Why should students join Ingenuity Lab?

Kexin Chen

Kexin Chen 

2024 graduated student, BSc (Hons) Finance, Accounting and Management

Firstly, End-to-End Startup Incubation Support

Ingenuity Lab provides a complete support system from idea conception to project implementation. Through structured summer camp programmes and 1-on-1 mentor guidance, students gain hands-on experience in crucial phases like idea validation, prototype development, and market testing, while developing innovative thinking within a systematic framework.

Secondly, Cross-Disciplinary Resource Network

The platform deeply integrates both campus and industry resources, breaking down disciplinary barriers. Collaboration among students from business, STEM, and humanities backgrounds not only drives project diversification but also cultivates interdisciplinary thinking and resource integration capabilities.

Thirdly, Practice-Oriented Training Model

Adopting the "Learning by Doing" philosophy, practical components like business pitch sessions and product iterations transform entrepreneurial theories into actionable plans, effectively bridging gaps in traditional education.”


Siyan Yang

Siyan Yang

Year 3 student, BSc (Hons) Finance, Accounting and Management

“As a business student, I think the platform provided by the Ingenuity Lab can very well allow me to experience and practice the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom in the real business world. Corporate visits give me the opportunity to observe and talk with real cutting-edge companies and their businesses, Lego Serious Play classes provide me with new ideas for personal expression, and summer bootcamp allows me to practice and experience what a project will go through from 0 to MVP...

The staff in the Ingenuity Lab are also very nice, very close to the students, always discussing ideas, thoughts, and projects with us in depth, accompanying our personal and project growth for a very long time, facing bottlenecks and difficulties in project development together, and often asking us ‘Is there anything that can be improved in course arrangement and design?’ These make us feel very kind and at ease.”

 

What do they gain from participating in our programmes?

Jinshan Wang

Jinshan Wang

Year 2 student, BSc (Hons) Economics

“The most direct benefit was the enhancement of professional skills. During company training in NEXT, I was fortunate to serve as a livestream assistant, which gave me a profound understanding of every detail behind the scenes – from pre-stream content planning and script design, to interaction techniques and data analysis during the stream, to post-stream effectiveness evaluation. These are no longer abstract concepts but practical skills I have personally experienced.

More importantly, NEXT cultivated my innovative thinking and teamwork abilities. When designing a livestream plan for the university's souvenir shop, our group needed to apply our knowledge to a real scenario. This process was challenging but stimulated our creativity. When the expert judges highly praised our plan, the sense of achievement was indescribable. Their recognition was not only an affirmation of our work but also an acknowledgment of our professional capabilities. Meanwhile, this experience also made me aware of my shortcomings in timed presentations. In the workplace, expressing ideas clearly and concisely is equally important. This realisation has prompted me to focus more on developing communication skills in my daily studies, which will undoubtedly become a valuable asset for my future career development.”


GILBERT HANLI LIM

GILBERT HANLI LIM

Master student, MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management

“The Ingenuity Lab program has really helped me build a solid foundation in innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s not just about learning theories—it actually gives us practical scenarios to apply what we learn. One thing that stood out to me was how the trainers showed us how to come up with business ideas using simple techniques. Brainstorming sessions encouraged us to think creatively and look at solutions from different angles. These tools are super useful for anyone interested in innovation or starting their own venture.

Another cool thing I learned from Ingenuity Lab is how to manage a team effectively. We did some self-reflection and team-building activities that made me realise how important it is to know yourself before leading others. A good entrepreneur isn’t just someone with ideas—they also need to be a great team manager. Everyone on a team has their own personality, communication style, and unique strengths. As a leader, figuring out how to communicate well and unlock everyone’s potential is tough, but Ingenuity Lab gave me a taste of what that mindset looks like. It’s definitely made me think more about how to work with others and bring out the best in a team.”

 

How will Ingenuity Lab support their entrepreneurial journey?

Wenxin Li

Wenxin Li

Year 3 student, BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering

“Through the Ingenuity Lab initiative at the Business School, the RMB 50000 funding, corporate resources and business mindset training have been invaluable. By collaborating with industry mentors and engaging in hands-on projects, I've transformed innovative ideas into actionable business plans while sharpening our commercial acumen. Grateful for the School's holistic support in empowering young entrepreneurs - this experience has profoundly shaped my professional trajectory.”


Zhuojun Yu

Zhuojun Yu

Year 3 student, BSc (Hons) Finance, Accounting and Management

“Last year, I participated in the Plug-in Programme from Ingenuity Lab. During the first phase, “LEGO Serious Play", I discovered my potential abilities and creativity through simple LEGO bricks. There were no right or wrong answers, and the instructors fostered a safe environment that encouraged us to experiment fearlessly. In the second phase of the programme, I had the privilege of engaging in indepth discussions with international industry experts. After the summer camp, I led my project team to secure ¥30,000 in student entrepreneurship funding from the lab, along with mentorship from our instructors. Through the Ingenuity Lab programmes, I learned how to turn my ideas into reality. I am truly grateful for the guidance and support from the instructors, as well as the opportunities provided by the lab, which allow students like me to explore and innovate.”