The HKUST-Sino One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition’s Hong Kong Regional Final has successfully concluded, with the prestigious "GF Innovation Award" being awarded to the Pest0 team. The team impressed judges with their eco-friendly, reusable pest-repellent pellets, which are currently in the process of patent application. Their innovative approach to natural pest control earned them high recognition for its sustainability and safety.
GF Securities Champions Innovation
During the award ceremony, Mr. Charles Lin, CEO of GF Holdings (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial spirit in today's global economic landscape. He described entrepreneurs as visionaries who spark innovation and catalyze growth across societies. Lin reiterated GF Securities' commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
As a leading securities firm, GF Securities has been an avid supporter of the HKUST Entrepreneurship Competition for the past eight years. Since 2017, the company has sponsored the competition, donating more than RMB1 million and providing professional guidance to the young entrepreneurs. This strategic partnership aims to nurture the next generation of business leaders and innovators with a global outlook, preparing them for future success.
Nurturing the Future of Innovation
The HKUST Entrepreneurship Competition, now in its 14th year, has expanded across multiple regions, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Hong Kong. Over the years, the competition has served as a launchpad for several commercially promising projects, such as DJI drones and Yunzhou unmanned surface vehicles.
This year’s competition attracted over 300 teams, including international participants from countries like the United States, Germany, Australia, and India, further enhancing the event’s global influence.
As a platinum sponsor, GF Securities took a leading role in this year's event. In addition to sponsoring the GF Innovation Award, the company provided professional advice and mentoring to the competing student teams. GF Securities' experienced investors served as judges, offering insights and guidance to help participants refine their business concepts and navigate the competitive entrepreneurial landscape.
Groundbreaking Success of the GF Innovation Award
The GF Innovation Award has recognized some of the most innovative projects in fields such as Fintech, biotechnology, IoT, and new energy. One standout team from previous years, Allegrow Biotech, developed groundbreaking immune cell manufacturing technology. Their progress has been supported by the cash awards and investment opportunities offered by the competition, allowing them to launch new products and move toward commercialization.
Dr. Laurence Lau of Allegrow Biotech expressed gratitude for the competition's impact on the company’s growth. The team continues to optimize their AimGel technology, aiming for broader market applications and contributing to advancements in the biopharmaceutical industry.
GF Securities' Commitment to Entrepreneurship
GF Securities’ commitment to fostering innovation goes beyond the HKUST competition. For the past decade, the company has run its Small-Scale Start-up Support Program for University Students, providing over RMB20 million in funding to support entrepreneurial ventures across more than 60 universities. This initiative has helped foster over 470 innovative projects and provided valuable guidance through its network of over 300 startup mentors.
Looking Ahead
As GF Securities continues its mission to support youth innovation and entrepreneurship, the company also emphasizes its dedication to social responsibility. The GF Securities Social Charity Foundation, established in 2011, has donated nearly RMB300 million to various social causes, including rural revitalization, educational assistance, and financial empowerment.
Looking forward, GF Securities will remain a key player in promoting innovation in the Greater Bay Area and beyond. By supporting entrepreneurial endeavors, the company aims to contribute to the region's economic growth and social development.