About Us
Discover ASCEND
Turning Innovation into Impact
About ASCEND Tech For Good Scheme
ASCEND (Advancing Social innovation through Collaborative Enterprise for Next-gen Digital inclusion) is a 3-year initiative empowering youth-led startups to develop sustainable business models addressing digital equity issues in smart city development. Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Jockey Club Design Institute of Social Innovation and the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, ASCEND is funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (HKJC).
Through strategic incubation, ASCEND helps startups develop user-centric technologies and digital literacy programmes that enable digitally-deprived groups with competencies to thrive in an increasingly connected world. By combining innovative solutions with digital life skill training, ASCEND enables social and economic participation among digitally marginalised communities. As a cornerstone of HKJC’s Smart Teens Actions, ASCEND cultivates inclusive tech leaders who translate innovation into real-world community impact, addressing pressing social needs and shaping a more equitable smart city future for Hong Kong.
As digital technologies and artificial intelligence increasingly permeate everyday life—from food, clothing and housing to transportation—the overall efficiency of society continues to rise. However, the digital divide has become increasingly pronounced. Through the six youth-led innovation projects cultivated under ASCEND, the programme aims to support digitally disadvantaged groups, including under-resourced families, elderly people, caregivers of people with chronic illnesses, visually impaired persons, students with special educational needs (SEN), and ethnic minorities, ensuring that they are not overlooked in the course of digital transformation.
Guided by UNESCO’s Digital Literacy Global Framework, ASCEND adopts an approach centred on five key aspects of daily life and economic participation—Social Networking, Healthcare, Food & Groceries, Transportation, and Leisure & Sports. Through these key aspects, the programme supports youth-led startup teams in developing human-centred innovation solutions that strengthen digital capabilities and social participation among underprivileged communities in areas such as social interaction, health services, daily living, transportation, and physical and mental well-being.
At its core, ASCEND embraces Empowerment as a guiding principle. By leveraging technology as a tool, the programme helps individuals and communities build foundational capabilities, fostering a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable digital society where everyone can participate meaningfully in the digital economy and the future of smart cities.
Five Key Aspects of Social and Economic Participation
As digital technologies increasingly shape everyday life, social and economic participation is rapidly evolving. Through strengthening digital literacy, ASCEND empowers digitally disadvantaged communities, narrows the digital divide, and enables broader participation across key areas of daily life, contributing to a more inclusive digital future.
From instant messaging and social media to online communities, digital platforms have become essential channels for connecting people and engaging in society. Strong online communication skills and digital citizenship help build trust and foster healthy, inclusive digital communities.
As healthcare services become increasingly digitalised, citizens can access medical support more conveniently through online appointment booking, health information platforms, and telemedicine services. Basic digital literacy enables the elderly, people in need, and their caregivers to make better use of these services, manage their health effectively, and reduce challenges when seeking medical support.
Online shopping, food delivery platforms, and digital nutrition information are becoming more widespread. Strengthening digital skills allows individuals to compare prices, review product and nutrition information, and make more informed consumption choices – enhancing autonomy and access to everyday necessities.
From route planning and real-time traffic updates to electronic payments and ride-hailing services, modern transport systems increasingly rely on digital solutions. Having the relevant digital skills helps individuals plan their journeys more efficiently and encourages greater participation in community life.
Digital technology makes it easier for people to engage in leisure and sports activities, such as browsing information online and booking sports facilities through apps. Improving digital literacy enables more people to take part in recreational and physical activities, promoting both physical and mental well-being as well as community connection.
ASCEND Teach for Good Scheme Management Committee
Co-Chairman
Prof. LING Kar-kan
Senior Advisor to the President
PolyU (Former Director of PolyU J.C.DISI 2017-2025)
Ms Amylia CHAN
Interim Director
Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, PolyU
Members (In Surname alphabetical order)
Ms Chris CHAN
Assistant Director
Incubation and Acceleration Programmes
Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation
Mr Ricky CHOI
Director of Smart City and Digital Transformation
Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
Ms Christine KWOK
Senior Manager
Charities
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Prof. Jack POON
Professor of Practice (Fintech, Entrepreneurial Finance)
School of Accounting and Finance
PolyU
Prof. Lu YU
Associate Head & Associate Professor
Department of Applied Social Sciences
PolyU
