Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited supports Gobi Partners and HKU to launch the Gobi-HKU Fund I (March 2026)

(Hong Kong, 24th March) With support from the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (“HKIC”), Gobi Partners and the University of Hong Kong (“HKU”) today announced the launch of the Gobi–HKU Fund I. Formed through a strategic partnership between Gobi Partners and HKU, the fund is mandated to invest in high‑potential technology spin-offs emerging from HKU. As a co-branded fund under HKU’s Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (“HKU EEF”) - which operates as a fund-of-funds to catalyse innovation and entrepreneurship - the Gobi–HKU Fund I will place particular emphasis on supporting technology start-ups derived from HKU’s research breakthroughs.

Two investments under the Gobi-HKU Fund I were announced during the launch ceremony, namely Manifold Tech (spatial intelligence for robotics) and AilsynBio (AI drug design and recovery). The fund’s rapid deployment of capital underscores the enormous development potential of technology spin-offs derived from the scientific research outcomes of the HKU, the market expertise of Gobi Partners, and the determination of the HKIC in fostering synergies among core sectors - namely investment, industry, academia, research, and government.

Gobi-HKU Fund I is a strategic fund under the Gobi United Fund, which invests in startups within HKU’s wider ecosystem, and is backed by the HKU EEF. 

Gobi-HKU Fund I was announced during the ceremony that included remarks by Ms Clara Chan Chief Executive Officer of the HKIC; Mr Thomas G. Tsao, Co-founder and Chair of Gobi Partners; Prof. Stephanie Ma, Vice-President and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) of HKU, and Mr Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners. 

Hong Kong’s university ecosystem continues to gain global recognition, as reflected in the QS 2026 World University Rankings. Five universities currently rank within the QS100 – the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the City University of Hong Kong. 

The HKU EEF focuses on seed and early-stage deep tech startups, with partners leading investments in HKU spin-offs to accelerate their commercial growth. It aims to build a network of patient capital around HKU spin-offs, providing the funding for long-term development and growth. 

Ms Clara Chan, CEO of the HKIC, remarked, “The launch of the Gobi-HKU Fund I, along with its swift and substantive deployment of capital, demonstrated the HKIC’s steadfast determination to foster synergies among the core sectors of innovation and technology - namely investment, industry, academia, research, and government. The HKIC will continue to collaborate with various partners to create a cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary and cross-cycle investment paradigm and mechanism for patient capital, injecting critical and sustainable momentum into the foundational innovation ecosystem which is essential for Hong Kong’s high-quality economic development."

Mr Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners, remarked, “Some of the world's most disruptive technologies are being built in the halls of Hong Kong's universities. We are excited to partner with the University of Hong Kong to help bridge the gap between research and commercialization, bringing breakthroughs in AI, robotics, biotech, and other critical sectors to the world.” 

Prof. Stephanie Ma, Vice President and Pro Vice Chancellor (Research) of HKU, remarked, “The Gobi–HKU Fund I reflects our commitment to transforming world-class research into innovations. Our partnership with Gobi Partners strengthens HKU’s mission to turn breakthrough research into real-world solutions. With new investments already underway and more support on the horizon, we are accelerating the growth of high‑potential university startups. This is just the beginning of HKU’s expanding innovation journey.” 

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About HKIC

The HKIC was established in 2022 as the Patient Capital institution wholly owned by and representing the HKSAR Government.  It adopts an “Investment +” approach, seeking reasonable financial return in the medium to long term and at the same time creating and supporting the growth impetus with a view to contributing to Hong Kong’s economy and society.  

The HKIC currently manages the “Hong Kong Growth Portfolio”, “Greater Bay Area Investment Fund”, “Strategic Tech Fund”, and “Co-Investment Fund”.  At this stage, it is focusing on three key sectors, namely Hard and Core Technology, Biotech, and New Energy and Green Technology, as well as the relevant applications.  Currently, the HKIC has invested in over 200 projects. Every Hong Kong dollar invested by the HKIC has attracted over 8 Hong Kong dollars from long-term capital for investment.