Business Lab Incubation Program
Since inception, BusinessLab gathered 500+ entrepreneurs, 160+ industry experts, incubated 84+ concepts and held 200+ workshops. The BusinessLab Incubation Program, founded in 2012, provides a unique opportunity for corporates, entrepreneurs and business students wishing to experience the full startup cycle, from idea to commercialization, and for aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passion for entrepreneurship in areas such as innovation, social entrepreneurship, retail, F&B, artificial intelligence, IOT and big data.
For 9 consecutive years, the BusinessLab incubation program was hosted at MBA Business School at Hong Kong University, ranked No.1 in Asia by The Economist.
For 9 consecutive years, the BusinessLab incubation program was hosted at MBA Business School at Hong Kong University, ranked No.1 in Asia by The Economist.
BUNISESS LAB PROJECTZERO
Founders and CEOs Entrepreneurship Path from Idea to Commercialization
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LAUNCHED PROJECTS
Following programs conclusion, a series of teams decides to further develop their concepts, set their operation and incorporate as a business. Below are some of the exciting project that were launched.
"NATIVEZ IS THE CORPORATE ARM OF NATIVES, WHERE ALL TRANSACTIONS ARE DONE ONLINE WITH BOOKING MECHANISMS SIMILAR TO POPULAR O2O APPLICATIONS"
PROJECT WON CYBERPORT CREATIVE MICRO FUND 2017 INTAKE
MBA BusinessLab Incubation Program Alumni,
NATIVEZ LAUNCHED IN JULY 2015 | NATIVES LAUNCHED IN MARCH 2016
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
1) Incubate the development and consolidation of business concepts
2) Promote problem‐solving capabilities within dynamic settings
3) Provide ready‐to‐use methodologies for start‐up and innovation‐like projects
4) Provide the opportunity to interact and brainstorm ideas with top industry professionals
5) Convey the fundamental factors that increase success ratios
6) Provide aspiring entrepreneurs and business school students the opportunity to iterate and improve concepts
7) Ultimately, all projects are presented to a jury panel for a final evaluation and for potential partnerships, grants and funding
2) Promote problem‐solving capabilities within dynamic settings
3) Provide ready‐to‐use methodologies for start‐up and innovation‐like projects
4) Provide the opportunity to interact and brainstorm ideas with top industry professionals
5) Convey the fundamental factors that increase success ratios
6) Provide aspiring entrepreneurs and business school students the opportunity to iterate and improve concepts
7) Ultimately, all projects are presented to a jury panel for a final evaluation and for potential partnerships, grants and funding
PROJECTS PORTFOLIO
SENTECH
Integration of body sensors connected to mobile application and devicees to provide detection of early sign of body status 
Surprise
A gift recommendation platform. Value additions in the form of gift ideas, the season's trends and value for money 
Morella
The fact that we cannot prevent rain and seemingly cannot put down our multiple smartphones makes Morella umbrella cup holder your new ally |
3BEEBOX
The next generation consumer sampling helping consumer goods companies advertise and connecting with customers 
Micos
An e-commerce platform selling beauty and skincare products customized for customers using AR, AI and Big Data technology 
Hong Kong Kings
Producing unique customizable and high quality hats for music artists and premium events worldwide |
U3
A sharing-economy project for high density cities using IOT and big data to connect product sensors to daily-use objects 
Ez
Providing a digital-based solution for expatriates to quickly set up in new countries 
Gomo
Connecting businesses who need mobile strategy with businesses that operate within the the diverse mobile strategy world |
Lendscape
Providing investors with alternative social Fintech investments opportunities, completely customizable and based on different risk appetites |
Farmacy
Offering high quality local vegetables produced with innovative technology to bridge the current gap of 98% of locally sold imported vegetables |
DiaJourney
The lack of attractive mobile traveling apps in light of the ever-growing numbers of travelers worldwide |
Dream Work
HK$46.8 Bilion as total compensation of HK-based ICT professionals in 2014...and only 46% of IT freelancers find jobs on online marketplaces |
Beautiful Affair
Weddings in India are an arduous affair as it involves scattered members and limited preparation time. A one-stop virtual data platform for wedding needs. |
Power Meal
Providing real-time data on restaurant seat availability to save users time on queuing and minimizing time wasted whilst waiting to be seated |
GO DOC
A single point of reference digital-based AI platform for local and expat patients looking for a specialty-based medical professionals whilst visiting or residing in Hong Kong 
In and Out
A mobile solution to support high volume of patrons during peak hours and reduce both the uneven stress load on restaurants and the extended waiting time for consumers |
Help
Handyman and cleaning services data platform focusing on both b2b and b2c market ecosystems and on dual-side intervenients (customer & service providers) 
MedValult
Making medical record keeping hassle free for all parties involved in the medical business whilst creating a seamless data network connecting both the medical and the patient communities |
DanRen
A new concept in dining catering to the lone diner, from cuisine to social interaction together with an AI to forge on-site connections, professional or romantic 
Beach Geeks
With the advent of online collaboration tools, more tasks can be fulfilled from anywhere. Nomadic destinations lack, however, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a network of like-minded people |
Mooie Jazz
Offering fashionable and low-price 3D printed spectacles, including full customization of the frames design, shape, 3D-based materials and colors |
Modbox
Multiple compartments in one unit to eradicate the need for a series of plastic pieces for an array of diverse foods, all fitting in one single recyclable ad multi-usable take-away food box |
Hong Kong One
An integrated street-screens and controlling AI & big data platform for Hong Kong citizens & visitors to access meaningful information and to serve as a pivotal element of a smart city environment |
Natives
Language learners struggling to find classes that are effective and fit their busy schedule. Natives connects language learners and language teachers seamlessly through an easy to use community platfrom |
Pinata
A social-focused app where people can bid for desirable products and experiences. The solution aims to lower the barriers to desirable items that can sometimes be too expensive and non affordable |
Nativez
Detail is the difference between GOOD and GREAT. Natizes leverages from Natives community app to offer online translation for both B2B and B2C markets leveraging from AI and big data technology |
Top Tennis Academy
Offering hybrid online-offline packages for tennis enthusiasts looking for a results-based and personalized tennis premium services |
Prudiet
A nutritional solution for both expecting mothers and busy professionals that seek a balanced nutritional diet and for those that can't access many nutritional food choices in their surroundings or that may not enough time to cook |
Vow
Optimized business models for the fitness industry to better serve busy professionals. An offline-digital solution focusing on the future of fitness leveraging from upcoming AI and data technologies |
EZEat
A platfrom with connecting POS ASI focused on simplifying ordering and payment systems for both customers and restaurant owners via smart devices, whilst allowing for faster turnover at dining outlets 
CFA Wizzard
A CFA Level 1 and 2 platform for students and professionals to study for exams, featuring all calculations and models with source protected spreadsheets an available in different languages |
Vegg
Encouraging more people to adopt and enjoy a plant-based lifestyle and providing more nutritional options through a vegan “EGG” flavored with different organic and vegetarian dense ingredients 
UCOOK
Hong Kong Based metropolitans fight an uphill battle between long work hours and sustaining health. An online-offline solution for those seeking nutritious meals that require little preparation cooking efforts |
Focus Headgear
A discreet in-cap/in-hoodie data capturing device for youngsters having trouble maintaining focus when studying or working for real-time feedback analysis and to measure focus-related data 
Apple Tree
An interactive in-class learning, lesson planning, progress analysis, and record tracking app to address current education software industry solutions addressing a subsets of the education framework |
"The most memorable experiences in my MBA journey would be the Business Lab class. My team and I had the idea of mindfulness education and the class walked us through step by step composing a business plan & transforming it into a real business"
Pakki Chan, MBA BusinessLab Incubation Program Alumni, Class of 2020
BusinessLab Program Feedback
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Industry: Banking | Company: ANZ | Job Title: Director: "For me, Business Lab was definitely one of the highlights of the MBA HKU programme. The course is a key differentiator from the other common courses in MBA programmes. It exposed me to a segment that kept some interest in running a start-up at the back of my mind. We were being taught how to look outside the box in terms of what we can do for start-ups, and this interest of start-ups has led me to make connections with different organisations. The information that Business Lab provided is an insight, not just for students, but also for Hong Kong as an international city to look at as one of its pillars of growth." Read Peter Experience
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Industry: PropTech | Company: Spare-IT | Job Title: General Manager: "Throughout the programme, I have had the opportunity to learn from fascinating professors with extensive experience and various backgrounds. They have participated in compelling projects, their experiences from which supplement my journey as an entrepreneur. Some of my favourite classes in this programme have been Business Ethics, Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders, and Business Lab.
