Innovation Creative Award

Innovation Creative Award Scheme_Poster Innovation Creative Award Scheme_Poster
****Application deadline is extended to 8 March 2026, 11:59 pm ***
Introduction

The Innovation Creative Award Scheme (Scheme) aims to inspire residents of Village CARE to collaboratively develop and implement innovative ideas that enhance sustainable and smart living, promote inclusiveness, foster healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community care. By driving meaningful improvements within the residential environment, the Scheme seeks to create positive ripple effects that extend beyond the campus.

 

Eligibility

Current HKBU students who are current or former residents of Village CARE.

  • Floor-based / College-based Track: Form teams of 4 to 8 residents representing the floor or college.

  • Open Track: Participate solo or collaborate across floors or colleges, in teams of no more than 8 students. Project leader must be current resident.

 

Whether through academic inquiry or non-academic creativity, the project should promote one or more of the following themes within Village CARE, and with the possibility of creating positive effects beyond it:

  • Green and Sustainable Living
  • Inclusiveness and Cultural Exchange
  • Smart Living Enabled by Technology or New Concepts
  • Sports and Healthy Lifestyles
  • Community Care and Support for Those in Need

Level

Amount

Details

Operation Allowance

$5,000- $15,000 per project 

The allowance shall cover actual expenses from the project. 50% of the estimated budget will be provided after the project approval for kick-starting, the remainder of the allowance will be dispatched after the completion of the project.

Lodging Fee Subsidy

$1,000-$2,000 per student

(up to $8,000 per team)

The subsidy is an incentive for the project teams. It will be transferred to each teammate upon full completion of the project. 
 
  • The completed application should be sent to accm_edu@hkbu.edu.hk by 11:59 pm on 8 March 2026 (extended deadline).
  • Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a pitching session to present their proposals. The interview panel will include the Director of Student Affairs and the College Masters, or their delegates.  
  • Successful applicants will receive the result via email. Normally, a student would be accepted to at most three proposals. The interview panel holds the final decision on accepting any students involved in multiple proposals.

  • Proposal Finalisation: Approved applicants must work closely with the supervising staff from the Office of Student Affairs to refine and finalise their project proposal before implementation.

  • Regular Progress Reporting: Applicants are required to provide periodic updates on project progress to the supervising staff throughout the whole project period.

  • Project Completion and Reporting: Within two months of the project’s conclusion, applicants must submit a comprehensive project report using the provided template. This should include a project summary, post-project survey results, photographs, videos, and any other agreed evaluation materials. These documents will be used to share the project experience with the HKBU community and beyond. The Office of Student Affairs reserves the right to publicise project outcomes in internal and external communications.

  • Showcase Opportunities: Approved applicants may be invited to present or showcase their project experience and outcomes during events in the current or subsequent academic year.

Creativity and Innovation (30%)
  • Demonstrates originality and uniqueness of ideas.
  • Provides innovative and creative solutions that effectively respond to the identified needs.
 
Relevance, Feasibility and Interdisciplinary Integration (30%)
  • Clearly addresses the identified needs with practical, workable solutions.
  • Effectively integrates concepts, methods, or perspectives from multiple disciplines to strengthen the proposal.
  • Presents a realistic and detailed implementation plan including resources and timeline.
  • Identifies potential risks and challenges and proposes viable mitigation strategies.
 
Impact, Sustainability, and Scalability (25%)
  • Demonstrates clear potential to raise awareness among residents, the HKBU community, and beyond.
  • Shows meaningful, positive social impact on individuals or communities.
  • Exhibits potential as a social innovation with sustainable benefits.
  • Proposes strategies for extending impact beyond pilot phases or for replication as a model by others.

 

Presentation, Clarity, and Resource Efficiency (15%)
  • Provides a well-structured, detailed, and coherent execution plan.
  • Communicates ideas clearly and persuasively with effective use of visuals or supporting data where appropriate.
  • Demonstrates efficient and transparent use of budget and other resources.

Design Thinking and Social Innovation Workshop was successfully held on 23 February 2026.  The workshop provided participants with valuable hands-on experience in applying design thinking methodologies to real-world social challenges. Through interactive sessions, group activities, and collaborative problem-solving, our residents enhanced their skills in creativity, empathy, and innovative solution development aimed at creating positive impact within the Village CARE community.

By equipping students with practical tools and methodologies such as problem identification, design thinking road map and ROPES Model for Pitch Deck, the workshop guides participants through every stage of proposal development. As a result, students are better able to generate creative ideas, structure their innovations clearly, and present compelling proposals for the Innovation Creative Award Scheme. 

Check out the highlights of the workshop: