NextGen Entrepreneur: From Ideation to Tech Start-ups - Secondary School Programmes - HKU Summer Institute

Secondary School Programmes

NextGen Entrepreneur Bootcamp: From Ideation to Tech Start-ups

Coming Soon

NextGen Entrepreneur Bootcamp: From Ideation to Tech Start-ups

July 05 - July 18, 2025

Immersion

Business & Economics

Computer Science

Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Physics

Science

S5 - S6 / Year 12 - 13 / Grade 11 - 12

Local , Non-local

Non-credit Bearing

Face-to-face

Residential Hall (Aged 15 or above) (Included)

To be annouced (Inclusive of accommodation at the student hall)

Coming Soon

Programme Information

Programme Code

SIUB2503-HS

Programme Description

Recent advances in the Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) have facilitated the rapid development of a wide range of products with applications in health, well-being, sports, entertainment, and more. Many of these technologies are transforming our daily lives. Products such as autonomous catering robots, cleaning robots, logistic robots, and autonomous cars are already widely used. With the advances in AI, more intelligent and autonomous systems will be developed, reshaping our everyday routines and experiences. We have already entered the new AI era. Given the transformative power of AI and its potential impacts on almost all aspects of our lives, together with Robotics and IoT, it opens up countless opportunities for new generations of tech companies.

While technology companies are inherently focused on technology, they must also prioritize business strategies and develop robust commercialization routes to succeed. Recognizing that not all tech professionals are well-versed in business and not all business experts have deep technological knowledge, this programme is designed to provide students with exposure to both areas.

This programme aims to introduce the concepts and basic theories of AI, robotics, IoT, and sensing, and how such technologies can be applied in practice. Apart from technologies, this programme will also introduce the processes and mechanisms of starting up a tech company, from generating concepts/ideas and building proof-of-concept prototypes to crafting business plans and pitching to investors.

It covers the underlying technologies of AI, Robotics, and IoT, as well as commercialization, business development, and hands-on system development. It provides an ideal platform for preparing students to enter the rapidly growing technology industries and gain insight into starting up tech companies.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this programme, students will be able to:

Technologies:

Understand the basic knowledge of AI, robotics and IoT technologies
Use the knowledge and experience gained to develop solutions to address real-world problems
Be familiar with AI models, functions and performance of AI systems and platforms
Gain hands-on experience in programming robotics and IoT devices
Build proof-of-concept prototypes

Businesses:

Understand how to develop a business model for a tech startup
Gain knowledge in conducting marketing research
Learn strategies for securing funding
Prepare a start-up pitch to investors

Programme Schedule

Week 1

Date

Jul 5 (Sat)

Jul 6 (Sun)

AM (09:30 - 12:30)

Orientation

PM (14:00 - 17:00)

Student Hall Check-in

Introduction – Robotics, IoT and AI

Week 2

Date

Jul 7 (Mon)

Jul 8 (Tue)

Jul 9 (Wed)

Jul 10 (Thu)

Jul 11 (Fri)

AM (09:30 - 12:30)

Design Thinking

Machine Learning and AI

Robotics and Vision

Case Studies: Tech Startups

Crafting a Viable Business Model

PM (14:00 - 17:00)

Group Ideation Session: Brainstorming Startup Ideas

Fundraising 101: How to Pitch to Investors

Capstone Project – Tools and Techniques for Rapid Prototyping

Social Activities / Thematic Seminar (TBC)

Idea Pitching: Presenting Initial Concepts

Capstone Project – Hands-On Prototyping: Building the First Version

Week 3

Date

Jul 14 (Mon)

Jul 15 (Tue)

Jul 16 (Wed)

Jul 17 (Thu)

Jul 18 (Fri)

AM (09:30 - 12:30)

Deep Learning and Foundation Models

Internet of Things and Sensing

Pitch Rehearsals: Final Touches with Mentor Feedback

Final Pitch Presentations: Presenting to the Judging Panel

Student Hall Check-out

PM (14:00 - 17:00)

Capstone Project – Peer review: Testing and Feedback on Prototypes

Capstone Project – Prepare the Demo for the Final Pitch

Social Activities (Optional)

Demo Session & Closing

*The above content is subject to change without prior notice. Students should pay attention to the website and email notifications for any updates.

