EdUHK Launches “EASE Fund x IP Venture Scheme 2024/25”
Fostering Youth Innovation and Knowledge Transfer
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted the “Education⁺ and Social Entrepreneurs (EASE) Fund x IP Venture Scheme 2024/25” launching ceremony on 28 June at InnoCentre, Kowloon Tong. The event marked a significant milestone in EdUHK’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer.
Organised by the Knowledge Transfer Sub-office (KT Sub-office), the EASE Fund scheme is a seed funding initiative designed to support EdUHK students and alumni in transforming innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises. The 2024/25 edition of the scheme is supported once again by “HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area” under the “Youth Development Fund” of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Youth Development Commission. This also marks the second consecutive year that EdUHK has received HYAB’s endorsement, signifying the Bureau’s continued recognition of the University’s efforts in fostering youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship.
EdUHK Vice President (Research and Development) Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin delivered the opening remarks. Following his address, the KT Sub-office Entrepreneurship Development Unit (EDuce) introduced the EASE Fund and its expanded scope for 2024/25. A key highlight is the new “IP Venture Scheme”, which aims to support applicants to commercialise EdUHK’s research outputs. Participants are also granted access to a curated portfolio of university-owned patents and intellectual property, fostering stronger connection between academic research and market application, while strengthening the University’s knowledge transfer ecosystem.
The ceremony featured an IP Showcase, where six EdUHK Principal Investigators (PIs) and representatives presented their research-based innovations:
- Dr Fu Hong, Department of Mathematics and Information Technology - A Multi-modal Handwriting Analysis Platform: System and Algorithms
- Miss Crystal Lo Yuen-wing (on behalf of Dr Steve Mung Wai-yin, Knowledge Transfer Sub-office) - Integrated Nutrition Management System with Smart Panel and AI Platform for Sustainable Dietary Progress
- Professor Wong Ming-hung, Department of Science and Environmental Studies - Portable Aeroponic Culture Unit
- Dr Chris Tsang Yiu-fai, Department of Science and Environmental Studies - Rapid Quantification of Microplastics Using Total Organic Carbon Analysis with Simple Sample Pretreatment
- Dr Michael Yeung Kin-chung, Department of Psychology - A Hybrid EEG-fNIRS Neurofeedback Application for Brain Training for Autistic Children
- Mr Krova Zhao Sikun (on behalf of Professor Hung Keung, Department of Cultural and Creative Arts) - Digital Puppetry System: Connecting Young Generation and Cultural Heritage with Novel Technology
(Listed in alphabetical order of surname)
These presentations provided attendees with insights into the University’s latest innovations and their potential applications in real-world ventures.
The ceremony was graced by officiating guest Ms Chan Wing-man, Convenor of the Youth Development Commission Action Group on Youth Development Fund and Programmes. She commended EdUHK’s efforts and highlighted the government’s continued commitment to empowering young innovators. She encouraged aspiring young entrepreneurs to embrace the challenges and opportunities within the Greater Bay Area.
EdUHK remains dedicated to promoting knowledge transfer and supporting the development of a vibrant innovation ecosystem. For further details on the EASE Fund and IP Venture Scheme, please visit https://www.easefund.eduhk.hk.
