continuous pathway from initial concept to scalable business, significantly increasing the survival and success rates of HKUST-affiliated AI startups.

Funding opportunities for HKUST entrepreneurs

Access to appropriate funding represents a critical challenge for early-stage technology ventures, particularly in the AI domain where development costs can be substantial before revenue generation begins. HKUST addresses this challenge through a multi-layered funding strategy that provides financial support at various stages of venture development. At the earliest concept stage, the university offers micro-grants through programs like the Entrepreneurial Proof-of-Concept Fund, which provides small amounts of capital (typically HK$50,000-100,000) to validate ideas and build initial prototypes. For ventures that demonstrate initial promise, larger seed funding becomes available through mechanisms such as the HKUST-SINO One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Fund, which typically invests HK$200,000-500,000 in selected startups. These early-stage funding sources are crucial for AI ventures that need to develop working prototypes before approaching professional investors, as they enable technical validation that significantly increases fundraising prospects.

As ventures progress beyond the seed stage, HKUST facilitates connections to external funding sources through its extensive network of angel investors, venture capital firms, and corporate investment arms. The university regularly hosts investor networking events and pitch sessions where entrepreneurs can present their ventures to potential funders. HKUST maintains particularly strong relationships with investors who specialize in deep technology and AI, recognizing that these investors possess the technical understanding and patience required for AI ventures with longer development timelines. The table below illustrates the progression of funding opportunities available to entrepreneurs:

This graduated funding approach ensures that promising AI ventures can access appropriate capital at each development stage, significantly increasing their chances of success. By de-risking early stages through university-provided funding and support, HKUST enables entrepreneurs to achieve milestones that make them attractive to professional investors, creating a sustainable pipeline from academic research to commercially successful ventures.

Highlight successful AI startups founded by HKUST alumni or faculty

HKUST's ecosystem for AI entrepreneurship has produced numerous success stories that demonstrate the effectiveness of its approach. Among the most notable is SenseTime, co-founded by HKUST professor Tang Xiaoou, which has grown to become one of the world's most valuable AI companies specializing in computer vision and deep learning technologies. Originally spun out from research conducted at HKUST's Multimedia Laboratory, SenseTime developed groundbreaking face recognition technology that has found applications across security, retail, finance, and other sectors. The company's valuation surpassed US$7.5 billion following multiple funding rounds, making it one of Hong Kong's most prominent technology success stories. Another standout example is Lalamove (formerly EasyVan), founded by HKUST alumnus Shing Chow, which has revolutionized logistics across Asia through its AI-powered matching platform connecting delivery drivers with customers. The company has expanded to hundreds of cities across Asia and Latin America, with a valuation exceeding US$1 billion following its Series D funding round.

Beyond these well-known unicorns, HKUST has produced numerous other AI startups addressing diverse markets and applications:

• Fano Labs: Developing speech recognition and natural language processing technologies specifically optimized for Chinese dialects and business applications
• Insilico Medicine: Applying generative adversarial networks and reinforcement learning to drug discovery and development processes
• Visionaries 777: Creating computer vision solutions for retail analytics and customer behavior understanding
• Articulate: Developing AI-powered conversation intelligence platforms for sales teams

These ventures illustrate the diversity of AI applications emerging from HKUST's ecosystem, spanning healthcare, logistics, retail, and enterprise software. What they share in common is their foundation in advanced AI research combined with strong business models that address clear market needs. The success of these companies creates a virtuous cycle for HKUST's entrepreneurial ecosystem, as exited entrepreneurs often return as mentors, investors, and advocates for the next generation of startups. Their achievements also enhance HKUST's reputation as a birthplace of AI innovation, attracting more talented students, researchers, and partners to the university's ecosystem.

Case studies of these startups and their impact

Examining specific case studies reveals how HKUST's ecosystem contributes to the success of AI startups at various stages of their development. SenseTime provides a compelling example of how university research can transform into a global technology leader. The company's origins trace back to fundamental research on computer vision conducted at HKUST's Department of Information Engineering, where Professor Tang Xiaoou and his team made significant advances in face recognition algorithms. HKUST provided crucial early-stage support including laboratory space, computing resources, and initial funding through technology transfer programs. As the technology demonstrated commercial potential, the university facilitated connections to early customers and investors in Hong Kong and mainland China. SenseTime's deep ties to HKUST continue through ongoing research collaborations and recruitment of graduates, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the company and the university. The impact of SenseTime extends beyond its commercial success; the company has played a pivotal role in establishing Hong Kong as a significant player in the global AI landscape, attracting attention and investment to the region's technology sector.

