NCKU Hosts 2025 Hult Prize On-Campus Grand Final, Showcasing Student Innovation for Social Impact
Written & Image credit to Atelier Future.
On February 22, 2025, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) hosted the On-Campus Grand Final for the Hult Prize at Atelier Future, where innovative student teams competed to advance to the next stage of the global competition.
On February 22, 2025, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) hosted the Hult Prize On-Campus Grand Final, bringing together innovative student teams dedicated to tackling pressing global challenges through entrepreneurial solutions. This event, held at Atelier Future, marked a significant milestone in social entrepreneurship and sustainability, serving as a preliminary competition for the 2025 global Hult Prize competition , which will award a USD 1 million prize to the most transformative business idea.
The Hult Prize On-Campus Program at NCKU fosters a proactive and innovative problem-solving mindset among students, equipping them with the skills and resources to develop scalable business models aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The competition encourages participants to move beyond theoretical concepts and translate their ideas into actionable solutions that can drive social change.
To equip participants with the necessary tools for success, the Hult Prize at NCKU collaborated with Atelier Future to provide mentorship and training workshops. In addition, Bank SinoPac, a key sponsor, reinforced its commitment to youth entrepreneurship and sustainability, playing a vital role in supporting the competition’s mission. Other sponsors, including Greenvines, Perplexity.ai, and 島鼓計劃, also contributed significantly, ensuring the event’s success.
In his opening speech, Professor Ping-Sheng Wu, Senior Vice President of NCKU, emphasizes the NCKU’s commitment to the UN SDGs, praising participants for their innovation, resilience, and dedication to creating meaningful social impact.
The competition featured seven teams, each presenting groundbreaking business models aimed at solving global problems, from sustainable housing and eco-friendly consumer products to AI-driven health solutions. These diverse approaches underscored the students’ ability to combine technological innovation with social impact.
The distinguished judging panel consisted of Ping-Sheng Wu (Senior Vice President of NCKU and Director of Atelier Future), Cheng-Ping Chu (Manager of Sustainability & Climate Change at PwC), Shih-Feng Chiu (Deputy Director of the Start-up Accelerator at NCKU), and Chao-Nan Chen (Co-founder of Sustainable Impact Capital Kaohsiung). Their extensive expertise in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and business development ensured that each team received valuable feedback to refine their projects.
Michael Lutan, Campus Director of Hult Prize at NCKU, delivers an inspiring opening speech, encouraging students to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.
The event began with an inspiring speech by Michael Lutan, Campus Director of Hult Prize at NCKU, who emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial action in creating meaningful social change. He urged participants to think beyond ideas and focus on the tangible impact of their ventures, reinforcing the competition’s mission to empower the next generation of leaders.
Throughout the competition, teams presented a variety of innovative solutions. Lifeline Alert introduced a real-time ambulance detection system to enhance emergency response times, while SuperHogar proposed an affordable, climate-resilient housing model primarily designed for low-income communities. Zzzential showcased an AI-powered sleep optimization device, and EcoFitae presented a nicotine-free, biodegradable alternative to smoking, aimed at helping individuals quit tobacco consumption.
Judges, including Ping-Sheng Wu (Senior Vice President of NCKU and Director of Atelier Future), Cheng-Ping Chu (Manager of Sustainability & Climate Change at PwC), Shih-Feng Chiu (Deputy Director of the Start-up Accelerator at NCKU), and Chao-Nan Chen (Co-founder of Sustainable Impact Capital Kaohsiung), engage with teams, posing critical questions and providing insightful feedback to help refine their solutions for greater social impact.
The second session featured Mirvota, an AI-driven meal-planning platform that promotes healthy and sustainable eating habits. Holdlife introduced a grip strength rehabilitation device designed to support elderly individuals with muscle loss, and Bio Beauty demonstrated a sustainable personal care brand utilizing upcycled tea leaves, aligning with eco-conscious consumer trends.
Following the pitches, a networking session allowed participants, judges, and attendees to exchange insights and explore potential collaborations. The event organizers provided refreshments, including cakes and fresh fruits, creating a welcoming environment for meaningful discussions.
Excitement fills the room as the top three teams—EcoFitae, SuperHogar, and Bio Beauty—are announced as winners of the competition.
The award ceremony marked the climax of the event, with the top three teams announced. EcoFitae secured first place, winning NTD 10,000, followed by SuperHogar in second place (NTD 6,000) and Bio Beauty in third place (NTD 3,000). The winning teams will continue refining their projects as they move forward in the global Hult Prize competition.
In appreciation of their contributions, the judging panel was awarded certificates of recognition, and a special acknowledgment was given to Leslie Tsai, CEO of Atelier Future, for his unwavering support of the Hult Prize at NCKU initiative.
The Hult Prize at NCKU 2025 On-Campus Grand Final was a testament to NCKU’s dedication to fostering innovation, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship. By merging academic excellence with real-world problem-solving, the competition empowers students to develop business ventures that create lasting social impact.
As the winning team advances to the next stage, their journey serves as an inspiration, reaffirming NCKU’s role as a hub for entrepreneurial innovation and sustainable development.
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2025/03/07
