From generative AI to green energy, 15 finalist teams will take the stage after a record 390 teams entered this year's competition.
Updated
October 2, 2026 9:13 AM
Entrance Piazza, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. PHOTO: HKUST
The HKUST-Sino Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition 2026 will hold its finals on October 12, following a record 390 teams from 24 countries and regions taking part in this year's competition.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Sino Group, the competition aims to give young entrepreneurs a platform to develop and present their ideas. Sino Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer Wong Wing-lung said the Group has partnered with HKUST for many years to support young talent and the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong.
He said the competition gives young entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their creativity, exchange ideas and put their concepts into practice.
The international participation is reflected in the universities and regions represented this year. Participants include students from the University of Oxford in the UK, the University of Pennsylvania in the US and the National University of Singapore. Teams have also joined from Australia and South Africa.
After multiple rounds of assessment, 15 teams have advanced to the finals. Their projects cover health technology, generative AI, smart buildings, and green energy management. At the finals, the teams will present their solutions to a judging panel comprising venture capital investors, industry leaders and academic experts. They will compete for more than HK$1 million in prizes and awards.
The 2026 competition has also expanded the areas it recognises. Three new awards have been introduced this year: the Transformative AI Award, the NextGen Biotech Award and the Societal Influential Award. The competition will also continue to offer the Sustainability Impact Award. Together, the awards focus on areas ranging from emerging technologies to social and sustainability challenges.
The organisers are also adding new activities to help teams develop their ideas further. This year's programme includes pitching skills training, AI workshops, investor matching sessions and mentorship opportunities. The AI workshops will cover areas including generative AI and AI agents, while representatives from venture capital firms such as Gobi Partners and InnoAngel Fund have been invited to share insights on fundraising, product positioning and market expansion.
These activities are intended to help young entrepreneurs strengthen their business plans and presentation skills. They also give teams opportunities to explore technology commercialisation and potential market applications.
The competition will also launch the InnoBay 1M PLUS Program during the Grand Final. The programme will focus initially on Smart City Development and aims to connect HKUST start-ups and competition alumni with industry partners. It will also support potential proof-of-concept opportunities and help promising innovations move towards commercial adoption.
The Grand Final will also include an audience voting segment. Members of the public will be able to vote for the team they believe has the greatest potential and impact, with those who correctly vote for an eventual winning team entering a lucky draw.
For Wong, the competition is part of a broader effort to develop Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent. He noted that Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan and latest Policy Address both highlight innovation, technology and talent development.
Prof. Tim Cheng Kwang-Ting, HKUST's Vice-President for Research and Development, said the competition has also served as a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with investors, understand market needs, test their ideas and gain practical entrepreneurial experience. He added that the competition has strengthened its training, mentorship and networking activities this year.
The Group believes that closer cooperation between industry, academia and research institutions can help turn innovative ideas into practical applications. Through the competition and its wider support programmes, young entrepreneurs are given opportunities to develop their ideas, connect with potential partners and explore how they can be taken from early concepts towards real-world applications.
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The Influencer Evolution: Recognizing the Power and Potential of Each Type.
Updated
January 8, 2026 6:35 PM
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A group of people filming a video for social media. PHOTO: UNSPLASH
In an era where social media reigns supreme, influencers have emerged as powerful players in the marketing game. They have the ability to sway opinions, drive trends, and create waves of engagement that brands can only dream of. But not all influencers are created equal; they come in various shapes and sizes, each with a unique approach to connecting with their audience. Under standing the different types of influencers can illuminate how they impact our daily lives and the choices we make. Let’s dive into the captivating world of influencers and explore the diverse categories that define them.
When you think of influencers, mega influencers are often the first that come to mind. These are the A-list celebrities, athletes, and global icons with millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Their immense reach allows brands to tap into vast audiences, making them highly sought after for endorsements.
Mega influencers have the power to generate instant buzz around a product or campaign. Their celebrity status lends credibility, and fans are often eager to emulate their lifestyles. However, this type of influencer can come with a hefty price tag, making them suitable for brands with substantial marketing budgets.
Just below the mega influencers are macro influencers, who typically boast between 100,000to 1 million followers. While they may not have the same level of fame as celebrities, macro influencers often command a loyal and engaged audience. They are usually experts in specific niches, such as fitness, beauty, travel, or technology.
Macro influencers combine reach with relevance. Their targeted expertise allows brands to connect with specific demographics, making them an ideal choice for campaigns aimed at niche markets. Their followers often view them as relatable and trustworthy, which can lead to higher engagement rates.
Micro influencers are the rising stars of the influencer world, typically having between 10,000 to 100,000 followers. What sets them apart is their authentic connection with their audience. They often have a more intimate relationship with their followers, leading to higher engagement and trust.
Brands are increasingly turning to micro influencers for their ability to create genuine conversations around products. The cost-effectiveness of partnering with micro influencers also allows brands to run multiple campaigns across different influencers, amplifying their reach while maintaining authenticity.
At the bottom of the influencer hierarchy are nano influencers, who have 1,000 to 10,000 followers. While their follower count may be modest, nano influencers often possess a highly engaged audience that views them as close friends, families or peers rather than celebrities.
Nano influencers are perfect for brands looking to create grassroots campaigns. Their genuine enthusiasm and relatability can lead to strong word-of-mouth marketing. Engaging with nano influencers often comes at a lower cost, making them an attractive option for small businesses and startups.
Brand ambassadors are influencers who have a long-term relationship with a brand, often representing them across multiple campaigns. They can fall into any of the previous categories but are distinguished by their commitment to the brand and its values.
By cultivating brand ambassadors, companies can create consistent messaging and foster loyalty among customers. These influencers often resonate with audiences more deeply, as they embody the brand’s identity and promote its products authentically over time.
The world of influencers is as diverse as it is dynamic, with each type offering unique advantages for brands looking to connect with consumers. From the glitzy allure of mega influencers to the genuine relatability of nano influencers, understanding these categories can help brands make informed choices in their marketing strategies. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the role of influencers will only grow, shaping trends and driving engagement in ways we are just beginning to comprehend. By leveraging the right type of influencer, brands can effectively navigate this vibrant ecosystem, ensuring their message resonates with the audiences that matter most.