

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
- One-year mentorship program for project enhancement by IFF partners & training support.
- 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
Registration Deadline: 30 Apr 2026 12:00 nn
Project Submission Deadline : 30 Jun 2026 12:00 nn