Student entrepreneurs dive into Hong Kong's startup ecosystem
Sixteen University of Newcastle undergraduate students got a crash course in the world of international startups, during a four-week placement at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation (HKSTP).
The students participated in the University's BUSN3500 Startup Placement program, which is delivered by the University's Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) team in partnership with the Newcastle Business School.
While based at HKSTP's Science Park, the students lived and worked among startup founders while contributing to real business projects across a range of industries.
Facilitated by I2N's Nick Stevens and Tayla Furey – and supported by volunteer mentor and University alumnus Viv Jayachandran, who is also the founder of digital innovation firm Jaegersoft – the Hong Kong visit gave students intensive exposure to Lean Startup methodology, generative AI, presentation skills and project delivery.
Students worked with startups including:
- MedMind, which uses virtual reality technology to support physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Teamtrix, which helps organisations measure and develop employee AI capability
- EzyGreenPak, which produces sustainable shopping bags made from water-soluble materials
- AlphaEnergyIoT, which provides live location data in complex retail environments using beacon technology
- Springback Wellness, a kombucha company focused on gut health and wellbeing
The experience helped students build global networks, develop entrepreneurial skills and gain practical experience working with emerging businesses tackling real-world challenges.
“These international placements give students a unique opportunity to step inside a world-leading startup ecosystem and experience innovation in action, while helping them build networks, capabilities and skills that will differentiate and benefit them throughout their careers,” said Mr Nick Stevens, I2N Manager, Pre-Startup Programs.
Each student received a $2,500 scholarship through New Colombo Plan funding. To create opportunities for more students, the available scholarship funding was shared across a larger cohort, enabling participation to increase from eight students to 16.
Students working with cleantech startups also received an additional $4,000 scholarship through a collaboration with the University's Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) team.
Accommodation provided through HKSTP's InnoCell program further supported the expanded cohort, allowing students to spend four weeks living and working in a thriving innovation community.
This concludes the Hong Kong portion of the New Colombo Plan 2025 funding round, where I2N and the University of Newcastle Business School secured $576,000 for undergraduate domestic students.
Undergraduate students interested in future startup placement opportunities can learn more through the I2N student courses webpage and watch the program video to hear directly from participants about their experience.
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