The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Name

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Legal name

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Website

https://hkust.edu.hk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education Research University

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Patent Owners & Lessors (6794)

akta.pro primary industry

Technology Transfer & Innovation-Driven Research Universities (High Commercialization) (EDAHABAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary) (EDAHABAA), STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences) (EDAHABAB), Health & Biomedical Research Universities (Academic Medical Center–Affiliated) (EDAHABAC)

Keywords

• Research university
• Higher education
• Postgraduate programs
• Executive education
• Scientific research

Headquarters

HQ city

Hong Kong

HQ country

Hong Kong SAR China

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Program Fees: Recurring tuition from over 20,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students across all schools (Science, Engineering, Business and Management, Humanities and Social Science, Medicine, Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies), with separate scholarship, financial aid, and insurance administration.
2. Research Grants and Government Funding: Income from government bodies (HKSAR Innovation and Technology Commission, University Grants Committee, RGC Collaborative Research Fund, Research Impact Fund, InnoHK), with 13 HKUST projects securing top RGC funding in 2026 and new InnoHK Centers established for renewable energy and power semiconductors.
3. Donations and Endowment Income: Philanthropic donations such as the HK$1,500M from Hong Kong Jockey Club, HK$800M from Fok Ying Tung Foundation, HK$400M from Lee Shau Kee Foundation, HK$150M Shaw Foundation, HK$203M from Jockey Club Charities Trust for the i-Village, and the Inaugural HKUST Foundation Gala Dinner raising over HK$35M.
4. Venture Capital and IP Commercialization: Equity and returns from the HK$2B Redbird Innovation Fund and Gobi-Redbird Innovation Fund (with HKIC and Gobi Partners) supporting HKUST spin-offs; IP licensing and university patent utilization rate above 30% with ~1,670 patent applications.
5. Industry Research Contracts and Industry-Research Alliances: Industry-sponsored research through joint labs (Intel, Huawei, JD.com, BYD, DJI, Bright Dream Robotics, MGI, China Unicom, MetaX, Standard, WeBank) and partnership agreements with CalmCar Physical AI Innovation Center, GPTX, China Everbright Water, Samsung R&D Institute China - Guangzhou, Jiangsu Daotop, and InnoAngel.
6. Executive Education and Lifelong Learning: Premium executive programs including the world No. 1 Kellogg-HKUST EMBA (ranked 12 times No. 1 by FT), HKUST-SKOLKOVO EMBA for Eurasia, HKUST-NYU Stern MSc in Global Finance, Digital MBA for Global Leaders, and HKUST College of Lifelong Learning offerings.
7. Online Courses and Continuing Education: Revenue from Coursera for HKUST, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), Continuing and Professional Education programs, and the Academy for Continuing Education (ACE) delivering lifelong learning.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

HKUST is a publicly funded research-intensive university that delivers undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, EMBA, and doctoral education across six schools (Science, Engineering, Business and Management, Humanities and Social Science, the new School of Medicine, and the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies), supported by 970+ faculty and 20,000+ students. It operates dual campuses at Clear Water Bay (Hong Kong) and Guangzhou (HKUST(GZ), since 2022), runs 52 research centers with multiple State Key Laboratories, and translates research into commercial outcomes via joint industry labs, the HKUST R&D Corporation, the Redbird and Gobi-Redbird Innovation Funds, and a startup ecosystem of 1,900+ active companies and 10 unicorns.

