Application Details

Student Affairs Office Entrepreneurship MetroChallenge: Up to HK$100K Implementation Fund for Entrepreneurship Application Details
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Eligibility Criteria

(a) The MetroChallenge Programme is open to all current part-time, full-time and distance learning students at all academic level and recent graduates [1].

(b) The team size must be from 2 – 6 members, ideally with complementary backgrounds and knowledge.

(c) Applicant can form team with non-HKMU members. For teams consisting of more than 3 members, at least 2 members of the team must be from HKMU.

(d) Each Team Member can join only one team, and each team is allowed to submit one application.

(e) The Team Leader should be a current student from HKMU or recent graduates from HKMU who carries a valid student status, and hold a core role in the team at the time of application.

(f) It is highly recommended the team to have an advisor like teaching staff (e.g. professor, lecturer etc.). An advisor can assist the team with idea inception, product or business development, prototyping, market analysis, financial projections and more, thereby increasing the feasibility of the project.

(g) Previous awardees are permitted to participate in the MetroChallenge a maximum of two times with different project plans. However, individuals who have served as Team Leaders for previously awarded teams are not eligible to serve as Team Leaders in subsequent entries.

(h) The Team Leader would act as the contact person who coordinates the communication between HKMU and other team members.

(i) The team is not required to be a registered company. The team can be an early-stage company that was established no more than 2 years.

[1] Alumni graduated in academic year 2024 and 2025 are eligible.

Application Schedule

1st Round – Initial Screening

13 March (Friday)
13 March (Friday)

Open For Application

The applicant needs to

  • complete the online application form (team members information & resumes, project status & category)
  • submit 6-page concept deck for 1st round selection 
  • Concept Deck Template:  LINK
19 March (Thursday)
19 March (Thursday)

1-on-1 Entrepreneurship Advisory (For Appointment)

  • The applicant can schedule an appointment with the advisor to receive guidance on the application project
25 March (Wednesday)
25 March (Wednesday)

Offline Introduction Session (Inside HKMU Career Fair)

1 April (Wednesday)
1 April (Wednesday)

Lean Canvas Workshop

7 April (Tuesday)
7 April (Tuesday)

Online Introduction Session

29 April (Wednesday), by 23:59
29 April (Wednesday), by 23:59

Application Deadline

By 8 May (Friday)
By 8 May (Friday)

1st Round Shortlisted Result Announcement

2nd Round – Concept Validation

14 May (Thursday)
14 May (Thursday)

Metro Lab Kick-off Meeting & Prototype Training Workshop (mandatory)

19 May – 30 July
19 May – 30 July

MetroLab Subsidy for Minimum Viable Products (MVP)

  • MetroLab Subsidy $5000 to be provided to the 1st round shortlisted teams assist in completing the MVP, including prototype, market testing and validation
  • Each team must join the consultation session with the appointed advisors 3 times to consolidate their idea before complete their MVP report
28 – 29 May
28 – 29 May

FREE 2D1N Guangzhou MetroLab Startup Study Tour (mandatory)

  • Each team leader must attend the MetroLab Startup Study Tour. The tour is free of charge, including round-trip transportation, double-occupancy hotel accommodation, meals, and local transportation for scheduled activities
  • If the team leader is not available to attend, a representative needs to be sent to participate. If the representative is an HKMU student, they can attend free of charge. If not, they will need to settle the payment of HKD $500 fee
  • The participants are required to submit a refundable deposit of HKD $300 to secure a spot on the study tour
  • This deposit will be refunded upon completion of the entire MetroLab Period, as well as the submission of pre- and post-evaluation forms
31 July (Friday), by 23:59
31 July (Friday), by 23:59

Minimum Viable Products (MVP) Report Deadline

Team need to submit

  1. 1-page business summary
  2. Max. 15-page pitching deck
  3. Max. 4-minute short video to describe their project and validated Minimum Viable Products (MVP)
By 27 June (Friday)
By 27 June (Friday)

2nd Round Shortlisted Result Announcement

Final Presentation (on-site)

7 August (Friday) [TBC]
7 August (Friday) [TBC]

Final Presentation & Assessment

  • The 2nd round shortlisted teams will be invited to join the closed-door pitching on campus

Awarded Teams Announcement

By 12 August (Wednesday)
By 12 August (Wednesday)

Project Showcase & Pitching Advisory

  • The awarded teams are entitled to receive 1 individual coaching session focused on project showcasing and pitch polishing skills
One day between 7 – 11 September
One day between 7 – 11 September

Zoom Rehearsal (Awarded Teams)

  • At least the representative who will participate in the 1-minute Elevator Pitch needs to participate in the rehearsal
17 September (Thursday) [TBC]
17 September (Thursday) [TBC]

HKMU Entrepreneurship Day 2026 (mandatory)

  • Each awarded team will have one showcase booth to demonstrate their business ideas
  • Each team need to arrange 1 representative to participate in 1-minute Elevator Pitch on stage to compete for “The Most Innovative Idea” & “Best Presenter” awards
  • Prize announcement for MetroChallenge 2026 awardees

Judging Criteria​

Hackathon Webpage Icon (1)
Business Model (30%)
16
Innovation and
Industry Disruption (20%)
15
Feasibility and
Commercial Viability (20%)
17
Team Capability (20%)
18
Potential Social or
Community Impact (10%)
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