Organized by HKUST Entrepreneurship Center for the second time in two years, the AUA-HKUST Entrepreneurship Bootcamp held on campus at HKUST from July 2nd to 8th, 2024, was a highly impactful and enriching experience for the AUA students. The 7-day program provided a comprehensive and immersive learning environment that fostered the development of entrepreneurial skills and mindset among participants, with the following key objectives:
Improve entrepreneurship skills and knowledge of the participants, enabling them to launch a startup in Hong Kong or their home country
Learn about the latest developments in innovation and technology in Hong Kong
Gain valuable insights into the entrepreneurship ecosystem
Learn how to present the startup idea including the market needs, business model and finance forecast
Below are some of the highlights from the bootcamp:
Warming Up: To break the ice and foster a sense of camaraderie, the bootcamp kicked off with engaging welcoming games. Participants had the opportunity to meet and interact with each other and build lasting friendships for years to come.
Groupings: After the games, participants were divided into groups based on their interests and backgrounds. These groups served as a platform for collaboration and teamwork throughout the bootcamp. Group members supported and motivated each other, creating a nurturing learning environment.
HK Startups Ecosystem and Design Thinking Workshops: Delivered by Professor Carrie Ling, Director of HKUST Entrepreneurship Center, also an acclaimed expert in the Hong Kong startups ecosystem, the workshops were well received by the students. Participants gained invaluable insights into the local startups scene, emerging trends, and strategies for business development. Professor Ling's expertise and interactive teaching style made the sessions informative and inspiring.
Visit to WEEEpark: As part of the Bootcamp program, a special visit was arranged to WEEEPark, Hong Kong's pioneering waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling facility. This visit is designed to educate about the importance of e-waste management and also to think about the untapped business potential in the e-waste ecosystem. What innovative technologies or services could be developed to streamline the recycling process further?
Visit to HKSTP: The bootcamp included a visit to the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP), the local landmark and regional hub for innovation and technology development. Participants had the opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art facilities and interact with pioneering startups at the park. It was a fascinating experience that showcased the innovative and entrepreneurial energy of the region.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Competition: The entrepreneurship bootcamp competition held on the last day of the camp was a culmination of the participants' learning and a platform for them to showcase their newly acquired knowledge and skills. The competition aimed to assess how effectively the participants had absorbed the concepts, strategies, and techniques taught throughout the bootcamp and how well they could apply them in a practical setting.
The AUA Bootcamp left a lasting impact on all participants, equipping them with valuable skills, knowledge, and connections, serving as a springboard for their entrepreneurial journeys, and providing a strong foundation for their future.
(Source: HKUST)