Product overview

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a public research university operating as a multi-school academic and research platform with two physical campuses - the original Clear Water Bay site in Hong Kong and HKUST(GZ) in Guangzhou, established in 2022. The university's academic portfolio is organized around six schools: the School of Science, School of Engineering (SENG), HKUST Business School, School of Humanities and Social Science, the newly established School of Medicine, and the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS). These schools deliver the full BBA/BEng/BSc/MBBS/MPhil/PhD academic program catalog, and feed research into dedicated platforms such as the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute (CKSRI), the Center of Physical AI, CAiRE, CASER, and the HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study. On top of this academic base, HKUST operates a growing portfolio of applied research products and platforms, including the Glanzir slide-free AI pathology imaging system, the PRET multi-cancer pathology AI, the Deep Ocean Omics (DOO) database, the Physical AI Innovation Center (with CalmCar), the Hong Kong Hydrogen Hub (with Towngas), the Hong Kong Operation Robot for Chang'E-8, the sub-zero elastocaloric green freezer, fully solvent-free perovskite solar cells, calcium-ion battery research, and the SURREALITY MR × AI digital art exhibition. Innovation and entrepreneurship are supported through the Redbird Innovation Fund, the Gobi-Redbird Innovation Fund (Gobi-RIF), and the Entrepreneurship Center, while digital learning infrastructure includes Canvas@HKUST and the HKGAI V1 homegrown AI tool.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HKUST (Guangzhou) / HKUST(GZ): The Guangzhou campus of HKUST, established in 2022 as a cross-disciplinary university in Nansha, Guangzhou, Mainland China.
• Kellogg-HKUST EMBA
• HKUST Von Neumann Institute
• Redbird Innovation Fund
• Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute (CKSRI)

Products and services

• School of Science HKUST's School of Science offers BSc, MSc, MPhil and PhD programs covering biochemistry, biological science, biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, data science, environmental management, mathematics, ocean science, physics, and quantitative finance for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• School of Engineering (SENG) HKUST's School of Engineering delivers BEng, MSc, and MPhil/PhD engineering programs in aerospace, artificial intelligence, bioengineering, chemical, civil, computer, decision analytics, electronic, energy/environmental, industrial, mechanical and microelectronics/integrated circuits engineering for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• HKUST Business School HKUST Business School offers BBA, MBA, EMBA, MSc and PhD programs in accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing and information systems, including the Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA, for prospective undergraduate, postgraduate and senior executive students.
• School of Humanities and Social Science HKUST's School of Humanities and Social Science provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Global China Studies, Quantitative Social Analysis, humanities, social science, public policy and Chinese culture for prospective students.
• HKUST School of Medicine HKUST's new School of Medicine offers the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) program with a focus on biotechnology combining AI, biotechnology and clinical medicine, with inaugural intake of 50 students planned for 2028-29.
• Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) HKUST's Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies offers individualized interdisciplinary majors, the Dual Degree Program in Technology and Management, the MA in Arts and Machine Creativity, and MPhil/PhD programs in arts/machine creativity and integrative systems and design for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA Program Joint Executive MBA program with Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, ranked world's #1 by the Financial Times 12 times, designed for senior executives seeking globally top-ranked executive credentials.
• HKUST (Guangzhou) / HKUST(GZ) HKUST's Guangzhou-based sister campus in Nansha, established as the world's first cross-disciplinary university with Thrust-based interdisciplinary academic structures, offering postgraduate education and research translation for mainland and international students.
• Glanzir AI Slide-Free Pathology Imaging System World's first AI-enabled, slide-free pathology imaging system that produces histological images in approximately three minutes for intraoperative cancer diagnosis, using autofluorescence imaging combined with deep learning-based virtual staining; commercialized with PhoMedics Limited for clinical use.
• Deep Ocean Omics (DOO) Database World's first deep-sea multi-omics resource platform integrating multi-omics data from 68 deep-sea animal species across 7 phyla, with three specialized analytical modules supporting cross-species comparative and evolutionary studies for marine researchers.
• HKUST Physical AI Innovation Center HKUST-CalmCar hub dedicated to full-stack physical AI technologies for autonomous driving, robotics and smart manufacturing, with an Industry-Research Alliance and Capital Alliance involving Tsinghua University, Microsoft Research Asia, HSBC and other partners.
• Hong Kong Hydrogen Hub Hong Kong's first hydrogen energy innovation platform jointly established with Towngas, covering hydrogen production, storage, fuel cells, energy generation, technology commercialisation, startup incubation, policy/standards, green certification and professional talent development.
• HKUST College of Lifelong Learning HKUST's continuing and professional education arm delivering MOOCs, Coursera for HKUST courses, Continuing and Professional Education programs, and lifelong learning offerings for individual professionals and senior executives.
• Redbird Innovation Fund HK$2 billion venture investment fund providing pre-seed and early-stage financing to HKUST spin-offs and startups to commercialize university research outputs.

