Hang Seng Bank (Hang Seng) and City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) announced a new collaboration: The “Hang Seng x CityUHK HK Tech 300 Innovation Programme” on 26 November. It aims to accelerate the growth of local start-ups while nurturing a new generation of talent for the innovation and technology (I&T) sectors. With this announcement, Hang Seng becomes the first innovative partner of CityUHK HK Tech 300 from the banking sector to promote sustainable entrepreneurship.

 

This industry-academia-research collaboration marks a milestone for both institutions in Hong Kong and beyond, supporting the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s significant investments in I&T development within universities.

The collaboration between Hang Seng and CityUHK strengthens the support of aspiring entrepreneurs, students, alumni, and research staff through HK Tech 300, the University’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme. Since 2021, HK Tech 300 has nurtured over 900 start-ups with a keen focus on creating deep-tech start-ups, driving cutting-edge technologies forward, and fostering young tech innovators.

The Programme will focus on the following three key areas:

• Innovative Research Application – Hang Seng will offer business advisory, mentor the entrepreneurs and conduct proof-of-concept projects to foster real world innovation. These initiatives will provide industry insights and help test, validate and refine value propositions for the start-ups funded by HK Tech 300.
• Market Connectivity – Hang Seng and CityUHK will co-host regular business networking and matching sessions, industry workshops and seminars at CityUHK’s co-working space. Hang Seng will also provide HK Tech 300 companies access to its innovation ecosystem, which include innovation advocates, industry experts and investors. 
• Sustainability and Talent Development – CityUHK and Hang Seng will explore the possibility of a series of initiatives to develop talent in the field of sustainability in Hong Kong, including a specialised 2-credit course on sustainable finance tailored for students enrolled in CityUHK's MBA programme. In addition, CityUHK will also offer executive programmes focusing on key areas such as ESG, leadership, and innovation, supporting the upskilling of Hang Seng’s workforce.

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, said, “The collaboration we are witnessing today unites the strengths and resources of CityUHK—an institution renowned for its research excellence and commitment to developing talent—with the extensive banking expertise and resources of Hang Seng. Together, Hang Seng and CityUHK form a powerful alliance that aligns with the Government’s vision for an innovative and diversified economy.  It will also nurture the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who will be the key drivers of the city’s growth and development.”

Ms Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng, said, “Hang Seng Bank has always been a strong advocate of the Government’s innovation and technology policies, as well as promoting local innovation ecosystem development. We are delighted to partner with CityUHK to drive entrepreneurship in Hong Kong by supporting the HK Tech 300 start-ups in capturing business opportunities, sharpening their competitive advantage and making a real impact. Together, we are investing in the future of Hong Kong as an international I&T hub and financial centre.”

Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK, said this industry-university-research collaboration represents a remarkable fusion of Hang Seng’s legacy with CityUHK’s youthful dynamism, creating an invaluable and powerful synergy aimed at empowering our future leaders and inspiring positive change in society.

 “The collaboration we are formalising today is a vital step forward. We will align our research efforts with practical business challenges presented by Hang Seng, ensuring that our academic contributions are not only theoretical but also impactful through real-world applications,” said President Boey. “By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we are enhancing the employability of our graduates and ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well-prepared to address the challenges of tomorrow.”