IdeaPOP! 2026: Hong Kong Students Learn to Build Sustainable Social Innovation

The SEED Foundation's IdeaPOP! 2026 competition for Hong Kong secondary school students concluded with a focus on sustainable social innovation. Over 100 submissions were reviewed, with nearly all featuring artificial intelligence. The program, which has engaged more than 3,000 students since 2022, structured its competition in stages: 12 early-stage mentoring sessions, three iterative pitching rounds, and practical critique. A Kick-start Day involved over 300 students and 70 industry professionals, and a new Deep-dive Day allowed closer engagement with practitioners. The champion team from Kwun Tong Maryknoll College developed an AI-powered platform using the 'sound memory method' to convert learning content into melodies. Citi hosted an AI Day at its Hong Kong office for finalists, featuring mentors and technology entrepreneurs. The 10 finalist teams presented at the Final Pitch Day. Danny Lee, Chairman of SEED Foundation, emphasized that students are AI natives needing guidance to ask sharper questions and trust human instincts. The program aims to integrate social concern with entrepreneurial discipline to tackle Hong Kong's challenges.