EdUHK Establishes the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Research Driving Innovation and Social Impact
The opening ceremony of the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) Centre for Entrepreneurship and Research (CEAR) was held on 21 October at the Hong Kong Science Park. This initiative reinforces EdUHK's commitment to nurturing talent, fostering applicable innovation and driving social impact through entrepreneurship.
CEAR has been established to transform research into sustainable ventures by fostering collaboration with the innovation and technology sectors. It provides a comprehensive platform for EdUHK faculty members and students to transfer their research knowledge, accelerate technological innovation, commercialise their ideas and develop into successful entrepreneurs by incubating EdUHK projects.
Guests attending the ceremony were EdUHK Council Treasurer Ms Imma Ling Kit-sum, EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, Vice President (Research and Development), Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, Associate Vice President (Research)Professor Ken Yung Kin-lam, Director of Knowledge Transfer Professor Stephen Chow Cheuk-fai, as well as Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Mr Albert Wong Hak-keung, Shatin District Council Member Mr Patrick Choi Wai-shing, Executive President of Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences Dr Hao Yinxing, Director and President of Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre Professor Hsu Hoi-shan, Deputy Director General of Guangzhou Nansha Economic and Technological Development Zone Mr Lyu Wei, Hong Kong Commercial Daily Managing Director Professor Dai Jie, and other honorable guests from the innovation and technology sector.
In addition to the CEAR team, start-up teams from the Education⁺ and Social Entrepreneurs (EASE) Fund Scheme, another EdUHK programme focusing on EdTech, education innovation and social innovation also attended the ceremony.
Professor John Lee Chi-Kin remarked that CEAR is a key step in knowledge transfer and entrepreneurial innovation, reflecting EdUHK’s commitment to education, innovation and social impact. “We envision CEAR as not just a launchpad for research-based entrepreneurs but also as a bridge to their success, catalysing advancements in educational and technological integration. With CEAR’s support, we believe that more start-ups will thrive and bring new momentum into educational innovation in Hong Kong, our nation and the world,” he said.
Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin said, “The establishment of CEAR as a premier incubation centre reflects EdUHK’s strong commitment to innovation and integration of technology and education. We are grateful for the unwavering support from the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Science Park and our partners, transforming our vision into a success story.”
Features of CEAR include:
- Incubation Resources: dedicated resources for incubation and collaboration, such as connecting research-based innovators, like-minded entrepreneurs and early-stage start-ups.
- Facilities, Training and Mentorship: office facilities, training workshops and expert guidance from professionals in tech incubation and investment.
- Funding support: a delegated incubation fund and fast track to other EdUHK seed fund programs and partner incubation platforms
- Networking opportunities: regular events with external tech firms and incubators for business development and R&D collaborations.
- Professional services: consulting, legal, accounting and company secretarial support
Currently, five start-ups have already established themselves at CEAR:
- EduFuture Robotics Co Ltd: A start-up which designs AI-powered storytelling robots to enhance cognitive and linguistic development among children.
- Focus Tech Lab Limited: A start-up that develops an intelligent automated system for effective ocular misalignment assessment and diagnosis.
- Innovative Music Zentre Ltd: A start-up which focuses on designing an innovative music project for e-orchestra performance and digital music creation.
- Meta AI: A 3D Metaverse for Online Collaborative Learning.
- SustainED Ltd: A start-up which focuses on developing a collaborative generative AI platform, providing a multi-user shared AI online chat platform for classrooms and lessons.
These start-ups span several fields, encompassing AI-driven music education, AI-driven strabismus diagnosis, educational robotics, metaverse and AI integration, and a collaborative generative AI platform for classrooms. Their work is set to further the development of educational technology and make a substantial societal impact.
Following the ceremony, guests participated in a CEAR tour, learning about ongoing innovative projects and initiatives.
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