Assessment

As the main purpose of this programme is for the students to gain insights into technological developments and tech start-ups, the Capstone project is designed as a group project. Students will be assigned into groups, with each group consisting of 10 students. The group project will allow students to apply the knowledge gained from lectures to develop innovative solutions, create prototypes for practical applications, and pitch their development for investments as if they were start-up companies. Robotics and sensing devices will be provided for the capstone projects.

Each project group will use the available equipment/devices and the knowledge learned in the lectures to identify a potential market need, design and develop a technological solution to address the need, draft a business case, and pitch their result. Given the complexity of the capstone project, most of the afternoon sessions throughout the programme will be allocated for the students to build their projects within their groups. Mentors will be assigned to guide them through the technological and business development processes.

By the end of the project, each group will have to pitch their ‘start-up’ ideas and demonstrate their proof-of-concept prototypes in front of a judging panel, and their performance will be assessed accordingly.

Programme Instructor(s)

Professor Joseph CHAN, Associate Director, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, HKU Business School

Dr. Benny LO, Reader of Imperial College London | Former CEO of Precision Robotics (HK) Limited

Mr. Sammi WONG, Deep-tech Venture Investor | Strategy Consultant | Entrepreneur

Eligibility

All shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Zoom interview.
Students are required to bring their own laptop.

Programme Fee

To be annouced (Inclusive of accommodation at the student hall)

10% - Early Bird (On or before February 7, 2025)

10% - Partnership Discount / Referral Discount / HKU Family Discount (Staff, Students, and Alumni) / Academy for the Talented Summer Scholarships / Special Discount

20% - HKUSI Alumni Discount

* All discounts are NOT in conjunction with any other discounts.

Students of non-credit bearing programmes will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the programme. Students of credit-bearing programmes can apply for a transcript stating HKU credits. Please contact your home institution regarding the recognition of HKU credits.
It is understood that you must be available for the entire duration of the programme, from the start to the end. A 20% absence allowance is permitted for emergencies or sick leave, provided there is a legitimate reason and official letterhead proof for the absence. Students are responsible for contacting the programme coordinator and/or the relevant teacher in advance regarding any anticipated absence. No exceptions will be made unless prior approval has been granted. Punctuality is expected for all classes and tutorials. Unexcused lateness may be considered as an absence. Students who fail to achieve an 80% attendance rate or who are absent without legitimate reason and official letterhead proof will not be awarded HKU Credits or the Certificate of Attendance.

Language Requirements

For Undergraduate/Postgraduate Students ONLY

Students whose first language or teaching medium in the home institution is not English are required to submit one of the following test types to prove your mastery of the English Language:

IELTS
TOEFL
International Baccalaureate Diploma
GCSE / GCEO
SAT Reasoning Test
CET Band 4 and Band 6
Others (e.g. a letter of reference from your institution to prove that your English ability is sufficient enough for learning and communication)

If a student’s first language or teaching medium in the home institution is English, please upload a declaration statement for our reference.

Declaration Form - if English is the applicant’s first language or teaching medium at home institution.

Remark(s) for English proficiency documents:
Unless otherwise specified, there are no minimum score requirements for language tests, programme host will determine if the applicants are capable of the programme. Please refer to the programme page to view the specific admission criteria of programme concerned.

Dates & Required Documents

Applying to HKUSI

Applications for the HKU Summer Institute 2025 Summer Programmes will be available on a rolling basis in Late-November, 2024. All applications must be completed via the HKU Summer Institute Online Application System. Undergraduate/Postgraduate and Secondary School Programmes will be conducted in face-to-face or online mode. Applicants are reminded to carefully review on the requirements of the respective programme webpage before applying.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Admission Process

Date

Application Opens

Date

Coming Soon

Application Deadline

Date

10% Early Bird Discount: February 7, 2025

For Non-local students: March 21, 2025

For Local students: May 31, 2025

*We offer a variety of discount offers, and you are likelty to be eligible for at least one of our discounts, please check it out now!

