At PolyU, young innovators are harnessing their passion and technology to build startups that change lives. Their vibrant entrepreneurial spirit is exemplified by two PolyU-nurtured startups – Libpet Tech and Vidi Labs – which have recently earned coveted spots on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list, in the categories of “Industry, Manufacturing & Energy” and “Social Impact”, respectively. These accolades are a testament to their founders’ vision and determination to use innovation for the greater good, while also highlighting PolyU’s commitment to fostering impactful solutions that address real-world challenges.

Libpet: Revolutionising mobility with robotics

With a vision to integrate robotics into everyday life to help people, PolyU alumni Jojo Xu Huafeng and Alex Lam Yuen-yik co-founded Libpet Tech Limited to transform the lives of elderly and physically challenged individuals. Libpet launched its flagship product, the smart all-terrain wheelchair TenK, in 2022. TenK employs an exclusive, patented wheel belt system that can navigate rough terrains like grassland, beaches and stairs, as well as cross-platform gaps at train stations without requiring assistance. Equipped with Internet of Things sensing technology, the wheelchair enables users to monitor real-time information regarding speed, distance and battery level through a mobile app.

Libpet’s innovations have already made a tangible impact, with its products receiving orders from Hong Kong, the Mainland and South Africa, as well as enquiries from an increasing number of regions worldwide.

“Being recognised by Forbes represents an acknowledgment of Libpet’s vision to use robotics for the benefit of society. Looking ahead, we hope to expand out from Hong Kong, bringing our quality products to more people in need.” Jojo said.

Vidi Labs: Empowering the visually impaired with AI

Turzo Bose and Lamia Sreya Rahman, co-founders of Vidi Labs Limited, are on a mission to improve the quality of life for the visually impaired and the wider community through their flagship product Seekr. This compact AI-powered wearable device acts as a “visual companion”, providing real-time, intuitive audio cues to help users navigate their surroundings independently. It leverages advanced AI to extract visual information and deliver easy-to-understand guidance, empowering users to make decisions and explore new spaces confidently.

Lamia reflected on the significance of winning the Forbes 30 Under 30 award, noting that while the team is often focused on practical daily tasks, the recognition served as a reminder of their broader impact. “It reminds us that we are on the right track and reaffirms our mission. It also positions Vidi Labs as an innovator in the field of accessibility, inspiring us to continue striving for greater societal impact on a larger scale.”

Supported by the Good Seed programme and the ASCEND incubation programme (jointly organised by PolyU and the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation), Turzo and Lamia received seed funding and entrepreneurship backup in growing Vidi Labs. The startup has grown rapidly from a team of two to 15, reaching thousands of users in Hong Kong and beyond, with the aim of fostering greater social inclusion.

A testament to the success of PolyVentures

The journeys of Libpet Tech and Vidi Labs exemplify how young entrepreneurs can transform what they have learned into meaningful solutions that empower individuals and uplift communities. PolyU startups have been internationally recognised by Forbes for the second year running, underscoring the success of PolyU’s unique entrepreneurial ecosystem and PolyVentures in fostering new enterprises. By nurturing innovative startups and supporting their growth, PolyU is helping to drive positive change and create a more inclusive society.