On 16 April, the Ingenuity Lab Continuum Showcase for Plug-in Programme II was successfully held. Over ten student teams presented their innovative projects through professional displays and posters. The event also featured key representatives from the university's entrepreneurship support network, offering students valuable opportunities to develop their ventures.
In her opening address, Dr Feranita, Director of Ingenuity Lab congratulated participants on their achievements and encouraged them to draw inspiration from the exchange to refine their projects further.
Ms Summer Joy Xin, CEO of Ningbo Nottingham Technology CO., LTD outlined the university’s comprehensive support system for innovation and entrepreneurship. Ms Kiki Ye, Senior Incubator Manager, highlighted the Li Dak Sum Innovation Fellowship Fund and International Proof of Concept Centre, encouraging students to transform academic research into market-ready solutions.
The event was also attended by Plug-in Programme mentors, including Professor Simon Peter Mosey, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Dr Jose Francisco Gonzalez Lopez, Assistant Professor in Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation from the University of Nottingham (UK). The programme focuses on equipping students with essential skills in prototyping and minimum viable product (MVP) development to bridge the gap between ideas and implementation.
So, what groundbreaking ideas emerged from this event? Let’s take a look.
"Our team has independently recruited over 30 members, with all core members being female except for one male programmer," shared the developers behind an ambitious otome game project. By introducing multi-branch narrative structures and a buyout model, the team aims to redefine conventional dating sims. "We want to move beyond the 'perfect male protagonist' trope and create more nuanced emotional experiences for female players," explained the lead designer, demonstrating sharp market awareness.
Meanwhile, a cross-disciplinary team of MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management students and a student from Faculty of Science and Engineering presented their smart maternity underwear solution. Their 3D body scanning technology addresses sizing challenges for expectant mothers, with professionally staged product samples drawing keen interest. "Entrepreneurship is an exercise in strategic simplification," noted the project lead. "Through market validation and mentor guidance, we've shifted from idealistic concepts to commercially viable solutions."
Another standout came from an Indonesian student team tackling sustainability. Their nutrient-fortified edible cutlery not only reduces plastic waste but also delivers essential vitamins and minerals. "The Ingenuity Lab taught us to think from essence," reflected a team member. "This approach helped us identify truly transformative innovation pathways."