BUS News
Bright Minds Blaze Trail at Dean's Cup BIG 9.0 Semi-Final Competition of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
16 May, 2024
The future of business innovation was on full display at the HKBU School of Business, as the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre (EIC) set the stage for the semi-final competition of the Dean’s Cup Business Innovation Gymnasium (BIG) 9.0 on 16th May, 2024. The event was a veritable melting pot of ideas, with around 100 students (30 teams), mentored by 48 star mentors from diverse business sectors, showcased their entrepreneurial flair and innovative spirit. The air was charged with anticipation as these young visionaries pitched their game-changing ideas, all vying for a coveted spot in the grand finale at the futuristic hub of Cyberport on 30th May, 2024.
Prof. Yuk-Shing CHENG, Interim Dean of the School of Business, extended a heartfelt welcome, commending the synergy of innovation and entrepreneurship as the cornerstones of success. He said, “By embracing uncertainty and equipping yourselves with these transferable skills, you will be well-prepared for whatever the future holds. Embrace the spirit of innovation, learn from mentors and your peers, and continue to push the boundaries.”
Dr. Marta DOWEJKO, EIC Director, expressed gratitude to the judges and peer mentors for their influential roles in the BIG competition. “This initiative is a significant step in furthering the international presence and fostering connections with entrepreneurs from across the globe. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the mentors who support their mentee teams in this period and present at our semi-final competition.” She also announced that all finalists would automatically qualify to participate in the Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) startup competition in Zhuhai. Furthermore, the competition will award the winning team a comprehensive package that includes flight expenses, accommodations, travel insurance, and passes to the Web Summit in Portugal this November.
The semi-final’s judging panel, consisting of Prof. Howard LING, Professor of Practice of the HKBU School of Business, Ms. Jessica NG, Executive Vice Chairman of the South China Media Group, Ms. Liz MCKENZIE, Co-Founder & COO of Angelflow, Mr. Anthony HOREKENS, Marketing Consultant of Okosix Limited, Ms. Annie LUK, Head of Sales of Flywheel Financial Strategy, Mr. Patrick LAU, Founder & CEO of Snaildy Education Limited, Mr. Alexander HEIN, Co-Founder & CEO of PAJO (getpajo.io), Ms. Onita LAZARO-JHAVERI, Engagement Leader of EY, were impressed by the depth and practicality of the teams’ presentations, complimenting the teams’ confidence and the project sophistication in this competition.
Inaugurated in 2017, this event has evolved beyond a mere competition. It has become a nurturing ground for over 700 future leaders and innovators destined to etch their names in the annals of the business world. The participating students are given the unique opportunity to integrate into the Greater Bay Area's vibrant start-up ecosystem and polish their communication and presentation prowess, equipping them for a promising future in the business arena.
Established in September 2016, EIC supports the School’s entrepreneurial education through seminars, workshops, and related activities. For more information about the Centre, please visit: https://eic.hkbu.edu.hk/.