To find out the specific requirements and application deadlines of individual programmes, please check the links below:

Undergraduate/Postgraduate Programmes

Secondary School Programmes

Rolling Admission

Your application, together with the materials submitted, will be reviewed once accepted by the system. Admission results will be announced on a rolling basis after January 31, 2025, subject to the decision of the offering Units/Faculties/Departments. The earlier you apply, the better your chance of securing a place in the summer programmes.

Application Materials

An applicant should submit a complete application online before the application deadline, please prepare the following documents before you start the online application process:

Items

Supporting Documents

Personal Identification

Supporting Documents

Recent headshot photo of the applicant:
- Size should not be smaller than 40 mm (W) x 50 mm (H) or 1200 pixel (W) x 1600 pixel (H)
- Image file type: PDF or JPG
Photocopies of the applicant’s proof of identity:
For local students
- Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
- Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents (港澳居民來往內地通行証或回鄉咭) (if applicable) for multi-location programme travelling to China
For non-local students
- Personal particular page of passport with validity period for at least 6 months
- Validated study visa (if applicable) Hong Kong Identity Card (if applicable)

Education and Qualification

Supporting Documents

Photocopies of certificates and academic transcripts as specified in the application form:
- If these are not in English, they must be accompanied by a translation in English
- The documents must indicate: full name of school, full name of student and grading system/scale (e.g. 7=Excellent; 6=Very Good; 5=Good)
Photocopies of proof of English proficiency:
- e.g. HKCEE/DSE certificate with English Language subject result or IELTS/TOFEL result slip, etc.; or
- Declaration Form - if English is the applicant’s first language or teaching medium at home institution.

Additional Supporting Documents

Supporting Documents

Additional documents as required by individual programme(s) e.g. recommendation letter from school principal, personal statement, short essay, additional form.

Visa application

If you do not have the right of abode in Hong Kong, regardless of the length of study, you are required by law to obtain a Student Visa for the purpose of education, issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD).
Students must to submit the Student Visa Application online, if needed, as soon as you receive a Notice of Admission from HKUSI. Please visit the following link for online application: https://www.studentvisa.hku.hk/
The Student Visa Application process takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks upon receipt of a complete set of application documents. The actual processing time could be longer for individual cases, especially if your set of documents is incomplete.
Upon successful application, a visa/entry permit will be granted by ImmD, which will be collected by HKU Admissions Office for onward transmission to the applicant.
One entry permit is applicable for one programme only, and the cumulative duration of a short-term study should not exceed 180 days within any 12-month period according to the Immigration guidelines.
For Mainland Chinese applicants, you should reserve additional 2 weeks to apply for an Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) (港澳通行證) and the relevant exit endorsement (逗留D簽).
For students currently staying in Hong Kong holding a valid student visa (NOT a dependent visa), if you are currently studying at another local university, you are not eligible to apply for any courses at HKU. This restriction is due to the conditions of your current student visa.
Holding a valid Student Visa is important as you will be checked by the ImmD upon arrival in Hong Kong and also by HKU staff on the first day of class.
It is the responsibility of individual students to make appropriate visa arrangement before they come to Hong Kong.

For more details, please refer to the following links:

HKU Student Visa Application Website: Click Here
Student Visa Application Timeline: Click Here
Student Visa Application Procedure: Click Here

For inquiries, please contact us.

Academy for the talented – We’re searching for talents and YOU are wanted!

For Secondary School Students ONLY

Want to join the HKU Academy for the Talented Family? Students who are currently in Form 2/Grade 8 or above can submit a Talent Search application now! For more details, please visit https://talented.hku.hk/

HKU Academy for the Talented offers Summer Scholarships to the Academy members joining summer programmes offered by the HKU Summer Institute. Members who have successfully received an offer from the summer programmes will receive a scholarship which is equivalent to a 10% discount on the programme fee.

