BUS News
Ferry to the Future: School of Business Startups Make Waves at StartMeUpHK 2024
2 Nov, 2024
The Entrepreneurship Innovation Centre (EIC) of the HKBU School of Business made a notable impact at the StartMeUpHK Festival 2024 on 23rd October 2024, showcasing the innovative spirit of its entrepreneurial community. As part of the festival’s exciting lineup, the EIC selected promising HKBU-affiliated startup teams to compete in the Star Ferry Radical Pitch Debate. This unique event, co-hosted by the School and LOUDER Connect, held on a ferry, saw startups pitching their ideas head-to-head in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Nearly half of the HKBU contestants were from the School of Business. The debate competition, part of the “Connecting the Dots for Responsible Tech” series, focused on crucial aspects of responsible tech and its role in shaping a sustainable future. Participants were challenged to think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly to tough questions from judges and opposing teams.
After the debate, the startup teams participated in the Business & Mentor Matching: CONNECT Networking Area at the Maritime Museum. This event offered a valuable opportunity to connect with industry experts, explore potential partnerships, and gain insights from experienced mentors.
Dr. Marta DOWEJKO, Director of the EIC, who also served as both mentor and judge of the event, emphasised the importance of such experiences in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial leadership. “This event provided a platform for our students to not only showcase their ideas but also to learn from experienced mentors and industry experts,” she said. “It aligns with HKBU’s commitment to driving positive change in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.”
StartMeUpHK, an initiative by InvestHK, is dedicated to assisting founders of innovative and scalable startups from overseas in establishing or expanding their ventures in Hong Kong. The event, held from 21st to 25th October 2024, brought together over 600 talented speakers, 12,000+ participants, and 16,000+ online viewers from across the globe.