Quantifiable outcome

• HKUST ranked #33 globally in QS World University Rankings 2027 (up 11 places year-over-year)
• +12 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability22 records

Feature12 records

Partnerships

51 partnerships are on record, tiered major, flagship and minor.

• HKUST(GZ) Center for Metaverse and Computational CreativitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026Co-presented the SURREALITY MR x AI Digital Art Cross-City Exhibition at HKUST's Clear Water Bay campus with media preview on June 16, 2026, marking HKUST's 35th anniversary.
• CalmCar (Suzhou CalmCar Electronics Technology)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Established the HKUST Physical AI Innovation Center on June 5, 2026, dedicated to advancing full-stack physical AI technologies for autonomous driving, robotics, and smart manufacturing. CalmCar serves as the initial test bed for applying physical AI to advanced intelligent driving systems. Also launched an Industry-Research Alliance and Capital Alliance.
• Tsinghua UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Inaugural industry-research partner in the HKUST Physical AI Innovation Center Industry-Research Alliance for autonomous driving, robotics, and smart manufacturing.
• Microsoft Research AsiamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Inaugural industry-research partner in the HKUST Physical AI Innovation Center Industry-Research Alliance.
• 51WORLDmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Inaugural industry-research partner in the HKUST Physical AI Innovation Center Industry-Research Alliance.
• MetaX Integrated CircuitsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Inaugural industry-research partner in the HKUST Physical AI Innovation Center Industry-Research Alliance; also a long-standing partner via the HKUST-MetaX Joint Laboratory for Advanced AI Computing.
• Arm ChinamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Inaugural industry-research partner in the HKUST Physical AI Innovation Center Industry-Research Alliance.
• Huixi TechnologymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Inaugural industry-research partner in the HKUST Physical AI Innovation Center Industry-Research Alliance.
• China Everbright Water LimitedmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026Signed a strategic partnership agreement at HKUST Unicorn Day 2026 to advance talent development and research translation.
• Jiangsu Daotop Environmental TechnologymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026Signed a strategic partnership agreement at HKUST Unicorn Day 2026 to advance talent development and research translation.
• Samsung R&D Institute China - GuangzhoumajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026Signed a strategic partnership agreement at HKUST Unicorn Day 2026 to advance talent development and research translation.
• AMTD Group (Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 April 2026Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, Chairman of AMTD Group, appointed to the Global Strategic Advisory Board of HKUST(GZ) to support its research and education focus within the Greater Bay Area.
• HKSAR Innovation and Technology Commission (InnoHK)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 March 2026Government approval received on March 26, 2026 to establish two new InnoHK research centers at HKUST, focusing on renewable energy/storage and power semiconductors to advance green and low-carbon energy transition and advanced manufacturing.
• Quack AI / 0xU Hong Kong Blockchain ClubminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 February 2026HKUST hosted the "AI & Web3 Builders" networking event on February 12, 2026, as a side event to the Consensus Hong Kong 2026 conference, focusing on autonomous agents, ZKML, and privacy-preserving cryptography.
• Intel CorporationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2026Established a joint research lab with HKUST focused on high-efficiency AI computing; complementing the existing HKUST-Intel Joint Laboratory for ongoing collaboration.
• China National Space Administration (CNSA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025Appointed HKUST to lead the international "Hong Kong Operation Robot" project for the Chang'E-8 lunar mission, scheduled for launch around 2029, coordinated through the InnoHK-established Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre with 100+ interdisciplinary researchers.
• Towngas (Hong Kong and China Gas Company)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2025Signed an MOU on December 10, 2025 to jointly establish Hong Kong's first hydrogen energy innovation platform — the Hong Kong Hydrogen Hub — covering hydrogen production, storage, fuel cells, energy generation, technology commercialisation, startup incubation, policy/standards, green certification, and professional talent development.
• SEMImajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 December 2025Co-hosted the inaugural 2025 Semiconductor Innovation and Intelligent Application Summit (SIIAS).
• Sound Group Inc. (LIZHI)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2025Donation by Sound Group's subsidiary to establish the LIZHI Innovation Talent Scholarship at HKUST(GZ) to promote AI and data science research and talent cultivation, with internship and collaboration opportunities.
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2025Signed an MOU during Prof. Nancy Ip's high-level visit to Sweden to deepen academic and research partnerships in life sciences, HealthTech, robotics, and sustainability, positioning Hong Kong as a strategic bridge for Sino-Swedish collaboration.
• Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and MacaumajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2025Joint establishment of the Anita Conti Sustainable Innovation Fellowship for PhD/postdoc researchers to conduct sustainability research in France or at HKUST for up to three months (HKD 59,000 award).
• HuaweimajorTechnology or IntegrationHKUST-Huawei Joint Lab for joint research in computing, communications, and related technologies.
• DJImajorTechnology or IntegrationHKUST-DJI Joint Innovation Laboratory (HDJI) for drone and unmanned systems research.
• JD.commajorTechnology or IntegrationHKUST-JD.com Joint Laboratory for e-commerce, AI, and supply chain research.
• BYDflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-BYD Embodied AI Joint Laboratory for embodied AI and automotive research.
• AlibabamajorTechnology or IntegrationHKUST-Alibaba Joint Laboratory on Big Data and AI for joint research in data and AI.
• China UnicommajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-China Unicom Joint Laboratory on Smart Society for telecommunications and smart society research.
• MGI (MGI Tech)majorTechnology or IntegrationHKUST-MGI Joint Research Center for genomics and biotechnology research.
• Bright Dream RoboticsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-Bright Dream Robotics Joint Research Institute (HBJRI) for robotics research.
• Kaisa GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-Kaisa Joint Research Institute for industry-academia collaboration.
• WeBankmajorTechnology or IntegrationHKUST-WeBank Joint Lab for fintech research.
• Shandong University (SDU)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-SDU Intelligent Computing Joint Laboratory for AI and high-performance computing.
• Wuxi Government / Wuxi Research PartnermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-Wuxi Joint Laboratory for Robotic Embodied Dexterity and Intelligence.
• STANDARD (Standard Robots)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-STANDARD Joint Laboratory for Embodied AI Robotics.
• Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-HKPC Joint Lab on Industrial AI and Robotics Research.
• Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-HKSI Joint Center for Sports Science and Technology.
• Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration partner for the world's first Deep Ocean Omics (DOO) multi-omics platform for deep-sea biological research.
• HKSAR Government / Education BureaumajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner supporting HKUST's ranking performance through sustained investment in education, supportive policies, and University Grants Committee quality assurance. Government has raised the admission ceiling for non-local students to 50%.
• Caltech / Chinese Academy of Sciences / CUHK ShenzhenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration with HKUST on the role of single water molecules in interfacial polymerization and AI-driven microcapsule design, published in ACS Catalysis and Advanced Materials.
• Yale University / EPFL / Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratorymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration with HKUST's School of Engineering on bio-inspired multiscale design strategies for perovskite solar cell stability, published in Nature Reviews Clean Technology.
• Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration with HKUST on calcium-ion battery technology and 3D B-COF solid-state electrolyte, published in Advanced Science.
• Hong Kong Laureate ForumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST hosted Filipino scientists presenting research at the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 in biological anthropology, satellite data, nanoparticle toxicity, and bioinformatics.
• NYU Stern School of BusinessflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST Business School X NYU Stern joint Master of Science in Global Finance program.
• Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA Program ranked world's No. 1 twelve times by the Financial Times.
• Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-SKOLKOVO Executive MBA Program for Eurasia.
• Shenzhen University (SZU)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSZU-HKUST Joint PhD Program in Marine Environmental Science.
• University of BristolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST-University of Bristol Global Knowledge Network partnership; Prof. Guojun BU recognized with Global Knowledge Network Award.
• Terasaki Institute for Biomedical InnovationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational research collaboration to develop a smart contact lens for monitoring intraocular pressure and delivering glaucoma medication autonomously.
• AAAI (Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST research on the Knowledge-Enhanced Explainable Prompting (KEEP) framework for vision-language models, published via AAAI.
• Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities TrustflagshipOthersDonation of over HK$203 million to support the Jockey Club i-Village residential project, and historical HK$1,500M donation for HKUST campus construction.
• China TelecommajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with HKUST on a quantum innovation laboratory and talent development program supporting 6G ambitions.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Direct peers

