27 Feb 2025
Hang Seng, HKSTP, and Wofoo Collaborate to Forge a Green Future Future Ecopreneur Programme Cultivates 100+ Green Leaders in Its Inaugural Edition Enrolment Now Open for the Second Edition
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Key Takeaways:
- The inaugural Demo Day and Awards Presentation Ceremony of the Future Ecopreneur Programme was held at Hong Kong Science Park, showcasing 26 eco-innovation projects, with 19 proposals selected for HKSTP’s IDEATION programme, with the opportunity to award up to HK$100,000 seed funding.
- The programme delivers a three-stage training, including awareness-building courses and thematic workshops. Participants also gain opportunities to join eco-tours to climate-resilient countries and regions overseas and in the Greater Bay Area, learning from advanced approaches to climate challenges.
- Applications are now being accepted for the second cohort of the programme. Selected teams will have the opportunity to receive initial start-up funds and have access to a number of incubation support programmes.
The ceremony was attended by Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP; Ms Betty Law, Head of Corporate Communications and Community Investments of Hang Seng Bank; Mr Leo Chan, Chairman of Wofoo S.I.T.E (Social Innovation Through Entrepreneurship); and Ar Donald Choi, Former Member of the Board of Directors of HKSTP and Advisor of Our Hong Kong Foundation. They witnessed the achievements of the projects and announced that the second cohort of the programme is now open for applications.
Pioneering a Cross-Sector Green Ecosystem
The Future Ecopreneur Programme is Hong Kong’s first green entrepreneurship programme jointly propelled by a leading financial institution, a statutory body driving innovation and technology, and a non-governmental organisation—namely, Hang Seng, HKSTP, and Wofoo.
Launched in May 2024, the programme received an enthusiastic response, with nearly 60 teams submitting green innovation proposals. Nineteen proposals were selected for HKSTP’s IDEATION programme, and 9 teams were chosen for community innovation projects, receiving one-on-one advisory support. The inaugural programme has cultivated over 100 green leaders, advancing sustainable development goals through innovative solutions that reduce municipal waste, promote green building and technologies, conserve natural ecosystems, and enhance environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
Three-Stage Training to Drive Green Transformation
The programme offers comprehensive training to participants, enhancing their entrepreneurial skills while deepening their understanding of environmental issues. The first stage raises awareness about climate change and sustainable development, helping participants transform knowledge into action by researching and developing innovative solutions to tackle climate challenges, thereby cultivating them into green entrepreneurs. The second stage involves sustainable development courses, themed entrepreneurship training, industry-expert masterclasses, and community visits. The third stage allows participants to implement green innovation solutions and participate in overseas and Greater Bay Area eco-tours, with the opportunity to visit advanced countries and regions in addressing climate challenges and to learn from their approaches.
Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, "The inaugural edition of the programme attracted nearly 60 green innovation and entrepreneurship proposals from 13 tertiary institutions across Hong Kong, reflecting the new generation’s enthusiasm for sustainable development and green technologies. Together, we are collectively contributing to Hong Kong in achieving the vision outlined in the Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2050. HKSTP is dedicated to nurturing green entrepreneurs and will continue collaborating with various sectors to promote the development of green technology. The programme aims to cultivate 30 to 40 GreenTech startups within two and a half years, further expanding the ecosystem of over 200 green technology companies across the Science Park and solidifying Hong Kong’s status as a leading green technology hub."
Mr Leo Chan, Chairman of Wofoo S.I.T.E., stated, “We are committed to nurturing young people to become visionary green entrepreneurs, using innovative technology to drive sustainable development and help Hong Kong and the world address climate change challenges, creating a harmonious and prosperous Hong Kong.”
Demo Day Focuses on Smart Green Projects
During Demo Day, teams delivered pitches on their project concepts and outcomes. MetaGreenX’s team received the prestigious Grand Award for their project aimed at improving the survival rate of seedings in remote green areas. BivaCoo Limited team won the innovation award for their research on carbon sequestration technology in shellfish farming. The social impact award was given to the team from Heung Yau, whose project involves reusing wasted flowers and wood. (Brief descriptions of the projects are provided in the Appendices).
Enrolment for the Second Cohort Now Open
The second cohort of the Future Ecopreneur Programme is now accepting applications. Green innovators who are interested can register online. Selected teams will have the opportunity to receive initial start-up funds and qualify to participate in various incubation support programmes, gaining practical experience and advancing as the next generation of green technology entrepreneurs.
