On 6 February 2026, CUHK InnoPort launched its inaugural networking series, “Lab & Lounge @CUHK,” at UGA, InnoPort. Themed “Science to Startup: The SinoMab Journey,” the evening featured Dr. Shui On Leung, Founder and CEO of SinoMab BioScience Limited. Moderated by Prof. Walter Ho, the session offered an in-depth look at the realities of biotech entrepreneurship. The event brought together professors, researchers, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs in a vibrant gathering that bridged academic research and real-world innovation.
Networking kicked off right from early registration, with participants mingling over refreshments in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and light snacks and beverages created an inviting, informal environment that immediately put everyone at ease. Unlike traditional lecture halls or conference rooms, this lounge-style setup fostered natural conversations before the formal session began.
SinoMab BioScience Limited is a pioneering Hong Kong biotech company established in 2001 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 3681.HK). Dr. Leung shared SinoMab's remarkable evolution “from molecules to medicine,” covering key drug development milestones, regulatory hurdles, resource limitations, and the strategic decisions that have helped shape Hong Kong's growing biotech ecosystem. Participants gained practical insights into the pharmaceutical industry and the business challenges of turning scientific discoveries into viable startups.
What truly set the event apart was how the relaxing lounge atmosphere fueled meaningful collaborations and deepened engagement. The informal setting encouraged open, candid dialogue—far beyond what a conventional seminar format might allow. Participants chatted freely across disciplines, exchanging ideas and forming initial connections in a low-pressure setting that felt more like a casual gathering than a formal event.
As CUHK InnoPort's first-ever networking series, Lab & Lounge @CUHK aims to transform laboratory knowledge into dynamic, cross-disciplinary conversations. We hope to blend intellectual inspiration with genuine relationship-building in a relaxed lounge setting.
Participants connected over refreshments during early registration at Lab & Lounge @CUHK. (Photo: KTO)
Professors and students mingled at UGA, InnoPort before the sharing session began. (Photo: KTO)
Beverages and refreshments were served to participants. (Photo: KTO)
The event offered a relaxed setting for science and business discussion. (Photo: KTO)
Prof. Ho introduced the event sharing his vision for the inaugural Lab & Lounge series. (Photo: KTO)
Dr. Leung shared his biotech startup journey with participants. (Photo: KTO)
Prof. Stephen Tsui engaged during the Q&A session. (Photo: KTO)
Prof. Ho presented souvenirs to Dr. Leung after the session. (Photo: KTO)