Putchakayala Sai Vinuthna Reddy, a second-year Bachelor of Business Administration student specialising in Global Business at Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), has received the Innovation and Technology Scholarship, becoming HKMU's first recipient of this significant award. The scholarship will support her plan to develop a career as an entrepreneur in agricultural technology for the benefit of Hong Kong and other parts of the world.
Vinuthna is one of 25 recipients of this year's scholarship, and she competed in the category of sustainable and green technology. The award presentation ceremony, officiated by Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong SAR Government, was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 2 June. Each awardee will receive up to HK$150,000.
HKMU President Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing says: “This scholarship is a testament to our students' potential in innovation and technology (I&T) and to their dedication to addressing pressing societal challenges. I am impressed by Vinuthna's commitment to responsible business sustainability.” He encourages students with I&T ambitions to take bold steps and make good use of the HKMU Startup Fund and the resources of other incubation organisations, and go “Beyond Limits” on their innovation journey.
Coming from an agricultural family in India, Vinuthna developed an early understanding of the challenges her grandparents faced as traditional farmers. This exposure inspired her to explore how technology can improve productivity, sustainability and livelihoods for farmers. “My aim is to be an entrepreneur within seven to 10 years in the food-growing industry, specifically supporting small and medium-sized farmers, by promoting eco-friendly practices, smart tools and knowledge-sharing in Hong Kong and later in India and globally,” she shares.
Her research interests focus on sustainable farming methods, such as vertical farming, drip irrigation, indoor farming systems, and food waste-to-energy mechanisms. She has worked with family members who own a venture in agricultural technology and explored business solutions to maximise farmer profitability.
With the support of the Scholarship, Vinuthna is ready to embark on the next stage of her journey. She will participate in a summer programme on brand strategy at the London School of Economics and undertake an attachment in the Chinese Mainland, among other opportunities.
Vinuthna says her BBA in Global Business studies have given her a strong foundation in international business operations, strategic management, marketing and ethical leadership, skills that are highly relevant to her career goals.
Other guests attending the ceremony included Mr Kevin Choi, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Mr Ivan Lee Kwok-bun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology; Ms Marina Tong, Chief Operating Officer of HSBC Hong Kong; Ms Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups; Mr Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Awardee Selection Committee; and Dr Joseph Lee Chung-tak, Chairman of Scholarship Administration Committee.
The Innovation and Technology Scholarship was jointly established by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government, HSBC and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. It aims to support outstanding local undergraduates to pursue their aspirations in I&T, allowing them to broaden their global exposure and gain industry experience.
