The HKUST Center for Technology and Business Ecosystem (CTBE) joined hands with the Investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC), and Cyberport, successfully concluded the 2026 Hong Kong Web3 Ideathon. This competition tested contestants’ innovation in AI, FinTech, and financial literacy, drawing 107 teams comprising over 300 students from ten local institutions.
After an intensive seminar and preparatory workshop, the competition culminated in the Final Round Pitch Fest in March at HKUST Business School Central, where nine finalist teams of 25 students from seven universities, presented their proposals to the judging panel. Participants competed across three tracks: Developing FinTech Solutions for Personal Spending and Savings, Enhancing Financial Knowledge in Investment and Insurance, and Safeguarding Against Financial Scams and Frauds.
This year’s winning team was ZKipped with its project “Zero-Knowledge Private Banker”, the second prize went to Team Tanim for its project “Empowering Migrant Workers to Grow”, while Team ZetaFi received the third prize for its project “Your Self-Paying Wallet”. The remaining six teams received Honourable Mentions.
“CTBE is committed to understanding how technological innovation reshapes industry practices, organizational structures, and the broader business ecosystem,” said Prof. MENG Zhaoli, Associate Director of CTBE. “Our center aims to build a platform where academia, industry, and policymakers can work together to explore new technologies and help stakeholders thrive in a more balanced and sustainable way.”
With its focus on disruptive technologies, the integration of emerging technologies, organizational adaptation, and future management practices, CTBE will continue to motivate students to explore Web3 and AI in future competitions.
Ms. Michelle YEUNG, Head of Investor Education and Stakeholder Engagements at IFEC, presented the prize to the champion team—two HKU students William LO and Grace YUEN (absent).
Prof. MENG Zhaoli, Associate Director of CTBE, presented the prize to the runner-up team—three HKU students, Nathan CHOI Nap Yin, Jose Joaquin MARQUEZ, and Haley Nicholas YAP.
Ms. Rachel LEE, Director of Blockchain and Digital Asset at Cyberport, presented the prize to the third-place team— an HKBU student Vishal GINNI and an HKUST student KO Sung Kit.