IFF2025 Competition

Innovate for Future (IFF) Competition is an open competition of innovation & technology to inspire our young people in Hong Kong to create innovative products or services for solving and improving our real-life challenges, though idea generation to prototype development. The competition may apply to local schools including secondary, tertiary and startup (new stream for 2025) in Hong Kong SAR.  Students will pitch how to move human society forward with feasible innovation and products in our coaching process.

This competition is supported by our international partner, San Jose State University (SJSU) Silicon Valley Center for Global Studies (SVCGS). The final champion or winners will have opportunity to submit their projects to SJSU global program such as Silicon Valley Innovation Challenge (SVIC) Competition and Showcase.

This competition is also supported by our global technology partners and as well as other industry, exhibition, and training partners.  The final champion or winners will have opportunity to be nominated to join their industry support programs, internship programs and showcase in exhibition and sharing in technology conferences.

Event Notice

Technology Startup Stream – New Stream for IFF2025
IFF2025 will extend a new stream for startup team joining our competition event in 2025.  Details for submission requirement and related information will be announced soon.  Please click for information. 

Please note that the judging result for top 3 finalists, 2 teams of Certificate of Excellence, and 5 teams of Certificate of Merit will be announced on 27 Jun 2025 by posting at our IFF webpage.

IFF2025 Pitch & Conference Day

Date: 26 July 2025 (SAT)
Time: 9:30am to 5:30pm
Venue: Function Room 1-2, Level 3, Core E, Cyberport

IFF2025 Competition Theme

Smart Solutions for Sustainable Living in a Digital World

In a rapidly evolving world, the quest for sustainability has never been more crucial. The theme “Smart Solutions for Sustainable Living in a Digital World” aims to inspire innovators to develop intelligent tools, self-regulated learning, forward-thinking process and scientific measures that may promote eco-friendly practices in our daily lives in global perspective. From harnessing technology to optimize energy usage in homes to creating innovative urban planning strategies for greener cities, this theme challenges participants to think creatively and implement sustainable practices that benefit to individuals, society and even to the world. By encouraging the integration of smart technologies with sustainable living principles, this theme seeks to pave the way for a more environmentally conscious and harmonious future.

IFF2025 Competition Highlight

  • One-Day Competition Pitch & Conference
  • Finalist & IFF Project Showcase
  • Round-Table Panel Discussion
  • Bootcamp with Industry Training 
  • SJSU Global Program & Showcase
  • Entrepreneurship & Internship Program

Awards & Prizes

Total Cash Awards: HK$32,000

Awards with Cash and Certificate
(for Secondary & Tertiary Stream)

  • Champion HK$8,000
  • 1st Runner up HK$5,000
  • 2nd Runner up HK$3,000


Awards with Certificate

  • Certificate of Excellence (2 teams)
  • Certificate of Merit (5 teams)

Opening Remarks

Time: 9:30-10:00am   Guest of Honour for Opening Remarks

  • Mr Ricky CHOI, Director of Smart Living, Cyberport

Pitching Session

Time: 10:00am-12:30pm Top 3 Finalists of Secondary & Tertiary Pitching to Judge Panel

Judging Result

IFF Round-table Discussion

Time: 2:30-3:30pm
Language: in English

Theme: Generative AI in Medical & Healthcare Applications
Description: TBD

The panel will explore:

  • Generative AI applications in global digital health
  • Smart AI medical solution in patient engagement, virtual assistants, and personalized cares. 
  • AI enhances diagnostic accuracy through imaging, predictive analytics, and genetic profiling.
  • Debate the ethical implications, data privacy and regulation 
  • Current challenges in local medical system by deploying generative AI solutions


The panel will have 10-min Q&A session.

Moderator:  Mr Perry TANG, Global Principal Training & Education Specialist, Medtronic

Perry Tang has been at the forefront of biology and cardiac procedures since 2014, following his graduation with a BSc in Biology from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His dedication to healthcare and empowering the younger generation is evident through his involvement with Dream Possible and various youth initiatives at HKUST.

With over a decade of experience in cardiology, Perry has been instrumental in advancing patient care and supporting healthcare professionals. His work spans cardiac surgery, clinical research, interventional cardiology, and cardiac electrophysiology. As a key member of the Global Medtronic Training & Education team, Perry has played a vital role in disseminating innovative medical technology across Asia. His expertise in ablation techniques has been pivotal to the success of clinical trials such as STOP AF PAS and CAP AF.

A passionate advocate for educational innovation, Perry’s enthusiasm for Instructional Design & Technology is particularly pronounced in the emerging fields of Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning within medical education. His analytical acumen and compassionate approach enable him to devise creative solutions to complex challenges, always with a focus on patient safety and well-being.

Perry’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion is also reflected in his active participation in Asian Impact at Medtronic (AIM) and the Medtronic Culture Circles. His talent for building strong collaborative relationships across diverse regions and functions is invaluable to the progress of the medical technology industry and the nurturing of future talent.

