As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, strengthening disaster preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery systems has become a global priority. Against this backdrop, the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), in collaboration with the CETIC Foundation, held the grand finale of the AI robotics challenge, MeckUp Quest 2026, at HKU’s Hui Pun Hing Lecture Hall.
The competition, whose theme was “Responding to post-typhoon disaster scenarios,” brought together 19 elite student teams from Hong Kong, major cities in mainland China (Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen), and Vietnam. Young innovators leveraged advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to work on real-world disaster simulations, demonstrating how AI can enhance emergency relief efforts and how youth-led innovation can protect social welfare.
Engineering for social good: Young people taking charge in the age of AI
As a high-level competition dedicated to fostering youth innovation in the age of AI, MeckUp Quest 2026 has “technology for social good” at its core. Beyond theoretical learning, the student team independently designed, programmed, and deployed an intelligent robot capable of navigating a simulated post-typhoon disaster zone to complete rescue-related missions.
After a day of intense competition, the Grand Champion Award was awarded to the Pineal team from Guanghua Cambridge International School (Shanghai).
In addition to technical execution, teams were required to present forward-looking and viable community support proposals, evaluating not only engineering excellence, but also innovation, teamwork, and social responsibility.
This competition provides a platform for young people to showcase their technical creativity, exchange ideas and gain practical experience. At the same time, we will foster broader adoption of AI and robotics among youth communities, strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, and inject new vitality into developing innovative talent across the Asia-Pacific region. HKU Academy for the Talented also supported the participating students throughout the competition process.
Dr. Much Ko, Deputy Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hong Kong, said: “AI is now everywhere. This competition is not just about winning, but also about laying the foundation for AI-integrated education. Through MeckUp Quest, we aim to build a sustainable ecosystem where teachers and students can participate all year round, learn from each other, and cultivate a vision to explore, create and lead in the age of intelligent technology. We will ensure that innovation truly serves social welfare.”
Elisa Aristizabal Soto, Executive Communications Manager at XRP (Bridges to FIRST Robotics) added, “Asia has built an impressive world-class FIRST Robotics ecosystem. Through XRP’s global network and connections with FIRST Robotics, we are opening the door for more students across the region to step onto the world stage, compete, and lead the future.”
A distinguished panel of judges with strong support from industry and academia
To ensure a professional and authoritative evaluation, MeckUp Quest 2026 assembled an international panel of STEM leaders and industry experts.
- Dr. Much Koh – Deputy Dean, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong
- Elisa Aristizabal Soto – XRP Executive Communications Manager
- Saloni Singhal – Senior Program Manager, Digital Enablement, Intel Asia Pacific and Japan
- Dr. Jingyi Ma – Intel Chief Digital Readiness Coach. Former Intel China Research Center Chief Engineer
- Dr. Keith Huang – Head of Products and Technology Consumer Business Group, HKT
- Mr. Danny Chan – HKT Senior Vice President
- Lena Foo – Managing Principal, CETIC Foundation
The competition received strong support from industry partners such as Intel, XRP, CSL, and Netvigator. Together, these partners have built a high-quality “theory + practice” innovation platform that supports the next generation of responsible, visionary innovators.
