The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) is excited to unveil our revamped Start-up Explorer (formerly the Pre-Incubation Programme) – now reimagined with fresh energy, real-world support, and limitless possibilities!
Whether you’re just testing the waters or already dreaming big, Start-up Explorer is your launchpad into the world of entrepreneurship.
🎯 Who’s It For?
- HSUHK students and alumni
- Teams of 1–6 members
- Early-stage ideas are welcome!
🎓 Direct Entry:
Winners or finalists of the HSUHK Entrepreneurship Challenge 2025, HK Techathon+ 10A, or shortlisted teams from the HSUHK x HKSTP Co-Ideation Programme qualify directly for the programme.
🧭 Membership Tiers
We offer two membership pathways to support different stages of your entrepreneurial journey:
🔹 Sprout Member
Submit your individual or team info and share your motivation for joining. Perfect for those just starting out.
🔸 Premier Member
Submit a Business Concept Statement. Upon approval by the CIE panel, you’ll unlock exclusive start-up support and resources.
🔍 Start-up Explorer Membership Benefits
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Details |
Sprout Members |
Premier Members |
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📚 Training & Visits Priority access to CIE workshops, training, and site visits designed to build essential business skills and creative thinking. |
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🔗 CIE News & Opportunities Stay informed with updates on CIE activities, startup workshops, and external opportunities. |
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📬 Highlights Newsletter Receive our e-newsletter featuring HSUHK start-up success stories and local innovation trends. |
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🌟 CIE Welcome Souvenir An exclusive welcome gift to kick-start your journey with the Start-up Explorer. |
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🍵 Start-up Café Pitching Pitch your ideas and receive valuable feedback from industry experts and academic professionals. Available to all members! |
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🔗 Team Formation Connect like-minded, aspiring young entrepreneurs to form teams for competitions, start-up programmes or even future start-ups. |
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🤝 Tailored Mentorship Access personalised guidance from experienced mentors to help shape your entrepreneurial path. |
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🏢 Co-working Space Access Use our vibrant co-working space for meetings, collaboration, and engaging with clients or stakeholders. |
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📝 How to Apply — It’s Easy!
Whether you’re just exploring or already have a start-up idea, Start-up Explorer is built for YOU. Here’s how to get started:
👉 Click HERE to apply
👤 Step 1: Basic Info (For All Applicants)
Please provide:
· Your name and contact information
· If you’re applying as a team: your team name and team members’ details
👤 Step 2: Select your membership
🌱 Applying as a Sprout Member (Just starting out? This is for you!)
We totally get it — not everyone has a full business plan yet. If you’re still exploring or want to dip your toes into entrepreneurship, this is the perfect place to start.
✅ What to do:
· Write a short statement (max 200 words) answering:
👉 Why do you want to join the Start-up Explorer programme?
Feel free to share your interests, what you hope to learn, or even ideas you’re still thinking about.
✨ It’s okay if you don’t have a full idea yet — curiosity is all you need to begin!
🌟 Applying as a Premier Member (Already have a solid idea or early concept?)
If you’ve already got a start-up idea and want more focused support — like mentorship and co-working space access — apply as a Premier Member.
To apply as a Premier Member, please prepare a Start-up Concept Statement in one of the following formats:
· 📄 A 2-page written PDF (see suggested structure)
· 📊 A slide deck (max 8 slides, PDF format)
· 🎥 A short video pitch (2–3 minutes, upload link)
Choose the format that best showcases your idea — we welcome creativity!
📄 Start-up Concept Statement — What to Include
Please structure your document with the following:
Cover Page:
· Team name
· Project title
· Mission & vision
· Team members’ background
Main Content:
· What is your start-up idea?
· What problems are you trying to solve, or what need/gap have you identified?
· What’s new or different about your idea? What impact do you hope to make?
· Your business model:
o Who’s your target market?
o How would you generate revenue?
o Any costs or resources you’ll need?
· Why is your team well-suited to make this happen?
Templates of Start-up Concept Statements for reference:
📬 Result Announcement
All submissions will be reviewed by CIE. Results will be announced around twice a month. Stay tuned!
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Submission before |
Date of a result release |
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1 |
End of September |
Before end of November |
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2 |
End of October |
Before end of December |
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3 |
End of November |
Before end of January |
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4 |
End of December |
Before end of February |
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5 |
End of January |
Before end of March |
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6 |
End of February |
Before end of April |
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7 |
End of March |
Before end of May |
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8 |
End of April |
Before end of June |
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9 |
End of May |
Before end of July |
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10 |
End of June |
Before end of August |
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11 |
End of July |
Before end of September |
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12 |
End of August |
Before end of October |
Remarks:
– Each team must assign a team leader. The team leader is a contact person;
– A complimentary souvenir will be presented to every student or alumnus during their first registration, to be collected upon joining one of our Start-up Explorer activities.
– CIE retains the right to determine the team’s participation qualification;
– CIE reserves the right to modify the context of Start-up Explorer at any time without prior notice. In case of any disputes, the decision made by the organiser shall be final and conclusive.
For inquiries, please contact us at:
📧 cie@hsu.edu.hk | ☎️ 3963 5608
We can’t wait to see your ideas come to life through Start-up Explorer!