Innovation for Social Impact: Transforming Food Systems
[Create Tech Solutions for Real-World Food Challenges]
Programme Code: ACT260320
Academic Criteria:
– Level of Study: S3 – 5/ Grade 9 – 11/ Year 10 – 12 students
– English Requirement: Applicants are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification.
Programme Dates: July 20 – 24, 2026 (Monday to Friday)
Programme Time: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (HKT)
Non-refundable Application Fee: HKD 100
Programme Fee: HKD 14,000
– For HKU Academy Members will receive an exclusive scholarship of HKD 4,000, which will be automatically deducted from the Programme Fee upon application.
– For Non-Members we will encourage you to apply as soon as possible to secure a 5% Early-bird discount before February 15, 2026
Application Deadline:
– Non-local Students: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
– Local Students: May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face
Programme Overview:
Innovation for Social Impact is a five-day immersive experience that engages students in tackling complex real-world challenges at the intersection of human needs, systems, and technology. This year’s programme will focus on transforming food systems for sustainability, access, health, and inclusion. Students will apply human-centered design methods, interact with NGOs, experiment with emerging technologies such as generative AI and rapid prototyping tools, and collaborate in teams to design and test creative solutions to pressing societal challenges.
The programme immerses students in the real work of innovation by exploring how food-related challenges affect individuals, communities, and society — and how technology and creative problem-solving can drive meaningful change.
Programme Outcomes:
Students will investigate real-world issues across food systems, such as food waste and redistribution, access to nutritious meals, sustainability, and inclusive food technologies for people with specialized dietary needs. Through hands-on workshops, human-centered research, rapid prototyping, and technology-enabled experimentation, teams will design and test solutions that improve systems, experiences, and outcomes.
The programme emphasizes innovation as a method for understanding complex problems, experimenting with ideas, and refining solutions through feedback. Students will build practical skills in creativity, teamwork, systems thinking, and technology-enabled design, culminating in a final pitch that communicates both the problem and their proposed solution for social impact.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the programme, students will be able to:
- Apply the innovation process to identify problems, generate ideas, prototype solutions, and iterate based on feedback
- Explore how technology and AI can support creative problem-solving and social impact
- Develop systems thinking and empathy when addressing real-world challenges
- Collaborate effectively in teams and communicate innovation ideas clearly
Programme Rundown (Tentative):
Submit Application: https://actstudentapp.hku.hk/student/login
*If you have any questions regarding the application process, please refer to the Application Guide / ⽹上申请系统 – 申请指南 or email us at talented@hku.hk
Accommodation & Extracurricular Activities Options – to be released
Visa Application for Non-local Students (required for face-to-face programmes only):
Students without the right of abode in Hong Kong are required by law to obtain a student visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD). As the visa application process takes 10–12 weeks, please submit your online application (HKU Student Visa) as soon as you receive your offer from the HKU Academy. For visa-related enquiries, please contact HKU VISA team at Contact Us | HKU Student Visa.
*Students are responsible for arranging their own visa before coming to Hong Kong. The Admissions Office is not responsible for any delay, cancellation, or rejection of student visa applications.
Travel and Medical Insurance:
All students need to have valid travel and medical insurance as a mandatory condition for participation in our programmes. We strongly recommend that students secure their insurance policies well in advance of their departure to ensure continuous coverage.
*Programme Attendance Policies:
Students are highly encouraged to attend ALL classes on time for the duration of the Programme. Please note that according to the University’s attendance and absenteeism policy, at least 80% of the lectures and required classes for each curriculum must be attended.
*Disclaimer:
– Programme fees and application fees are non-refundable.
– Programme contents and formats are subject to change. The programme is subject to cancellation if there are insufficient applications.