Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Business School Hong Kong SAR China
The ecosystem of Innovation and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong
What did our previous participants say?
- “I loved the activities we had and the high-profile people we met, who gave us insights and a future perspective on Hong Kong.”
- “I really liked the professor's technique of situating us in the history and economy of Hong Kong to understand this environment of innovation and its importance.”
- “Engaging in visits and conversations with executives of government and private companies, who share their experiences, is highly valuable for students.”
About the program
Hong Kong's corporations, universities, and government have made substantial efforts to support and attract investment in innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. For instance, the HKSAR government continues to inject billions into various funding schemes aimed at supporting SMEs and startups etc., as announced in September 2025.
This course examines how these initiatives are unfolding in Hong Kong, particularly how the city can leverage its geographic advantages within the Greater Bay Area. It will explore the growth of startups and innovation, the measures Hong Kong has implemented to support startups within localized ecosystems, and strategies for effectively leveraging these resources to maximize opportunities for innovation.
Through case studies, company visits, and discussions, students will gain insights into Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial environment and the opportunities available within its local ecosystem, encompassing perspectives from startups, the private sector, and government.
Features of our program
- Classes will be held at both HKUST's main Clear Water Bay campus by the sea and the downtown campus in Central, the business hub of HK.
- Company visits will include both public and private sectors to explore Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem.
- A networking mixer will take place on the iconic Hong Kong trams.
- Receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the program.
About the Instructor
Professor Joon Nak Choi (JC) is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Management Department at HKUST Business School. He has also taught at Stanford University and NYU Shanghai. A pioneer in the Hong Kong startup sector, he brings extensive experience to the field -
- Served as a member of the Task Force on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, where he headed the Subcommittee on Incubation and Funding.
- Co-founder of Zectr, a company that utilizes machine learning to automate survey-driven market research.
- Advisor of startups, Fortune Global 500 corporations, and private equity funds on AI.
Was the Chief Data Scientist for AssertID, which was spun out from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.