HKUST Dream Builder

DREAM BIG, ACT NOW!

Call for New Cohort of IPIC -  HKUST Dream Builder 2025-2026 Cohort #1 is calling for applications. Application Deadline will be on 28 Dec 2025.  

Come join the IPIC to obtain funding, coaching and training, mentorship, and an array of in-kind support to realize your start-up dreams! HKUST Dream Builder 2025-2026 Cohort #1 aims to facilitate startup projects in carrying out their proof of concept and developing their MVP/ prototype within twelve months, enhance the team competitiveness for next stage of growth and encourage early adoption of HKUST technology in their innovative startup projects. Application deadline of 2025-2026 Cohort #1 will be on 28 Dec 2025. Let us check out what HKUST Dream Builder offers as below! 

With exclusive support from HKUST Dream Builder, admitted start-up teams will be able to achieve the following by the end of the supporting period:

Define and/or confirm business model, customer journey and product design

Complete proof of concept

Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)/ prototype

Collect/ ready to collect market feedback

Complete business registration in Hong Kong

Our Offers:

Up to HKD100,000 per start-up team as Seed Fund

All-round Trainings

Mentorship network

Start-up Space: theBASE (1/F, Lift 29-30)

External Outreach: Nominations to external competitions, fast track, Being featured in HKUST publications

Eligibility:

• Team or company applications are both accepted.
• The main applicant must be a full-time current student (undergraduate or postgraduate) of HKUST till the end of project within the supporting period, while other team members can be HKUST students, alumni or staff.
• If the start-up is already a registered company, the company shall have been registered for no more than one year at the time of application.
• At least two HKUST full time current students are playing important roles (Founder/ Co-founder) in the project.

Timeline of 2025-2026 Cohort#1:

• Online Info Session: 15 Dec 2025 (16:30-17:00), Join Zoom Meeting https://hkust.zoom.us/j/96394514618?pwd=KQ2mFEWOdoJPkEIM2vwBFKGbILLnbI.1
• Application Deadline: 28 Dec 2025
• Interview of shortlisted applications:  Jan 2026
  *the presenter must be main applicant or HKUST students who are team member
• Result Announcement: Jan 2026

Application Details:

• Application Form: Here
  The application form should enclose the following documents:
  - 10-page Pitch Deck
  - List of Team Members 
  - Financial Budget Estimation 
  - BR, CI & NNC1 (for registered company only)
   
• Funding Guideline: Here
   
• Enquiry: dreambuilder@ust.hk (Miss Sue HUI)

Useful Information:

(1) More details of HKUST Technology: https://exp-license.hkust.edu.hk/ 

(2) Startup advice: please reach us at the BASE Advising Counter or send email to dreambuilder@ust.hk.