Lalamove offers another instructive case study in how HKUST supports ventures that apply AI to transform traditional industries. Founder Shing Chow developed the initial concept for Lalamove while studying at HKUST, where he participated in entrepreneurship programs that helped refine his business model. The university provided early mentorship connecting him with logistics experts who helped shape the platform's design. As Lalamove expanded beyond Hong Kong, HKUST's network facilitated introductions to potential partners and investors in new markets. The company's AI-powered matching algorithm, which optimizes driver assignments and routing, benefited from technical talent recruited from HKUST's computer science programs. Lalamove's impact on the logistics sector has been substantial, creating economic opportunities for hundreds of thousands of driver partners while providing businesses and individuals with more efficient delivery options. The company's success demonstrates how AI can create value by optimizing operations in fragmented, traditional industries – an approach that has inspired numerous other HKUST entrepreneurs to identify similar opportunities in other sectors.

Focus on how HKUST contributed to their success

The success stories emerging from HKUST's ecosystem consistently highlight multiple ways in which the university contributed to venture development. For SenseTime, HKUST provided the foundational research that became the company's core technology, along with the physical infrastructure and computational resources needed to advance that research beyond theoretical concepts. Perhaps equally important, the university's technology transfer office helped navigate the complex process of protecting intellectual property and structuring the spin-off company in a way that fairly balanced the interests of researchers, the institution, and future investors. HKUST's reputation as a leading research institution also lent credibility to the fledgling venture, helping attract early customers and investment. As SenseTime scaled, the university continued to serve as a talent pipeline, supplying graduates with the technical expertise needed to advance the company's technology platform. This ongoing relationship demonstrates how HKUST's support extends well beyond the initial spin-off phase, creating enduring partnerships that continue to generate value for both the university and its entrepreneurial offspring.

For Lalamove and other alumni-founded ventures, HKUST's contribution often begins with entrepreneurial education that helps technical founders develop business acumen. Founder Shing Chow has specifically credited HKUST's entrepreneurship programs with helping him transform a promising idea into a viable business model. The university's network provided access to early mentors who offered guidance on operational challenges, as well as introductions to initial investors who believed in the vision. As Lalamove expanded geographically, HKUST's international alumni network facilitated market entry in new locations by connecting the company with relevant contacts and resources. The university also served as a recruiting ground for technical talent, particularly for developing the AI algorithms that power Lalamove's matching engine. This case illustrates how HKUST supports ventures that may not originate from university research but still benefit tremendously from the ecosystem's educational programs, networks, and talent pipeline. The common thread across these success stories is HKUST's ability to provide the right resources at the right time, adapting its support to the specific needs of each venture as it progresses through different development stages.

HKUST's plans for further strengthening its AI and entrepreneurship programs

HKUST continues to evolve its support for AI entrepreneurship through strategic initiatives designed to enhance both its technical capabilities and entrepreneurial infrastructure. A cornerstone of these efforts is the development of the HKUST(GZ) campus in Guangzhou, which adopts a revolutionary interdisciplinary approach organized around hubs rather than traditional academic departments. This structure deliberately breaks down silos between different fields, creating fertile ground for the cross-pollination of ideas that often sparks innovation. The new campus features dedicated research thrusts in artificial intelligence and data science, with particular emphasis on applications in sustainability, healthcare, and society. The physical design of HKUST(GZ) incorporates collaboration spaces and maker facilities that encourage spontaneous interactions and rapid prototyping of ideas. This expansion significantly increases HKUST's capacity for AI research and education while providing new pathways for commercialization through connections with mainland China's extensive manufacturing capabilities and market opportunities.