• University of Hong Kong (HKU): HKUST's primary local peer and Hong Kong's oldest research university. HKU competes directly for the same top students, faculty, research grants, and global rankings; also a fellow top-50 global university with a longer-established medical school that HKUST's new medical school will compete with.
• Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK): Hong Kong's second-largest research university, offering the same portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs. Direct competitor for UGC funding, top students, and Greater Bay Area talent; partner with HKUST on prior research collaborations.
• Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU): Hong Kong's third publicly funded research university with strong applied science and engineering focus. Competes with HKUST for UGC funding, mainland students, and industry partnerships; PolyU's research strengths in computing, engineering, and design overlap directly with HKUST's portfolio.
• City University of Hong Kong (CityU): Hong Kong's fourth publicly funded university, rapidly climbing global rankings (top 100 in QS). Direct competitor for engineering, business, and science talent and UGC research funding; also expanding GBA engagement similar to HKUST.
• Tsinghua University: China's top engineering and technology university, with which HKUST has established the Physical AI Innovation Center Industry-Research Alliance. Tsinghua competes for the same global AI/robotics/biotech talent pool, Greater Bay Area partnerships, and CNSA space robotics mandates that drive HKUST's research agenda.
• Peking University: China's most comprehensive research university, with strong cross-disciplinary AI, biotech, and physical sciences research. Competes directly with HKUST for top global university rankings, international faculty, and Mainland China GBA talent; both target similar HKSAR/Ministry of Education talent programs.
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University: Top-tier Chinese research university, partner with HKUST on calcium-ion battery and 3D B-COF solid-state electrolyte research. Direct peer in advanced materials, engineering, and physical sciences; competes for similar industrial joint labs, national talent programs, and Mainland-HK research funding.
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore): Singapore's leading science and engineering university, consistently ranked top in Asia and a global top-15 institution. Direct peer in engineering, AI, clean energy, and business school rankings; competes for international students, faculty, and industry R&D partnerships across Asia.
• National University of Singapore (NUS): Singapore's flagship comprehensive research university, ranked top in Asia. Direct peer across all six HKUST schools (Science, Engineering, Business, Humanities, Medicine, Interdisciplinary); competes for the same Southeast Asian, Greater China, and global talent pools and industry partnerships.
• KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology): South Korea's premier STEM research university, with strengths in AI, robotics, semiconductors, and clean energy directly overlapping HKUST's research thrusts. Comparable founding-era mission (technology-focused national university), scale (similar faculty/student base), and government-backed industry partnership model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hkust
• YouTubeyoutube.com/HKUST
• Facebookfacebook.com/HKUST
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hkust
• Instagraminstagram.com/hkust

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology