The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has launched the International Future Challenge (IFC), a global innovation and entrepreneurship competition spanning seven regions across Hong Kong and Mainland China. The event is open to technology talents, startups and project teams worldwide, encouraging them to solve pressing industry problems with innovative solutions.
An information session was recently held for the Hong Kong region, featuring industry leaders discussing sector-specific trends and challenges. The competition follows a “1+N” framework, with Hong Kong as the main region and six others in Huizhou, Wenzhou, Qianhai in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Jinjiang.
This marks the first time PolyU is expanding its Future Challenge to an international level. Global participants must either collaborate with the PolyU community, use PolyU-licensed technologies, or connect through the university’s Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs). The challenge offers shortlisted teams access to resources like corporate consultations, Mainland visits and international exposure.
Each region focuses on local industry priorities such as fintech, advanced manufacturing, AR/VR, biotechnology and more. While all regions include an Open Track, Hong Kong and Jinjiang also offer a Student Track, providing students training, immersive regional tours, and opportunities to explore entrepreneurship in areas including Singapore, Vietnam, Xinjiang and the Greater Bay Area.
The total cash prize pool exceeds HK$2 million, with a grand final prize of up to HK$500,000. Winners also receive trial funding and support through the PolyVentures ecosystem.
Supported by sponsors such as Waterdrop Inc., CHINT Group, and Flair Capital, and partners including Cathay Pacific, Nike, and NTT Com Asia, IFC aligns real-world challenges with participant solutions. PolyU Vice President Prof. Christopher Chao emphasized the competition’s role in fostering innovation and economic development across participating regions.