Panellists:

  • Dr Charles CHEUNG, Ph.D., Senior Data Scientist

    Dr Charles Cheung is currently a Senior Data Scientist in AI technology & industry sector. He works on different projects with universities including computer vision, natural language processing, applied mathematics, foundation of machine learning, etc.

    He received BSc and PhD degree in applied and computational mathematics from HKBU mathematics department in 2011 and 2016, respectively. His research focuses on computational science, partial differential equation, computer vision and artificial intelligence. He is currently an adjunct associate professor in the department of mathematics at HKBU.

  • Mr Nelson WOO, Industry Associations & Standards Manager, APAC, AXIS Communications

    With over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, Nelson has specialized in network security, data security, and cybersecurity. For the past 17 years, Nelson has been a key player at Axis with multiple roles, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and technological advancements. Currently, Nelson works at Axis APAC head region, oversees industry associations, and standards, ensuring the highest levels of security and compliance across the sector.

  • Ms Crystal WU, Founder, VISMED Training, Biotech Startup

    Crystal Wu is a pioneering entrepreneur and digital health innovator with a strong track record of applying emerging technologies to address real-world challenges. With over a decade of experience spanning public health, pharmaceuticals, and tech entrepreneurship, she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the healthcare innovation landscape.

    As Co-Founder of Vismed Training Limited, Crystal leads the development of immersive VR and AI-powered training platforms for medical professionals, enhancing clinical education and patient safety. Vismed has earned multiple accolades, including the Merit Award at the 2023 Hong Kong Value Creation for Technology Pitching Competition, the Technology Innovation Award and the Silver Medal at the Qianhai Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

    Crystal is also the founder of Super Home Creation Limited, which integrates VR and AI into home renovation, and Lemma Company Limited, a social enterprise supporting applicants of Hong Kong’s Home Ownership Scheme. The venture has been recognized with awards across the Greater Bay Area, underscoring its innovation and social impact. Her ventures reflect a deep commitment to sustainable living and inclusive innovation.

    In 2024, Crystal was honored with the “Most Popular Technology Worker in Shenzhen” Award, presented by Southern Daily, recognizing her outstanding contributions to technological advancement and public impact in the Greater Bay Area. She also serves as an Entrepreneurship Mentor under the Po Leung Kuk Entrepreneurship Manager Program, where she supports the next generation of changemakers.

    Crystal is passionate about revamping traditional industries through the power of emerging technologies. Whether in healthcare, housing, or education, she believes in reimagining outdated systems with smart, scalable, and human-centered solutions.

IFF Project Showcase

Time: 3:30-4:30pm The Top 5 Finalists of Secondary & Tertiary School Stream Showcases

  • Live technology demonstration by Axis Communications, IFF Global Technology Partner
  • Axis’s first launch an environmental sensor for clinical & health-care solution
  • Top 3 finalists and 2 teams of Certificate of Excellence will be showcase to our industry guests

Award Ceremony

Time: 4:30-5:30pm    Guest of Honour for Presenting Awards & Certifications

  • Gifts Sponsorship by CommScope Ruckus
  • Mr Alvin LEE, Chairman, HKETA
  • Mr Nelson WOO, AXIS Communications, Gold Awards Sponsor
  • Mr Stapler LI, IFF2025 Organizing Committee Chairman

Judges

  • Dr Jeff AU YEUNG, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Department of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, School of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Metropolitan University
  • Mr Ricky CHOI, Director of Smart Living, Cyberport
  • Dr Yung LAM, Ph.D., Senior Medical Affairs Manager, Pfizer
  • Mr Perry TANG, Global Principal Training & Education Specialist, Medtronic
  • Mr Jason YUEN, Co-Founder & CEO, SOCIF

Mentors

  • Mr. Kelvin TO, Senior Project Officer, Smart City Innovation Centre and VTC STEM Education Centre, Vocational Training Council

Timeline for IFF2025

Open For School Team Registration (for Secondary & Tertiary Streams only)

Registration Deadline: 30 Apr 2025 12:00 nn (Closed)

Final Project Proposal Submission

Project Submission Deadline : 31 May 2025 12:00 nn (Closed)

Judging for The Top 3 Finalists
  • Judging Session by Mentor Panel
  • 27 Jun 2025: Judging result announcement for top 3 finalists for pitching, 2 teams of Certificate of
    Excellence and 5 teams of Certificate of Meri

Judging Result

Mentorship Kick off
  • 05 July 2025: Coaching Session for Top 3 finalists by Zoom
Pitch cum Conference & Awards Ceremony
IFF Bootcamp for Winners
  • 20 Sep 2025 (Sat): Technology Workshops at VTC Smart City Innovation Centre
  • 27 Sep 2025 (Sat): Technology Workshops at Pro-Act Training and Development Centre
    (Electronics)
IFF Winners Showcase at EXPO2025
SJSU Global Program & Showcase

Partners & Sponsors

Organizer
Premium Supporting Organization
Venue Sponsor
Gold Awards Sponsor
Global Technology Partners
Innovation & Training Partners
SJSU Global Program
Supporting Organizations