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of Public Security, Guangdong Environmental Monitoring
Center, China Telecom, and East China University of Science
and Technology, among other
s.
EXTENDING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
During the period under review, the School launched several
initiatives to enhance its knowledge transfer capabilities
and cultivate entrepreneurial talents. The Redbird
Entrepreneur Cradle Project began in January 2015. In this
series, successful entrepreneurs and scholars from HKUST
and the Mainland Thousand Talents Program shared
their insights on start-up preparations and challenges.
The workshops attracted over 500 participants from Fok
Ying Tung Research Institute and universities in the Mainland
and Macau.
To provide soft skills training and technical support, the
School started to develop a central “DIY Center” facility for
HKUST faculty, students, and other young entrepreneurs
who foster start-ups at the Institute. The facility is due to be
completed at the end of 2015. The School also took the lead
in forming the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Higher
Education Alliance for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
with South China University of Technology, Sun Yat-sen
University, Guangzhou University, Guangdong University of
Technology and the University of Macau. The objective is
to strengthen coordination between the universities and
provide a unique knowledge transfer platform for young
people in the Pearl River Delta region.
To recognize the School’s enterprise in these areas, two
plaques, namely the Innovation and Business Hub for Youths in
Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, and Guangzhou Nansha
(International) Entrepreneurship Platform, were awarded to
the Institute by the Guangdong provincial government.
ADVANCING COMMERCIALIZATION AND
MARKETING CAPABILITIES
A Technology Marketing and Incubation Office was set up
to build the School’s capability to commercialize applicable
HKUST technologies and services. The Office will collaborate
closely with the University’s Office of Associate Provost for
Knowledge Transfer, Technology Transfer Center and HKUST
R and D Corporation Ltd to create connections between the
HKUST community, industry and venture capital firms, and
improve synergy among Mainland platforms and HKUST
technology transfer support units.
Start-up incubation was actively pursued through the
formation of the Deep Innovation Center, which sought
to connect research strengths and industries for the
School’s four areas of focus. Through this Center, the School
can provide the full spectrum of incubation services and
apply to Mainland government funds earmarked for
entrepreneurial endeavors.
TRAINING TALENTS
The School also engaged in knowledge exchange, offering
professional training to local government officials and
entrepreneurs to foster innovative and global mindsets.
During the year under review, seven programs were held on
big data, technology innovation, IP management, and other
relevant areas, attracting over 350 participants from the
local business sector and the government.
