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INNOVARES: Creative and Human Tech 2025-2026

Programme Overview:
Join a transformative year-long journey in INNOVARES: Creative and Human Tech 2025-2026, led by esteemed professors from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and HKU, where creativity meets cutting-edge technology. This immersive programme ignites innovative thinking and hands-on learning, allowing you to collaborate on projects that align with your passions. Your adventure begins with an inspiring Fall online lecture series covering topics like AI in education, immersive storytelling, game design, XR, and data science. Optional sessions with teaching support staff will assist you in completing assignments. Following this, you’ll engage in a dynamic curriculum that includes a 4-day winter camp at HKU in early January 2026, online courses from February to May 2026, and exciting summer in-person camps in locations such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, or CMU from June to August 2026.  
Are you ready to take the next step in your creative journey? Apply now and be part of this extraordinary programme!

Programme Details:
Option 1 – Fall Online Courses:
Programme Code: ACT260204  
Programme Period:
Lectures: November 15, 22 and 29, 2025 (6 hours in total)
Tutoring sessions: November 16, 23 and 30, 2025 (6 hours in total)
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025  
Programme Fee: 

    • HKD 1,900 (AcT Member)
    • HKD 2,800 (Non-AcT Member)

  • Option 2 – Fall Online Courses & Winter Seminar:

For winter camp, there might be two tracks which student can choose from: (1) Data Science; (2) XRxFilm
Programme Code: ACT260205 [Newly enrolled students will have access to recordings of fall lectures.]
Programme Period: 
– Online lectures: November 15, 22 and 29, 2025 (6 hours in total)
– Online tutoring sessions: November 16, 23 and 30, 2025 (6 hours in total)
– Face-to-face Winter Seminar: January 2-5, 2026 (32 hours in total)  
Application Deadline: December 19, 2025
Programme Fee:  

    • HKD 24,000 (members will enjoy an HKD 2,400 scholarship)

Note: For Winter Seminar, no accommodation will be provided. 

Programme Structure:

    • Fall Online Courses – Global Culture & Emerging Tech (Oct to Nov 2025)
    • Winter Face-to-face Seminar – On campus at HKU (early-Jan 2026)   
    • Spring Online Courses – Specialized courses (Feb to May 2026)
    • Summer In-person Camps – CMU · HKU · Shanghai (Jun to Aug 2026)   
  • Exceptional works will receive invitations to participate alongside professors at prestigious international film, animation, and game festivals, as well as conferences and competitions. 

Application Criteria:

    • Age 14 to 17 (Grade 8 to Grade 11, Secondary 2 to Secondary 5)
    • Strong interest in Technology and Humanities
    • High proficiency in English
  • Programme Instructors:

    • Dr. Michael Yudelson, Staff Data Scientist at Chegg, Inc.
    • Prof. Johannes DeYoung, Associate Professor, School of Art, Carnegie Mellon University
    • Prof. Stephan Caspar: Associate Teaching Professor in Media Creation and Multicultural Studies, Carnegie Mellon University
    • Prof. Jonathan Walton: Assistant Teaching Professor, Carnegie Mellon Entertainment Technology Center
    • Prof. Raja Sooriamurthi: Teaching Professor, Information Systems Program, Carnegie Mellon University
    • Prof. Gang Liu, Teaching Professor of Chinese Studies, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Carnegie Mellon University

Application and Registration:
1. Register an account through https://actstudentapp.hku.hk/student and log into the application system after receiving the email activation link. If you already have an account, you can log in directly.

2. Select “Apply Now” under “2026 Application”.

3. Fill in your personal information and academic profile.

4. Go to “Programme Selection” to add programme “Innovares (Fall)” or “Innovares (Fall and Winter)”.

5. Upload scanned copies of the required supporting documents and other application materials.

6. Click “Confirm & Submit”.

*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

Apply Now
*Disclaimer: Programme contents and formats are subject to change. The programme is subject to cancellation if there are insufficient applications. Programme fees and application fees are non-refundable.