GEST Student’s Innovative Project Wins the YDC Best Potential Startup and Innovation Award

GEST Student’s Innovative Project Wins the YDC Best Potential Startup and Innovation Award

Green Energy and Smart Technology (GEST) student, LIN Chun Yin Ryan, teamed up with a student from Hong Kong Metropolitan University to participate in the YDC Dare to Change Business Pitch Competition, organised by the Young Entrepreneurs Development Council (YDC). Their project, “WeGreen AI”, won the YDC Best Potential Startup and Innovation Award.

GEST student, LIN Chun Yin Ryan (first from left).

“WeGreen AI” proposed the development of an automated recycling system, known as the Smart Bin. This innovative solution aims to simplify the recycling process by significantly reducing the time required for waste classification. Users can simply dispose of all their waste into the Smart Bin, which will automatically sort and classify the materials.

Addressing the gravity of Hong Kong’s waste problem, Ryan underscored the importance of their solution. “Government and statistics indicate that if effective waste-sorting measures are not put in place, Hong Kong’s landfills will reach capacity by 2030. It’s widely recognized that better recycling is essential, and automated sorting via a smart garbage bin holds great potential.”

Ryan and his teammate are introducing their project – “WeGreen AI”.

Determined to Overcome Obstacles and Bring the Project to Market

“We still need to transform our R&D demo into a fully developed, market-ready product,” Ryan explained. “We plan to work with a factory in Mainland China to see how to convert the demo into a finished product. Since there will be some differences between the demo and the final model, we also need to conduct various tests to ensure the product’s stability.”

He continued, “We realize that implementing our plan and bringing the product to market will inevitably encounter challenges—this is just one chapter of our journey. Some people may doubt our ability to achieve this goal, since we are students, but precisely because we are students, many people are willing to help and guide us. We would especially like to thank Dr. Ma Lik-kuen from the Department of Physics at Hong Kong Baptist University and Mr. Chan Wai-kuen from the School of Business, who have provided tremendous support for our technical and commercial development. With their assistance, our solution has a chance to benefit society and the world. We’re confident that we’ll be able to overcome the hurdles and achieve successful product launch.”

Optimistic About the Future of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong

Ryan was optimistic about the prospects of innovation and technology entrepreneurship in Hong Kong. He said, “With strong support from the government, Hong Kong has ample educational resources and talent for I&T entrepreneurship. On top of that, Hong Kong is an international metropolis with a vast free market.”

As he is about to begin his fourth year of studies and prepare to enter the workforce, Ryan plans to develop both his entrepreneurial ventures and academic research in parallel. “I intend to pursue both paths simultaneously. In my view, real-world experience is essential for successful entrepreneurship, yet academic support is also vital for tech-related ventures; both are indispensable. Once my startup shows signs of significant growth, it will indicate that my academic background is solid enough to support the business, and that will be the ideal time to focus all my energy on entrepreneurship,” he said.
 

Source: 文匯報