The Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE) held its 2025–26 Pitch Competition on Grand Challenge Engineering Topics for University Students under the theme “Human-AI Collaboration.” Established in 1994 by distinguished engineering leaders including Sir Sze-yuen Chung and Sir Charles K. Kao, HKAE is a leading institution dedicated to advancing engineering excellence and innovation in Hong Kong.

The competition brought together eight university teams to explore how AI can work with people to address real-world challenges. It began with a Poster Session on April 1, 2026, followed by the formal Project Presentation rounds on April 11, 2026.

The judging panel brought together leaders from technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare, investment, and smart city development, namely:

• Mr Marcus Woo, Director, Hong Kong & Greater China, Queue Associates
• Dr Winnie Tang, MH, JP, Founder and Chairman of Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited
• Mr Jason Chui, Founder of Cherrypicks; Executive Chairman of Collectiv; Honorary President of Hong Kong Startup Council
• Prof Hong Fung, Professor of Practice in Health Services Management, Jockey Club School of Public Health & Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Dr Chuen Yan Leung, Partner, Healthcare Investments, Value Partners

As a judge, Dr Tang contributed her expertise in GIS, smart city development, and innovation to assess the teams’ ideas, implementation potential, and social impact.

The University of Hong Kong was awarded the Winning Team for its project “ACTalyse: Adaptive Communication Training for Interdisciplinary Professionals.”

The judging panel of the HKAE 2025–26 Pitch Competition on Grand Challenge Engineering Topics for University Students, themed “Human-AI Collaboration.” From left: Mr Jason Chui, Founder of Cherrypicks, Executive Chairman of Collectiv, and Honorary President of Hong Kong Startup Council; Prof Hong Fung, Professor of Practice in Health Services Management, Jockey Club School of Public Health & Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Dr Winnie Tang, MH, JP, Founder and Chairman of Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited; Mr Marcus Woo, Director, Hong Kong & Greater China, Queue Associates; and Dr Chuen Yan Leung, Partner, Healthcare Investments, Value Partners.

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