Global Sustainability Challenge: A Thriving Start and Exciting Road Ahead for Year 2
The inaugural year of the Global Sustainability Challenge (GSC) in 2025-26 marked a monumental step forward in engaging university students worldwide to address pressing sustainability issues. This annual challenge, co-founded by HKUST along side several other leading institutions and youth-serving organisations including Stanford University, Technical University Munich, Zhejiang University and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, shares a common vision to empower students to design, build, and showcase innovative sustainability solutions.
A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
The GSC leverages its global platform to foster a network of knowledge-sharing and mentorship by experts. With a wealth of useful resources curated online, students explored the two key challenge themes: Sustainable Energy and Adaptation & Resilience. This platform enables cross-border collaboration, where student participants can exchange ideas, form teams with like-minded individuals, receive guidance from mentors and support provided by regional ambassadors.
The inaugural season saw enthusiastic participation, with over 3,500 students from 91 countries forming 845 project teams. Close to home, 15 teams with HKUST students advanced to the Regional Final held at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou co-hosted by HKUST. Among these, Team Impacta stood out as one of the 40 global finalists, presenting their solution at the Global Finale held at Technical University of Munich on April 29, 2026.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Lang Qing Charity and the Bank of China covering the travel and accommodation costs of Greater Bay Area students, they were able to attend the Global Finale in person, gaining invaluable experiences and perspectives in sustainability innovation.
Reflections from Team Impacta
Team Impacta, comprising HKUST students Poko Lam, Stephanie Hsi, Ching Hei Yau, Xena Chow, and Zipen Lee presented AquaLoop – an app designed to help farmers adopt Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) cost-effectively, featuring automated real-time risk analysis, species compatibility scoring, ecosystem health monitoring and targeted feed suggestions.
“Attending the GSC Global Finale in person was an invaluable experience,” said Poko. “The energy in the room was electric. Being surrounded by passionate, driven individuals from across the globe reminded me why we started this journey.”
“The Finale pushed me to think beyond my limits,” added Stephanie. “I was particularly struck by the openness of the community – the thoughtful feedback and genuine encouragement made the experience not just competitive but truly collaborative.”
“This experience gave me a perspective I couldn't gain in a classroom,” shared Zipen, “the best ideas solve genuine problems, not necessarily using flashy technology. I watched teams with simple tech move mountains because they tackled often overlooked, genuine pain points.”
Gearing Up for GSC Year 2 in 2026–27
As preparations for the second year are well underway, students are encouraged to pre-register via the GSC website to stay informed. The website also includes FAQs, winning projects and student stories to help participants navigate the process.
HKUST is proud to continue its role as Regional Ambassador for the Pacific Asia + Australasia Region, and will host on-campus information sessions during lunch hour on September 22 and October 8, 2026. These sessions provide valuable opportunities to learn more about the challenge and hear first-hand insights from GSC alumni. Details for signing up will be shared via email soon.
For further inquiries relating to the GSC, please email sustgsc@ust.hk