Level of Study Comparison Chart for Secondary School Students:

Hong Kong

Mainland China

UK & IB Level

Junior 1 (初中一年級)

Year 8

Grade 7

Junior 2 (初中二年級)

Year 9

Grade 8

Junior 3 (初中三年級)

Year 10

Grade 9

Senior 1 (高中一年級)

Year 11

Grade 10

Senior 2 (高中二年級)

Year 12

Grade 11

Senior 3 (高中三年級)

Year 13

Grade 12

When uploading the files to our Online Application System, please use the type of supporting document and your full name as the file name. (e.g. Passport LEE Tai Man Harry). The file name must be in English.
Maximum uploading size for each file is 25MB.
Please do not send any original documents to us by post. HKUSI is not responsible for any documents lost in the process.
Application will only be processed after ALL supporting documents and application fees are successfully submitted to the Online Application System before the deadline.
HKU Summer Institute (HKUSI) reserves the right to cancel a programme in the event of insufficient enrolment or any unforeseen circumstances. Programme dates, content, application period, and fee are subject to change without prior notice, students should keep an eye on our website and email notification for programme updates.

Fees & Payment

Estimated Cost

Fee Items

Amount

Application Fee

HKD 400 - For the first programme and any subsequent application is HKD 250 per programme.

The application fee is a non-refundable and non-transferable.
Students may enrol in more than one programmes as long as it does not cause any scheduling conflict.

Programme Fee

The fees for each programme vary. Please refer to the individual programme for detailed information.

We offer a variety of discount offers, and you are likelty to be eligible for at least one of our discounts, please check it out now!

Student Visa Application Fee

HKD 990

Student Visa Online Application: https://www.studentvisa.hku.hk/
The application fee is a non-refundable and non-transferable.
You are required to settle the fee using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Unionpay; please try to avoid using a Debit card)

Accommodation Fee

We offer HKU Residential Hall or Recommended Hotel Accommodation for students to choose from. Please refer to our Summer at HKU - Accommodation Webpage.

You can make a reservation using our Online Reservation Platform. An email containing instructions will be sent to you.

Social & Cultural Activities Fee

A variety of social and cultural activities, both fee-paying and free-of-charge, will be arranged. For details on these activities, please visit our Summer at HKU - Social & Cultural Activities Webpage.

You can make a reservation using our Online Reservation Platform. An email containing instructions will be sent to you.

*Fees are non-refundable after your acceptance of the offer.
*Payments must be settled online via credit card or ePayment.

Payment Methods - Online credit card payment (Application fee/Programme fee)

Once your application is successful, the online credit card payment will be made available to process payment for your application fee, accommodation fee, and programme fee (if applicable) by the deadline.

HKU Summer Institute accepts MasterCard , Visa, Union Pay , WeChat Pay , AlipayHK , Alipay , and FPS .
If the credit card information you submit is incomplete or if the credit card payment is unsuccessful, you will not be registered in your course(s). To avoid a delay in the admission process, please make sure your credit card's daily charge limit is sufficient for the total course payment.
HKU Summer Institute is not responsible for fluctuations in international exchange rates or interest charges due to the timing of credit card charges or refunds.
A small number of programmes may have specific payment requirements for programme fees. If your application is successful you will receive relevant instructions on fee payment.

*Offers will be issued on a rolling basis after January 31, 2025, for details, please refer to the respective programme webpage. The successful application will be notified and asked to confirm acceptance by settling the programme fee within 3-5 calendar days. We will confirm your place only after you have paid in full.

How to Apply

STEP

Read the programme information and specific requirements carefully. The programme list can be found in the Undergraduate Programmes and Secondary School Programmes.
Ensure that you have fulfilled the Language Requirements of HKU Summer Institute and the Eligibility for the programme(s).

STEP

Register and create a personal application account on HKU Summer Institute Online Application System. An acknowledgment will be sent to your registered email address immediately.
Complete the online application form and upload all the requried supporting documents.
Pay the non-refundable application fee online by MasterCard , Visa, UnionPay , WeChat Pay , AlipayHK , Alipay , or FPS .

* Application will be processed only when ALL supporting documents and application fee are submitted successfully before the deadline.

* Once submitted, amendments to the application are NOT allowed. Please contact us if you want to change your personal particulars after submission. Applicants are strongly advised to check their details carefully before submitting the application. We recommend that you keep records of your submission.