For Business Lab, we were assigned to create a project or a company from inception. Pedro Eloy, our professor, invited experts from various industries to share their experience in the challenges and procedures that an entrepreneur would encounter. The class ended with a final pitch where, through a series of projects and a lot of hard work, we presented a company that we had created. I had the luck to be part of a team with experienced and well prepared people. Through our constant collaboration in project Aqua de Vida, we won four out of five awards for our project." Read Jose Experience |
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Industry: Retail | Company: Gap Inc | Job Title: Global Sourcing Strategy Manager: "Transitioning requires not just networking but also knowledge. Courses such as business labs and business data analytics provided me with holistic business knowledge. Discussions with industry professionals helped me identify and highlight my transferable skills. Popular opinion is that it is easy to change either your function or industry through an MBA but difficult to change both. After I joined the MBA programme, I realised that the challenge was bigger than I had expected. " Read Anupriya Experience
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Industry: Consulting | Company: EY China | Job Title: M&A Senior Associate: "Since I decide to devote myself to the financial service sector in East Asia, enrolling in an MBA programme has become a top priority. Among all potential programmes in Hong Kong, the MBA programme in HKU is no doubt the best - Its partnerships with two world-renowned business schools, London Business School and Columbia Business School, provide a global mindset. The electives in term 1 exceed my expectations. I chose VCPE, Business Lab and Marketing for Tech-intensive Industries. Even if you have a strong finance background, you will still have so much to learn." Read Chloe Experience
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Industry: Investment Management | Company: Fosun 复星 | Job Title: Senior Director: "Everyone has different reasons for pursuing an MBA. My journey started when I wanted to become more business driven and change my profile appearance to be more well-rounded. My reasons for choosing the MBA programme at HKU Business School were twofold. Firstly, I had read a lot of information about the unique Business Lab course offered and believed it would offer me a holistic view of how to do business. Secondly, my family has a family business background and I wanted to continue this legacy." Read Royce Experience
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Industry: FinTech | Company: JD FinTech | Job Title: Business Risk: "Business Lab is my most favorite subject of HKU MBA.
The professor guided us how to draft a business proposal, and invited a group of very inspiring guest speakers that helped us to explore into the business world. I also learnt how to pitch the business plan and raised funds like a professional." Read Kavinthip Experience |
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Industry: Management Consulting | Company: Deloitte China | Job Title: Senior Manager: "I believe that the most valuable learning from my MBA experience was via different case studies that we had covered in almost all modules. It emphasized on the practical side of business, rather than just academics. The valuable sessions with guest lectures and networking events further gave me an opportunity to make real and valuable connections across almost all walks of life. Reminds me of the Business Lab, which gave us a platform to pitch our business ideas to real investors. HKU Business School gives you a pool of such opportunities." Read Sahil Experience
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Industry: Education | Company: Lernovate | Job Title: Senior Director: "Studying the MBA was significantly helpful for me to build and grow my start-up. My journey with HKU MBA began in 2019 and I quickly discovered that I could advance my entrepreneurial and management skills significantly enough to develop my organisation to the international level during my studies. The professors were excellent as they gave me a lot of practical advice which I was then able to utilise for my business. My start-up received backing from few angel investors within a year of me completing my MBA at HKU. I owe this to the education I received from the programme." Read Ariel Experience
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Industry: Consulting | Company: KPMG China | Job Title: Manager: "As a child, I still remember the conversation my father and I had in high school, “Entrepreneurs seldom intend to become entrepreneurs. They run into situations where they cannot avoid becoming entrepreneurs,” he said. Hong Kong is known as the world’s largest hub for incubators. With HKU MBA’s leading elective course, Business Lab for Incubators, you can get the best platform to give life to your ideas by creating a real business and not just the plan. This course invites guest speakers (Leaders in Start-ups), who acts as a “reality check” and as a source of potential networking opportunities whilst leading topic‐specific sessions and offering generous amounts of time to the students for questions and answers." Read Sakshi Experience
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Industry: Wine | Company: Mr Sparkling | Job Title: CEO: I chose Hong Kong due to city’s close connections to Guangzhou. I am interested in academic achievements, rather than just networking, which makes HKU a good fit as it is famous for its academia. I also took the opportunity to undergo a very strategic business expansion during my studies in Hong Kong. It is an expansion into emerging markets, as well as an upgrade to our brand. Pedro, from the MBA Business Lab course helped us to complete the big picture for our business expansion. The year of 2020 is bad time to be an entrepreneur but it is a good time to learn and hone your skill-set. The MBA is an investment and I trust it is one of the best investments I will ever make." Read Alex Experience
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Industry: Agriculture | Company: Farmacy | Job Title: CEO: "Raymond and his co-founders started Farmacy HK in the HKU Business School MBA’s famed Business Lab, a course which takes students through every step of the startup process, from idea conception to launch, so the concept has its roots directly from Raymond’s alma mater. “I’m heavily rooted here, my bachelor is from HKU and I was President of the Student Union, so HKU is always in my heart. But doing the MBA, was the result of pressure from my friends as I’ve always been reluctant to do so. But it turned out to be an amazing journey that ultimately changed my life. HKU allowed me to get the invaluable experience to be the head of a startup.” Read Raymond Experience
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Industry: Education | Company: Natives | Job Title: CEO: "Starting my own business has been my dream since college. After getting my undergraduate degree in accounting; with PwC I worked in both the New York and Hong Kong offices. Deep in my heart, I knew something was missing – an opportunity to chase after my dream of starting my own business. I am now the co-founder of Natives, a language services startup based in Hong Kong. The business idea came from a project that I did in one of the courses, Business Lab: Ideas Incubation Programme, and the two other co-founders are my classmates from the very same class. Outside the classroom, the HKU community and connections have been a huge help in building my startup". Read Amy Experience
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
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Partners & Supporters
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