PolyU Expands International Future Challenge 2025 to Global Innovators

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has officially launched the International Future Challenge (IFC) 2025, its flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition, to participants across the globe. Previously centered in Hong Kong and Mainland China, the initiative now invites global startups, tech talents, and project teams to provide cutting-edge solutions for pressing industry challenges.

IFC 2025 follows a distinctive “1+N” model — with the core competition in Hong Kong and six additional regional contests in Huizhou, Wenzhou, Qianhai (Shenzhen), Shanghai, Nanjing, and Jinjiang. This marks the first time PolyU is elevating the competition to a global scale. International applicants can qualify by collaborating with PolyU community members, adopting PolyU technologies, or partnering with PolyU’s Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs).

Each region’s competition will align with local industry needs — ranging from healthtech and AI to fashion technology, fintech, metaverse, and smart manufacturing. Participants will benefit from incubation, mentorship, corporate consultations, and even travel opportunities for shortlisted teams.

Both Open Tracks and Student Tracks will be featured, particularly in Hong Kong and Jinjiang. Student participants can look forward to hands-on training, overseas exploratory trips (to places like Singapore and Vietnam), and exposure to global innovation ecosystems.

With a cash pool exceeding HK$2 million, winning teams from each region will move on to the finals, competing for up to HK$500,000 and access to funding for prototype development and startup support via PolyVentures.

Prof. Christopher Chao encouraged innovative talents and startups worldwide to embrace the excellent opportunities offered by the PolyU International Future Challenge.

During a regional info session, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU VP (Research & Innovation), emphasized IFC’s goal to empower future innovators. He highlighted the initiative's ability to merge education, R&D, incubation, and funding to foster real-world solutions with regional impact.

The initiative is backed by an impressive roster of sponsors and partners including Waterdrop Inc., Flair Capital, CHINT Group, and strategic collaborators like Nike, Cathay Pacific, and NTT Com Asia. These industry leaders have committed to supplying problem statements for participants to address, bridging the gap between innovation and industry demand.

To explore more or register, visit the PolyU IFC website.