Check out the video about how HKU students are reimagining community care with creativity and AI:
‘HKU Cares’ is dedicated to building meaningful connections between The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the local community. The recent ‘HKU Cares Social Innovation Challenge 2025’ put this mission into practice, inspiring students to co-create solutions with and for the community.
Following an immersive exploration of local needs, participating teams developed brilliant, AI-enhanced proposals to reimagine care for the elderly and people with disabilities. The challenge serves as a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when academic talent meets community purpose. The journey and outcomes of this impactful event are captured in the highlight video above.
A Journey of Connection, Inspiration, and Empowerment
1) Fostering Social Innovation Through Expert Collaboration
The ‘HKU Cares Social Innovation Challenge 2025’ was launched from March to April 2025 as a programme of ‘HKU Cares’. Drawing on expertise from leaders in the social enterprise sector, the initiative was designed to encourage students to apply innovative thinking and cross-sector collaboration to address pressing social issues, specifically focusing on ageing and inclusive community development.
2) Community Immersion: Learning from the Ground Up
A core component of the challenge was ensuring the students’ proposals were grounded in real-world insights. This was achieved through a series of preparatory activities designed to foster a deep connection with the community. On March 15, students participated in a workshop to gain knowledge on smart city development and elderly well-being. This was followed by a ‘Community Exploration @ Southern District’ on March 22, where teams visited non-profit organisations including the Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association and the Hong Kong PHAB Association. These visits provided an invaluable first-hand understanding of the needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities, laying a crucial foundation for their innovative proposals.
3) A Showcase of Creativity: The Presentation Competition
The initiative culminated in a presentation competition held on April 12 at the HKU Centennial Campus, where the students’ inspiration took centre stage. Six finalist teams presented their social innovation proposals to a distinguished judging panel composed of industry experts. The presentations were meticulously assessed on their relevance, innovation, potential impact, and feasibility, reflecting the high standards of the competition.
4) Innovative Solutions for a Better Society
The competition empowered students to transform their insights into tangible, forward-thinking solutions. The three winning proposals were commended for their creativity, practicality, and sophisticated use of technology:
- First Prize: WeSoSweet – Barrier-Free, Smart Food-ordering Kiosk
This proposal outlined the design of an accessible food-ordering kiosk based on universal accessibility principles. By utilising AI technologies, the system caters to the special needs of people with disabilities, directly enhancing community inclusivity. - Second Prize: GoldenAges “Never Stop Exploring”
This initiative proposed a holistic platform offering “Pre-Retirement” training to prepare individuals for a fulfilling retirement. It includes skills training, a job-seeking platform, and the establishment of a supportive community for retirees with shared interests. - Third Prize: Silver Linings
This project focused on the development of an AI-guided application to facilitate sensitive discussions on advanced care planning. The app uses narrative therapy and reflection techniques to provide crucial emotional support for elderly individuals and their families.
The ‘HKU Cares Social Innovation Challenge 2025’ successfully provided a platform for students to address pressing social needs while fostering invaluable cross-sector collaboration. As the Pokfield Campus development continues, ‘HKU Cares’ will remain committed to creating opportunities that connect, inspire, and empower HKU members to generate positive and lasting societal impact.
Acknowledgements
This initiative was made possible in collaboration with programme partners and supporting organisations (in no particular order).
Visit programme website for more details: https://tab.so/hkucaresSIC
