Living Lab Student Competition 2025

Do you have an idea for cutting-edge technology or creative ideas that could enhance our campus to be more sustainable? 
 
If so, join our Living Lab Student Competition HERE, and submit your idea by 24 Oct 2025. 
 
Competition Overview
 

• Open To: All UG and PG students (participate individually or in teams of 2-4).

• Theme: Propose a unique and innovative solution to tackle a sustainability challenge on campus - from landscaping, buildings, facilities, mobility, learning and living spaces, catering, support services, or any other area that could benefit from your creative approach.

• Special Focus: This year, we particularly welcome ideas related to waste management (with BIGGER PRIZES!)

 
Why Participate?
 

• WIN CASH PRIZES: 
  • Top 5 Winners: Each wins HK$2000
  • Bonus Prize: Proposals that opt to go for the Waste Management track will receive an additional HK$2000, for a total of HK$4000.
  • Submit Multiple Ideas! Got more than one brilliant idea? Great! You are welcome to submit multiple proposals to the competition. 

• IMPLEMENTATION OPPORTUNITY: Winning ideas may have the opportunity to be implemented on campus, with support from the Living Lab team.

How to Submit Your Idea(s)?
 
Initial Proposal Submission

• Identify a campus sustainability challenge and propose a solution.
• Refer to HKUST's sustainability 2028 challenges for inspiration.
• Submissions should include: (1) Problem Statement (with empirical observations), (2) Proposed Solution (innovatve & feasible), (3) Expected impact.
• Special Categories: (1) Waste Mangement Focus (Tick box if applicabe - HIGHER PRIZE), (2) Interest in implementation (Tick a box if interested in executing the project on campus if selected). 

Shortlisted Finalists (Video & Poster)

• Shortlisted teams / individuals will be asked to create a short (3 minutes, max) video and an electronic poster for public voting.
• Shortlisted teams / individuals will participate in a booth display to communicate with interested public members to boost their voting numbers.