The IdeaPOP! program, now in its fifth year, guides Hong Kong students in developing sustainable, AI-integrated solutions for pressing social issues.
Key facts
- •The IdeaPOP! 2026 program involved 80 shortlisted teams and over 300 students.
- •The champion team from Kwun Tong Maryknoll College created an AI tool that turns study materials into melodies.
- •The program has engaged more than 3,000 students since it began in 2022.
- •Citi has served as the title sponsor for the program since 2024.
- •Participants focused on four specific social domains: education, elderly care, disability inclusion, and mental wellness.
The SEED Foundation's IdeaPOP! 2026 program challenged over 300 Hong Kong secondary school students to develop social innovation projects that extend beyond the classroom. Now in its fifth year and sponsored by Citi since 2024, the initiative emphasizes long-term sustainability and practical feasibility over simple prototype creation. Participants addressed social domains including education, elderly care, disability inclusion, and mental wellness.
By the numbers
Structured Mentorship and Development
The program spans from January to July, moving students through a series of structured stages rather than a single competition event. Teams participate in 12 mentoring sessions focused on problem definition and undergo three iterative pitching rounds before industry panels. A 'Kick-start Day' and a new 'Deep-dive Day' allowed students to stress-test their concepts with over 70 industry professionals and social partners, ensuring their solutions addressed real-world needs.
Integration of AI and Entrepreneurship
This year's champion team from Kwun Tong Maryknoll College developed an AI-powered platform that converts study content into melodies to improve learning retention. To further bridge the gap between concepts and real-world application, Citi hosted an 'AI Day' for finalists, where mentors from the technology sector provided guidance on prototype development, user experience design, and professional AI implementation.
Program Impact and Growth
Since its inception in 2022, IdeaPOP! has engaged more than 3,000 students and generated over 750 technology-based solution concepts. The 2026 edition expanded its learning ecosystem through a new partnership with LinkedIn, which provided students with access to a professional skills development hub. The program aims to equip students with a framework for solving complex problems by balancing social empathy with entrepreneurial discipline.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by SCMP Business.
