Reflecting on ENTR3100: Nurturing Innovation for Hong Kong’s Ageing Society
As another semester draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared in ENTR3100: Industrial Landscape – Elements of a startup business at HKUST. This course is always a highlight of my academic year, and 2025 was no exception. The energy, creativity, and empathy that my students brought to the challenge of supporting Hong Kong’s elderly population have truly inspired me.
We kicked of the semester with a guest lecture delivered by Prof. KK Ling (who is the director of social innovation) for HK PolyU DISI and he is also the chairman of Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS). We were also blessed with a site visit to the Elderly Resources Centre (ERC) of HKHS in Yau Ma Tei.
During the mid-term, all the students were encouraged to take on a AIESEC Social Outlier Competition by applying what they have learnt in my class to pitch. Two teams were shortlisted and eventually one of the team was awarded 1st Runner’s Up.
Tackling a Pressing Challenge
Hong Kong, like many developed societies, faces the realities of an ageing population. The question we posed this semester was simple yet profound:
How might we empower seniors to live safer, more connected, and more independent lives through innovative technology?
Our answer came in the form of three remarkable student teams, each presenting a unique startup concept-A-Wear, Silver Sight, and Guidian – reimagining the potential of smart glasses for elderly care.
Meet the Teams and Their Innovations
1. A-Wear: Discreet Assistance, Dignified Living
A-Wear Innovations Inc. set out to address a common barrier: many seniors resist visible assistive devices due to stigma or aesthetic concerns. Their solution? A wearable pin-sleek, lightweight, and discreet-that integrates smart assistive technology. Worn on the chest like a stylish accessory, the A-Wear pin provides real-time guidance, reminders, and object recognition to support those with deteriorating eyesight or early-stage dementia.
Key features include:
- Compact, flexible design for comfort and style
- AI-powered navigation and object recognition
- Seamless connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Energy-efficient operation for all-day reliability
A-Wear’s thoughtful approach ensures seniors receive the support they need-without compromising their independence or dignity.
2. Silver Sight: Reviving Tradition, Combating Loneliness
Silver Sight took a different route, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. Their vision: an immersive AR Mahjong experience that reconnects seniors with cherished memories and loved ones, both past and present.
Highlights of Silver Sight:
- Haptic Mahjong Console: Motorized tiles recreate the tactile joy of traditional mahjong.
- AI & Virtual Companions: Play with skill-matched bots or photorealistic avatars of departed loved ones, powered by family photos and voice cloning.
- Remote Multiplayer: Invite friends and family to join games from anywhere.
- Bridging Generations: Fosters social bonds, combats loneliness, and keeps tradition alive.
Silver Sight is a beautiful reminder that technology can be a bridge-not a barrier-between generations.
3. Guidian: Smart Glasses for Safety and Independence
Guidian’s smart glasses are purpose-built for the unique needs of seniors, combining advanced features with user-friendly design:
- Emergency Dial Button: Instant connection to help when needed.
- Front Camera & GPS: Location awareness and voice-guided navigation for safe exploration.
- Motion Sensor: Real-time fall detection and automatic caregiver alerts.
- Bone Conduction Speakers: Clear communication without blocking ambient sounds.
- Voice-Activated Assistant: Hands-free reminders and information.
Guidian’s vision is clear: empower seniors to remain safe, independent, and connected to their communities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Elderly Care
What excites me most is not just the ingenuity of these projects, but the heart behind them. Each team demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Hong Kong’s elderly, and a commitment to making a real difference.
As we wrap up ENTR3100 this year, I am filled with pride and optimism. If these student entrepreneurs are any indication, the future of elderly care in Hong Kong-and beyond-is in very good hands.
The department ENTR is an Entrepreneurship Minor at the HKUST and they have specially arrange poster session for the students to present their work at the end of the semester. Some of them is having their project appearing as posters for the first time. Very exciting for many.
Congratulations to all our teams! Thank you for reminding us that innovation is at its best when it serves humanity.
Interested in learning more or supporting these projects? Stay tuned for updates as our student startups continue their journey from classroom to community impact!
Daniel Chun, PhD
Instructor of ENTR3100 at HKUST