Venture Further
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, Hong Kong 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 information and share your motivation for joining. Perfect for those just starting out. - Premier Member
Submit a Start-up Concept Statement. Upon approval by the CIE panel, you'll unlock exclusive start-up support and resources with one-year membership.
Start-up Explorer Membership Benefits
Details Sprout Members Premier Members
📚 Training & Visits
Priority access to CIE workshops, training, and site visits designed to build essential business skills and creative thinking. Yes Yes
🔗 CIE News & Opportunities
Stay informed with updates on CIE activities, startup workshops, and external opportunities. Yes Yes
📬 Highlights Newsletter
Receive our e-newsletter featuring HSUHK start-up success stories and local innovation trends. Yes Yes
🌟 CIE Welcome Souvenir
An exclusive welcome gift to kick-start your journey with the Start-up Explorer. Yes Yes
🍵 Start-up Café Pitching
Pitch your ideas and receive valuable feedback from industry experts and academic professionals. Available to all members! Yes Yes
🔗 Team Formation
Connect like-minded, aspiring young entrepreneurs to form teams for competitions, start-up programmes or even future start-ups. Yes Yes
🤝 Tailored Mentorship
Access personalised guidance from experienced mentors to help shape your entrepreneurial path. – Yes
🏢 Co-working Space Access
Use our vibrant co-working space for meetings, collaboration, and engaging with clients or stakeholders. – Yes
Basic Info (For All Applicants)
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!
Please provide:
- Your name and contact information
- If you're applying as a team: your team name and team members' details
Sprout Member
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!
Premier Member
Applying as a Premier Member
Already have a solid idea or early concept? You're in the right place!
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)
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:
- Who's your target market?
- How would you generate revenue?
- Any costs or resources you'll need?
- Why is your team well-suited to make this happen?
Choose the format that best showcases your idea — we welcome creativity!
Remarks
| Submission before | Date of a result release | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | End of September | Before end of November |
| 2 | End of October | Before end of December |
| 3 | End of November | Beofre end of January |
| 4 | End of December | Before end of February |
| 5 | End of January | Before end of March |
| 6 | End of February | Before end of April |
| 7 | End of March | Before end of May |
| 8 | End of April | Before end of June |
| 9 | End of May | Before end of July |
| 10 | End of June | Before end of August |
| 11 | End of July | Before end of September |
| 12 | End of August | Before end of October |
- 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.