PolyU holds inauguration ceremony for Master of Technology Entrepreneurship programme, nurturing next generation of entrepreneurial leaders
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to nurturing innovative talent and entrepreneurs, translating research outcomes into practical innovations that benefit society. Last month, PolyU launched the Master Technology Entrepreneurship (MTE) programme. Through its 12 Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) established in major cities across the Chinese Mainland, the programme enables students to implement entrepreneurial projects and helps them to transform innovative ideas and cutting-edge research into successful startups. The inaugural MTE cohort comprises over 50 students from diverse backgrounds, spanning sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, architecture, media and e-commerce. Among them are research and development professionals, startup founders, corporate executives and individuals seeking a career change, reflecting the programme’s core emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration.
The PolyU Graduate School hosted the Inauguration Ceremony cum Gala Dinner for the MTE programme on 30 January. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); Prof. QIU Anqi and Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Deans of the Graduate School; Prof. HE Mingguang, MTE Programme Director; and Prof. Sylvia LIU, MTE Deputy Programme Director, attended the ceremony. The event also featured a masterclass delivered by Prof. WANG Jian, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BGI Group.
In his speech, Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “The MTE programme is a new flagship initiative of the PolyU Graduate School, designed to nurture leaders in technology entrepreneurship and drive the translation of creative ideas into societal impact through interdisciplinary training. This aligns closely with the innovation-driven strategy of the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and reinforces Hong Kong’s vital role in the Greater Bay Area’s innovation and technology landscape. In recent years, PolyU has been actively expanding its research presence in the Chinese Mainland, establishing 12 Translational Research Institutes in various cities. These Institutes provide extensive resources and platforms for MTE students. I hope all our students will embrace exploration and innovation, accelerating their growth through learning and practice. Together, we will shape the new era of technology entrepreneurship.”
During the ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao presented Prof. Wang Jian with an appointment certificate as an Honorary Professor of the Graduate School. Prof. Wang Jian then delivered a masterclass titled “Omics for ALL”, sharing, from a scientist’s perspective, how BGI transcended binary thinking and drove continuous innovation. He also recounted the various challenges encountered on his own entrepreneurial journey. Drawing on his extensive experiences in scientific innovation and entrepreneurship, he encouraged students to embrace interdisciplinary thinking and pursue excellence.
The MTE programme breaks through traditional academic frameworks by placing hands-on entrepreneurship at its core. The programme cultivates entrepreneurial talent with both technical expertise and business acumen, helping students turn their startup ideas into operational ventures. Adopting a cross-regional teaching model that integrates Hong Kong’s international advantages with the industrial resources of the Chinese Mainland, the programme enables students to broaden their global perspectives. In addition to masterclasses delivered by industry leaders, the programme leverages PolyU’s MTRIs to provide students with exclusive practice opportunities, connect them with industry networks, and provide exposure to real-world industrial landscapes and relevant policy resources. Students are required to establish a technology startup through one of the PolyU MTRIs or other reputable entrepreneurship platforms before graduation. PolyU aims to converge these market-ready entrepreneurial outcomes to create a distinctive brand that defines the new era of technology entrepreneurship, laying a solid foundation for students to embark on their journey as technology entrepreneurs.
For programme details and application procedures, please visit: https://polyu.hk/NcCKT
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