Photo 1: (From left to right) Mr Raymond Chu, Associate Director, University Collaborations & Entrepreneurship of HKSTP; Dr Raymond Wong, Project Committee Convener of iRecycle Charity Foundation; Mr Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development of HKSTP; Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP: Ar Donald Choi, Former Member of the Board of Directors of HKSTP and Advisor of Our Hong Kong Foundation; Ms Betty Law, Head of Corporate Communications and Community Investments of Hang Seng Bank; Mr Gavin Kwok, Director, Philanthropic Advisory of HKSTP; Mr Leo Chan, Chairman of Wofoo S.I.T.E. and Ms Melanie Kwok, Sustainability & Innovation Deputy General Manager of Sino Group at the inaugural Demo Day and Awards Presentation Ceremony of the programme.
Photo 2: The inaugural Future Ecopreneur Programme’s participant MetaGreenX team pitch their innovative concepts and outcomes during Demo Day.
Photo 3: The inaugural Future Ecopreneur Programme’s participant Heung Yau team pitch their innovative concepts and outcomes during Demo Day.
Photo 4: The Future Ecopreneur Programme held its inaugural Demo Day and Awards Presentation Ceremony, showcasing 26 eco-innovation projects. The image features the team from BivaCoo Limited.
Appendix 1 – Ecopreneur Programme Green Innovation Projects
BioLeisure Co., Limited |
The team designs a mobile application that uses Live Action Role Play (LARP), Augmented Reality (AR) technology, and Large Language Models (LLMs) to provide users with immersive outdoor adventures, enhancing their awareness of the environment, culture, and community. |
BivaCoo Limited |
The team develops nature-based carbon sequestration through sustainable bivalve aquaculture. By harnessing the natural ability of bivalves—such as oysters, mussels and scallops—to absorb CO₂ from seawater and store it in their shells, repurposing shells into bio-cement, soil enhancers, and biodegradable materials. |
Bunnie Bling Limited |
It is an innovative urban greening initiative that connects people with nature using IoT technology. Through their IoT-enabled bracelets and a dedicated mobile application, users can monitor the health and condition of their sponsored plants in real time, fostering a deeper connection to urban greenery. |
ESG VISA Limited |
Older structures pose considerable challenges regarding structural integrity and sustainability. The team presents an innovative, fully automated Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning robot, and incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to provide real-time, transparent building assessment data. |
Green Point Data Solutions Limited |
The team focuses on providing innovative ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data management and reporting solutions, helping companies enhance data transparency and align with regulatory standards and stakeholder expectations. |
Greenbox Technology Limited |
The team designs an Auto-Collecting Machine (ACM) for box returns, equipped with IoT functionality. A backend database and system, integrated with cloud technology, will collaborate with existing takeout platforms and restaurant management systems. |
InsectX Limited |
With breeding black soldier flies that naturally consume organic food waste, growing them into biomass of optimal size. Then extract lipid compounds from this biomass and process them into usable biodiesel for diesel engines, aiming to reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong, and commit to sustainability and the pursuit of innovative approaches to address pressing environmental challenges. |
MetaGreenX NatureTech Limited |
By using advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technology smart sensors for real-time monitoring of seedling growth, combined with artificial intelligence (AI) for nutrient regulation, the solution aims to improve the survival rate of seedlings in remote greening areas. |
Pastime Solutions Limited |
The team designs a revolutionary ecological micro-learning and gamified citizen science platform to transform how people engage with environmental education, aiming to shape a greener tomorrow. By combining interactive learning with casual gaming, the platform helps the users to acquire practical ecological knowledge, connect with nature while contributing to real-world conservation efforts. |
PERFORMANCE X LIMITED |
Aiming to transform equine health through artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to analyze the equine microbiome and identify promising probiotic candidates.The mission is to develop tailored probiotics that enhance horse welfare and performance while addressing the urgent global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. |
Appendix 2 - EcoPilot Community Innovation Project
GRPan |
Repairing neighborhood frying pans to reduce waste. |
TOCHI LAB |
Recycling discarded ceramics into artificial coral reefs that benefit marine ecosystems. |
Stote |
Making slippers from recycled fabric for hotel guests. |
ReCube |
A reusable tableware rental service aimed at reducing single-use tableware waste at the source. |
BeachBot AI |
Developing artificial intelligence (AI) driven and solar-powered smart beach cleaning robots that autonomously navigate and execute cleaning tasks. |
CanTone |
Creating artificial intelligence (AI) driven CanTone mobile app to help ethnic minorities learn Cantonese, aiding their integration into society. |
DU-SHELL |
Utilizing durian shells as recycling, which are non-recyclable waste in the food waste industry, to create building materials, reducing carbon emissions and saving landfill space. |
Heung Yau |
Reusing wasted flowers and wood to make incense and aromatherapy products, minimizing environmental impact and supporting sustainability. |
Dexrupt |
Using advanced 3D printing technology to repurpose food waste (such as coffee grounds and tealeaf waste) to create artistic and functional products |
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