Beyond physical expansion, HKUST is implementing several programmatic enhancements to strengthen its AI entrepreneurship ecosystem:

• AI for Social Good Initiative: Encouraging applications of AI that address societal challenges while creating commercial value
• Corporate Innovation Partnerships: Developing deeper relationships with established companies seeking AI solutions
• Global AI Talent Program: Attracting and supporting exceptional AI researchers and entrepreneurs from worldwide
• Applied AI Research Clusters: Focusing research efforts on domains with strong commercial potential including fintech, healthtech, and smart cities

These initiatives reflect HKUST's understanding that AI entrepreneurship must evolve alongside technological advancements and market needs. By anticipating trends and proactively developing capabilities in emerging areas, the university ensures that its ecosystem remains relevant and effective in nurturing the next generation of AI ventures. The integration between the Hong Kong and Guangzhou campuses creates additional opportunities for entrepreneurs to access diverse resources, networks, and markets, further strengthening HKUST's position as a leading hub for AI innovation and commercialization.

The potential impact of HKUST on the development of the AI industry in Hong Kong

HKUST's continued investment in AI research and entrepreneurship has profound implications for the development of Hong Kong's technology ecosystem and economic structure. As a leading institution in higher education in Hong Kong, HKUST plays a pivotal role in supplying the talent needed to grow the local AI industry. The university graduates hundreds of students with AI expertise each year, with many choosing to launch or join ventures in Hong Kong rather than pursuing opportunities elsewhere. This talent pipeline addresses a critical constraint on the growth of the AI sector, ensuring that companies can access the specialized skills required to develop and implement AI solutions. Beyond technical talent, HKUST produces entrepreneurs with the business knowledge and venture creation experience needed to build successful companies around AI technologies. This combination addresses both sides of the talent equation – the technical expertise to develop AI innovations and the business acumen to commercialize them effectively.

HKUST's impact extends beyond talent development to shaping the overall structure and reputation of Hong Kong's technology sector. The success of HKUST-affiliated AI startups demonstrates that Hong Kong can produce globally competitive technology companies, challenging perceptions that the city excels only in finance and professional services. This success attracts attention and investment to Hong Kong's technology ecosystem, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits all participants. As more HKUST AI ventures achieve scale, they create intermediate markets for specialized services including data annotation, model training, and AI infrastructure – supporting the development of a broader AI industry beyond individual application companies. The university's research collaborations with industry also help established companies in traditional sectors understand and adopt AI technologies, accelerating digital transformation across Hong Kong's economy. Through these multiple channels, HKUST serves as a catalyst for the development of a robust, self-sustaining AI industry in Hong Kong that contributes to economic diversification and enhances the city's competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.

HKUST as a vital engine for AI innovation and entrepreneurship

HKUST has established itself as an indispensable engine for AI innovation and entrepreneurship within Hong Kong's ecosystem of higher education. The university's comprehensive approach – integrating world-class research, practical education, entrepreneurial support, and industry connections – creates an environment where AI technologies systematically transition from academic discovery to commercial application. This integrated model addresses the entire innovation value chain, from fundamental research to venture scaling, significantly increasing the likelihood that promising AI technologies will become successful businesses. The results speak for themselves: HKUST has produced a disproportionate share of Hong Kong's most successful AI startups, demonstrating the effectiveness of its ecosystem in nurturing ventures that create economic value and technological advancement. These successes reinforce HKUST's reputation as a birthplace of AI innovation, attracting more talent, resources, and attention to its programs and further strengthening the ecosystem.

Looking forward, HKUST's role in shaping Hong Kong's AI landscape appears set to expand rather than diminish. The university's strategic investments in new campuses, research initiatives, and program enhancements position it to remain at the forefront of AI development and commercialization. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and permeate more aspects of society and economy, the need for institutions that can both advance the technology and guide its responsible application becomes increasingly important. HKUST's multidisciplinary approach – combining technical excellence with business acumen and ethical consideration – creates entrepreneurs who develop AI solutions that are not only technologically sophisticated but also commercially viable and socially beneficial. This balanced approach to AI entrepreneurship represents HKUST's most significant contribution to Hong Kong's development as an innovation hub, ensuring that the city plays a meaningful role in shaping the AI-powered future rather than merely adapting to changes driven elsewhere. Through its continued commitment to excellence in AI research and education, coupled with its comprehensive support for entrepreneurship, HKUST will remain a vital engine for innovation that powers Hong Kong's economic transformation and technological advancement.