The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) has been a popular place for both brainy people and bosses despite its brief history.

Launched in the capital of Guangdong province in 2022, the university houses more than 120 registered companies and over 240 projects in incubation initiated by its students and faculty.

The undertakings cover fields including artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, embodied intelligence, biomedicine and new materials, Lionel M. Ni, president of the university, told media on Thursday.

As part of the supporting measures, the 2024 Guangzhou city government work report stipulated the building of an innovation zone surrounding the university.

HKUST(GZ) Innovation and Technology Transfer Base went into operation in late 2024, initially providing nearly 20,000 square meters of incubation space for on-campus startups.

"We are committed to nurturing innovative enterprises with independent IP and competitive edges," Ni said.