Robotics is one of the best ways to bring STEM education to life. Instead of simply memorizing formulas, students dive into real-world problem-solving, experiment with new concepts, and develop universal skills that prepare them for the future.
Robotics competitions, paired with hands-on robotics education, do much more than teach technology. They build resilience, goal-orientation, and a deeper appreciation for networking and teamwork. In fact, these events often become the spark for ideas that later can grow into global businesses—especially when student teams combine technical innovation with solid business planning.
During my time as the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, I launched an initiative in 2012 that has since become a household name in China: the “One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition.” (*)
Every year, over 100 projects competed, bringing together some of the brightest entrepreneurial minds. Among the standout participants were DJI, now the world’s leading civilian drone manufacturer, and Yunzhou-Tech, a pioneer in unmanned surface vessels.
Take DJI, for example. (**) Headquartered in Shenzhen - often called China’s Silicon Valley - DJI turned a small student startup in 2006 into a global powerhouse. Today, the company operates across the US, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Their mission is simple, yet, powerful: transforming complex technologies into devices so intuitive that anyone can use them.
What began as a student project in an entrepreneurship competition has now grown into a business valued at over 15 billion US dollars—a shining example of how robotics, innovation, and entrepreneurship can literally change the world.
(*) https://www.bebafoundation.org/hkust-entrepreneurship-competition
(**) https://www.dji.com/global/mobile