STEP

Confirm your acceptance of the offer via the Online Application System when you received the notice. This must be done before the acceptance deadline set by the HKU Summer Institute or related Faculties.
Follow the below procedures to accept your offer:
1. Log in to HKU Summer Institute Online Application System.
2. Click “Accept Offer”. (Some programmes will require your to upload the reply slip, please refer to the admission letter).
3. Click “OK” to confirm your acceptance. Please click “Upload Reply Slip and Accept Offer” to upload the reply slip for acceptance.

STEP

Payment of programme fee: Please read the payment instructions carefully to settle the programme fee, accommodation fee (if applicable), and social & cultural activities fee (if applicable) before the deadline.

STEP

Application of Student Visa: If you do not have the right of abode in Hong Kong, regardless of the length of study, you are required by law to obtain a Student Visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD). You must to submit the visa application online as soon as you receive a Notice of Admission from HKUSI. The visa application process takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks. For Mainland Chinese applicants, you should reserve additional 2 weeks to apply for an Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) (港澳通行證) and the relevant exit endorsement (逗留D簽). Holding a valid student visa is important as you will be checked by the ImmD upon arrival in Hong Kong and also by HKU staff on the first day of class. It is the responsibility of individual students to make appropriate visa arrangement before they come to Hong Kong.

- For more details, please refer to the following links:
  1. HKU Student Visa Application Website: Click Here
  2. Student Visa Application Timeline: Click Here
  3. Student Visa Application Procedure: Click Here

*Please quote programme code (if applicable), your application number, and your full name in all future correspondence with the HKU Summer Institute. Enquiries without sufficient information will not be entertained.

*Please read our Student Handbook 2024 for your study journey with us: Click Here (MUST READ!)

FAQ

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions by students, please note that the answers are for your reference only.
Should you have further enquiries, please feel free to contact us at:

ugsummer@hku.hk (for Undergraduates/Postgraduates Programmes issues)
hssummer@hku.hk (for Secondary School Programmes issues)

Please enter correct keyword

Where should I apply for my Hong Kong Student Visa?

If you do not have the right of abode in Hong Kong, regardless of the length of study, you are required by law to obtain a Student Visa for the purpose of education, issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD).

Students must to submit the visa application online as soon as you receive a Notice of Admission from HKUSI. The visa application process takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks. For Mainland Chinese applicants, you should reserve additional 2 weeks to apply for an Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) (港澳通行證) and the relevant exit endorsement (逗留D簽).

For students currently staying in Hong Kong holding a valid student visa (NOT a dependent visa), if you are currently studying at another local university, you are not eligible to apply for any courses at HKU. This restriction is due to the conditions of your current student visa.

One entry permit is applicable for one programme only, and the cumulative duration of a short-term study should not exceed 180 days within any 12-month period according to the Immigration guidelines. It is the responsibility of individual students to make appropriate visa arrangement before they come to Hong Kong.

Please click here for online submitting the Student Visa Application. For inquiries, please contact here.

Do I need to arrange my own insurance?

In any case, you are strongly recommended to make your own insurance arrangements throughout the entire period of your studies in Hong Kong. Students will be responsible for their own medical and dental costs during the period of the programme. If you have to travel outside Hong Kong, you should make sure that your existing insurance policy covers your destination. Otherwise, you are advised to buy additional travel insurance before your trip.

Please check with your insurance agent and ensure that the scheme covers travel /flight delays, theft of personal belongings and medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad for the programme period.

How can I enjoy a dicount offer?

We offer a variety of discount offers, and you are likely to be eligible for at least one of the following discounts:

1. Early Bird Discount - Enjoy 10% Off

2. HKUSI Alumni Discount – Enjoy 20% Off

3. HKU Family Discount – Enjoy 10% Off

4. Partnership Discount – Enjoy 10% Off

5. Academy for the Talented Summer Scholarships - Enjoy 10% Off

6. Referral Discount – Enjoy 10% Off

7. Special Discount – Enjoy 10% Off

Please read the eligibility criteria for each discount to determine which one(s) you may qualify for: Featured Discount Offers

Notes:

1. All discounts are NOT in conjunction with any other discounts.

2. Discount eligibility varies for different programmes and programme offerings/details are subject to change; please refer to the respective programme webpage for the most updated information.

