AI, Innovation and Leadership Bootcamp (B)
Programme Code: ACT260202B
Academic Criteria:
– Level of Study: S.3-5 / 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. Applicants who are unable to provide sufficient evidence of English proficiency may be required to attend an additional online interview.
– Students should demonstrate a strong interest in AI, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
– Members of HKU Academy for the Talented will be given priority for admission to the programme.
Programme Dates: [5 Online Sessions via Zoom] March and April, 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed) + [Face-to-Face Sessions at HKU] June 15-19, 2026 (Monday to Friday)
Programme Time: [5 Online Sessions via Zoom] to be confirmed; [Face-to-Face Sessions at HKU] 9:00 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 (Sunday)
Application Deadline:
– Non-local Students: February 22, 2026 (Sunday)
Delivery Mode: Hybrid
Programme Overview:
This programme is specially designed for students from India and Southeast Asian countries to broaden their global perspective through HKU, located in Hong Kong – a dynamic international hub that bridges Eastern and Western technology, geography, and business ecosystems. Participants will enjoy a world-class learning and living experience at one of the world’s top universities, within a safe, vibrant, and culturally diverse environment. The skills and insights gained will not only inspire their future academic and career paths but also empower them to drive innovation and positive change in India and beyond.
In today’s fast-paced world of innovation, young talents have the power to become changemakers across industries, sectors and regions and make lasting impacts on society. Our programme is designed to ignite that potential by equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills to generate creative ideas and to make them happen.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the programme, students will be able to:
1. cultivate entrepreneurial mindset and innovation skills through interactions with high school students from different cultural backgrounds
2. engage in cross-cultural teamwork, leadership and problem-solving experiences
3. to connect business ideas with technology and innovation concepts
4. build AI-based software solutions to showcase HKU panel, enhancing their personal portfolios and university application profiles
Project Topic: The Future Community AI-thon
The project encourages students to explore their surrounding community (e.g. Hong Kong, India, or other regions). They will identify pain points through design thinking, focusing on both individual and collective community issues. Students will learn and practise data collection and analysis related to these challenges, exploring potential opportunities for customers or businesses. Through a hands-on approach, participants will develop AI-based software solutions that utilise algorithms for data analysis, AI agent platform development, and GenAI to enhance UI/UX.
Programme Rundown (to be released):
Programme Instructors
Professor Chan, Joseph
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.