The University of Hong Kong (HKU) commemorated on Saturday the establishment of the HKU School of Innovation (I-School), showcasing its impact on innovation and technology (I&T) development in the city.  

Xiang Zhang, president and vice-chancellor of HKU, highlighted in his opening address at the celebration the strategic role of the I-School in advancing interdisciplinary learning and fostering deep collaboration between universities and industry.

The school, established in November 2024, celebrated its inaugural year after the arrival of the first cohort taking Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Technology in September 2025.

Since then, students have engaged with the city's I&T ecosystem through visits to Hong Kong Science Park, the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy in Shenzhen, and Tencent, while collaborating with organizations, including the Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Shipowners Association, and Food Angel.

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“The opening of the HKU School of Innovation marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development,” Lillian Cheong Man-lei, under secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said in a video greeting shown during the event at Rayson Huang Theatre.

“By bringing together research excellence, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurial talent, the school will play a vital role in transforming bold ideas into real-world impact and nurturing the next generation of innovation leaders,” she added.

Terry Wong Ping-sau, chief executive officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), emphasized the importance of university–industry collaboration in advancing Hong Kong’s I&T landscape.

“HKU’s School of Innovation represents an important step forward for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem, advancing world-class research into outcomes that benefit society and industry,” said Wong, adding that the I-School will nurture innovators and contribute to Hong Kong's future.

James Tang, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee (UGC), highlighted the vital role of higher education excellence in supporting innovation talent development across Hong Kong’s university sector.

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“The establishment of the I-School corresponds closely with both the UGC’s strategic priorities and the government’s broader objectives of developing Hong Kong into an international education hub and innovation powerhouse, and demonstrates a clear commitment to nurturing a new generation with interdisciplinary expertise, an entrepreneurial mindset, and strong real-world engagement,” he said.

Hayden So, I-School director, outlined its vision and mission to equip students with the skills, mindset and real-world exposure needed to tackle complex innovation challenges.

“Once they are motivated, they will pursue their passions across diverse fields throughout their innovation journey. That’s what future innovators will look like—self-motivated, agile, and compassionate,” So said.

Looking ahead, I-School said it plans to expand its academic and experiential offerings, including the launch of a master’s program in the coming year.