3. To activate the promotional code, students must type the code in the discount box during the application process on the HKU Summer Institute Online Application System. No discount will be given if applicants fail to enter the promotional code appropriately. Discounts cannot be claimed retrospectively.

What is the COVID guidance at HKUSI?

HKU has now resumed normal operations, subject only to Covid regulations mandated by the HKSAR Government (https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html). This means we no longer require a Vaccine Pass for campus access and we no longer expect close contacts of Covid cases to stay away from work or study.

* Starting from 30 January 2023, the Government will no longer issue isolation orders to infected persons. Students requiring sick leave may apply for leave of absence if necessary.

Who is eligible for the HKU Summer Programme?

University students, secondary school students and anyone who meets the entrance requirements of HKU Summer Institute programmes.

Can I apply for more than one programme?

Yes, you may apply for more than one programme as long as the programmes do not have conflicting schedules.

What is the medium of instruction?

Our programmes are instructed in English with exception in a small number of language courses.

What is the communication platform for Online Programmes? (For Online Programmes ONLY)

All online programmes will be conducted primarily via Zoom as the virtual classroom platform. Please ensure that Zoom is accessible in your area before deciding to join our summer programmes as all application fees and programme fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Can I apply for a credit transfer?

The availability of credit transfer arrangements is determined by your home institution. Please confirm with your home university whether HKU credits could be transferred toward your degree.

What should I do if I have forgotten my application number?

When you create the account, the online application system will send you an email with the application number. Please refer to the email you received when you first created your account.

Can I combine my transcripts into a single file to upload?

Yes. You may combine your transcripts to upload as a single file.

How can I know if my online application has been successfully submitted?

Once you have submitted your online application, you will receive an email confirmation. Please read the application instructions carefully and ensure that you have provided all the requested documents.

Is the application fee changeable for each programme applied?

The application fee is a non-refundable and non-transferable one-time fee. Applicants are required to pay the application fee for each programme.

I am a native English speaker, what should I upload for English proficiency documents?

If your first language is English, please upload a paper with a statement written that your first language is English.

I would like to make amendments to my uploaded documents. Can I revise the files that have already been uploaded to the Online Document Upload System?

You cannot make amendments to your application once it has been submitted, but you can upload the document anew. Please indicate “revised” in the file name if you would like to upload a new version of supporting documents.

Can I cancel my application or withdraw from the programme? Will there be a programme fee refund?

Yes. You can cancel your application through your registration account by clicking “Cancel” beside the column. However, both the programme fee and application fee are non-refundable.

Will there be any interviews?

Depending on the programme you have registered for, there may or may not be an interview. Please refer to the programme webpage for detail

Will I receive a certificate once I complete the programme?

Students of non-credit bearing programmes will receive a certificate, while students of credit-bearing programmes can apply a transcript stated with number of credits upon completion. Link to apply for transcript: http://www.ase.hku.hk/asoffice/.

I just received the admission offer from HKU Summer Institute. How can I confirm my offer?

Please proceed to your online account to accept the offer before the acceptance deadline. Click https://summerapplication.hku.hk/application/auth/login to login your account.

What are the rules and regulations for zoom class sessions? (For Online Programmes ONLY)

Please ensure that Zoom is accessible in your area and be punctual for the classes.

You must be in a quiet environment and limit any noise distractions during live in the Zoom classroom. If you are not speaking, please make sure your microphone is muted to avoid looping echoes.

You must have your webcam on to show your face clearly during live in the Zoom classroom.
The audio and video material, text, images and other content of the online summer programme are properties of the University. You are not allowed to record, reproduce, or republish the video, links, login or any other content. You are also not allowed to modify the video or any other content, including but not limited to, adding any advertisement or other material or by interfering with the viewing of any content. A breach of these regulations may lead to legal action.
Please be respectful to others. You are solely responsible for your comments, actions, profiles and/or other content in relation to the online summer programmes, including but not limited to posting/submitting online or before, during or after live in the Zoom classroom.
The University reserves the right to ask you to leave the Zoom classroom and/or terminate your student status from the programme anytime.