College of Business - City University of Hong Kong AACSB International EQUIS - European Quality Improvement System

Start-up Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

Programme Aims and Objectives

Join STEP to Kick-start your Innovative, Start-up and Entrepreneurial Journey!

The Start-up Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) aims to offer CityUHK undergraduate students a unique opportunity to participate in entrepreneurial activities in industrial settings or business organizations at top start-up locations in Mainland China and/or overseas countries. Through STEP, students can gain valuable hands-on experience, practical understanding, and exposure to diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems across the globe. They acquire insights into running a tech startup, including fundraising, marketing, operation, product development, etc. and understand the various issues involved in developing a viable venture. STEP offers students exposure to the forefront of technologies and innovative business models, and integrate classroom knowledge with real-world applications.

STEP is one of the innovative programmes offered by the CityUHK Academy of Innovation (“CAI”), in collaboration with the College of Business, College of Engineering and College of Science, the first cohort of STEP is expected to commence in Semester B 2024/25.

CAI serves as a testament to CityUHK's commitment to develop a leading ecosystem that nurtures young entrepreneurs, incubates deep-tech start-ups, and promotes university-industry collaboration in Hong Kong and beyond. More details about CAI can be found at CityU Academy of Innovation .

  • CB3810: Start-up Technology Entrepreneur Programme (I)
  • CB3820: Start-up Technology Entrepreneur Programme (II)

Remarks: Both course syllabi are subject to final approval from the University

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the STEP courses, students should be able to:

  • Identify, demonstrate and practise the soft skills that are required at workplace;
  • Describe the setting of the industry and the operations of the host company;
  • Identify and practise the roles of professionals in the industry and entrepreneurial ecosystems; and
  • Apply and integrate the knowledge acquired in classroom at workplace and offer innovative preliminary business solutions.

Course Structure

Students will be placed into a company or organization for three or six months of full-time attachment or internship during the academic terms. Before the attachment or internship, students will participate in the pre-attachment or internship training workshops. During the attachment or internship, students will join review sessions and post-attachment or internship activities to help them identify adjustment issues in the workplace and ways to improve job performance. At the end of the attachment or internship, students are required to prepare and submit a report or final presentation to complete the programme. Please refer to CB3810 and CB3820 course syllabus for assessment tasks and requirements.

Course Details

Attachment/Internship Period and Duration:

Course enrollment will be processed by Business Career Development after offer acceptance. Web registration by student is not required.

Attachment/Internship Type: Face-to-face

Job Nature/Job Field: Artificial Intelligence, Business Operations, Big Data, Computer and Data Engineering, Data Analysis and Research, Electronic and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources and Administration, Information Technology (IT), Marketing, Public Relations, and more.

Remuneration: Discretionary basis by hosting companies

Eligibility

  • Year 2, 3 or penultimate year students who are studying a full-time UGC-funded Bachelor's degree programme in the College of Business
  • Proficient in written and verbal communication in Chinese  

Remarks: Exchange students, associate degree and postgraduate degree students are not eligible to apply for STEP.

Schedule

Phases Key Activities Dates
Application Online application Application Deadline:
29 September 2024
Selection and Matching Screening, Nomination and Selection Period October – November 2024
Pre-Attachment/ Internship Pre- Attachment/ Internship Briefing Session December 2024 – January 2025
Attachment/ Internship Period Attachment/ Internship Period February – April 2025 /
February – August 2025
Post-Attachment/ Internship Review Company Evaluation, Final Presentation and/or Report May 2025 /
Late August 2025

Financial Support

Financial Allowance: STEP subsidy will be available under CityUHK Academy of Innovation (CAI), subject to the satisfactory completion of the programme and meeting relevant requirements.

  • The subsidy will be granted and released to students by installments;
  • Subsidy is up to HKD 8,000 (for Beijing) and up to $20,000 (for UK) as maximum* per month or prorated, subject to the internship period and location; and
  • Airfare (one round-trip in economy class) will be reimbursed based on actual expenses.

*Remarks: If the host company provides remuneration, accommodation/airfare/allowance to students, the amount of CAI allowance will be reduced.

Pre-Departure Details

Flight and Accommodation:

Students are responsible for arranging their flights and accommodation for their stay in the internship location for the entire period.

Travel Documents and Visa:

Students are responsible for obtaining the correct visa, passport, and other necessary personal travel documents for their stay in the destination and will bear the associated cost.

Insurance:

  • Students will be covered by the University's Group Personal Accident Insurance and Group Travel Insurance Policy throughout their stay overseas, provided that they depart from Hong Kong to the host destination. For details, please visit the website of the Finance Office.
  • In addition to the University s provision, students are advised to purchase additional personal travel insurance.

Remarks:Students are responsible for their own living expenses, including meals and transportation. Students must ensure sufficient funds for living outside Hong Kong for the entire period.

STEP Programme 2024-25

Attachment/Internship Location: Beijing

Hosting Companies:

Application Details

Complete the Online Application Form with the following required documents by 29 September 2024, HKT 23:59.

  1. Bilingual CV in English and Simplified Chinese
    Note: Please rename the file with your full name e.g. Chan Dai Man John_CV.
     
  2. Grade Display Report (AIMS)
    Note: Please rename the file with your full name e.g. Chan Dai Man John_Grade.

For CB students who need assistance in reviewing CV prior to application, you are welcome to book a career consultation with Career Advisors from College of Business for a discussion.

Contact Us

If you are interested in knowing more about the STEP programme, please contact College of Business at cbcareer@cityu.edu.hk for assistance.
For enquiries on STEP subsidy, please contact CAI office at cai@cityu.edu.hk for assistance. 

CityU Academy of Innovation (CAI) reserves all rights to final decisions in this programme, and arrangements are subject to change by CAI should the need arise.

Last updated: 13 December 2024