IFF2026 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 higher education institutes and universities 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.  The winners will also have opportunity to join our local industry support and mentorship program for project extension and commercialization. 

Event Notice

IFF has collaborated with VTC Smart City Innovation Centre and STEAM Education Centre to integrate our IFF2026 secondary stream into their annual competition event – “VTC Smart City and STEAM Challenge Cup 2026” . IFF will make joint force with them to develop STEAM activity and education technology in Hong Kong SAR.  The theme for this challenge cup is “Building Smart and Sustainable Future City”. In this challenge, we inspire our secondary schools students to conceptualize innovative ideas, applying their creativity and STEAM expertise to improve the quality of life for citizens. This includes a focus on advancing environmental sustainability and delivering practical, sustainable solutions for a greener future.  Please go into that webpage for the event details and registration. 

IFF2026 Pitch & Conference Day

Date: 8 August 2026 (SAT)
Time: 2:00 to 6:00pm
Venue: HKMU

IFF2026 Competition Theme

Smart Applications in Artificial Intelligence (AI) of Things

The Smart Applications in Artificial Intelligence (AI) of Things theme explores how intelligence and connectivity can work hand in hand to shape a more adaptive, efficient, and human-centered world. By merging the analytical capabilities of AI with the sensing and networking power of IoT, innovators can create applications that respond intelligently to real-world needs in real time.

This theme invites participants to showcase original and impactful solutions that demonstrate the next step in digital transformation—where devices are not only connected but also capable of learning, reasoning, and optimizing performance autonomously. Recognitions will be given under three categories:

  • ICT/IOT — advancing connectivity and communication through innovative smart technologies.
  • Healthcare — transforming health systems through intelligent monitoring, diagnosis, and patient support solutions.
  • AI Systems & Infrastructure — strengthening the foundation of AIoT with robust, scalable, and intelligent frameworks.


Through this initiative, the technological application aims to encourage creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world problem-solving that harnesses the power of AIoT for social and technological progress.

IFF2026 Competition Highlight

  • IFF Competition with Pitch & Showcase
  • Projects on ICT/IOT, Healthcare and AI Systems & Infrastructure
  • Bootcamp & Projects Mentorship
  • SJSU Global Program & Showcase
  • Entrepreneurship & Internship Program

Awards & Prizes

Innovate for Future Awards & Prizes – Tertiary Stream

Total Cash Awards: HK$17,000
Comprising Cash Prizes, Certificates, and One-Year Mentorship Programme

Main Awards

  • Champion HK$6,000
  • 1st Runner up HK$4,000
  • 2nd Runner up HK$2,500


Certificate of Excellence – Application Awards (3 Teams)

  • Excellence in ICT/IOT Applications – HK$1,500
  • Excellence in Healthcare Applications – HK$1,500
  • Excellence in AI Systems & Infrastructure – HK$1,500


Certificate of Merit (5 Teams) 

Remark

  1. One-year mentorship program for project enhancement by IFF partners & training support.
  2. The mentoring and industry support will be subjected to mutual agreement and our IFF terms & conditions.

Opening Remarks

TBD

Pitching Session

TBD

IFF Project Showcase

TBD

Award Ceremony

TBD

Judges

TBD

Mentors

TBD

Timeline for IFF2026

IFF2026 Competition Launch
Team Registration

Registration Deadline: 30 Apr 2026 12:00 nn

IFF Roadshow and Seminar
Project Submission

Project Submission Deadline : 30 Jun 2026 12:00 nn

Finalists Judging and Mentoring Kick-off
Pitching, Showcase & Awards Ceremony
Showcase at EXPO2026, Bootcamp & Youth Event
SVIC2026 Showcase

Partners & Sponsors

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