BNP Paribas Sustainable Finance Hackathon Hong Kong 2026 (1st Runner-Up)

We are delighted to announce that our students have achieved 1st Runner-Up at the BNP Paribas Sustainable Finance Hackathon Hong Kong 2026!

This competition challenges participants to develop innovative financing solutions for real-world sustainability challenges. This year’s theme focused on ocean protection, requiring teams to propose actionable financing strategies that effectively balance environmental impact with economic viability.

The competition consisted of two phrases. In Phrase One, teams are invited to select one high-ocean dependency sector and submit a proposal responding to the problem statement. Eight finalist teams then advanced to Phrase Two to join the full-day hackathon at the BNP Paribas’ Hong Kong office, where they refined their solutions with BNP advisors and presented their solutions to the judges.

Our students demonstrated exceptional analytical skills, creativity, and strong teamwork throughout the competition. Congratulations!

More about the competition: https://www.bnpparibas.com.hk/en/about-us/sustainable-finance/university-hackathon/

Award

1st Runner-Up

Team Members

Mr. Chen Yi-an Aaron, BFin(AMPB), Year 3
Miss Chu Pei Yan Joyce, BFin(AMPB), Year 3
Miss Hsi Yu Ting Tina, BFin(AMPB), Year 3
Miss Wang Xinrui Claudia, BBA(ADA), Year 3
Mr. Zhang Yunzhe Henry, BSc(QFin), Year 3
Mr. Liu Hongkang, BEng(DASE), Year 1

Student Sharing

“An insight that stayed with me was Hugo Leung’s reminder that “less is more.” In a competition setting, it is easy to assume that adding more data, more ideas, and more detail will make a presentation stronger. However, I learned that the real challenge lies in simplifying complex information and focusing on what matters most. A strong case is not about saying everything, but about presenting the most relevant points in a clear, logical, and convincing way. This advice showed me that clarity, precision, and prioritization often create more impact than overwhelming an audience with too much information.

This experience taught me that performing well under pressure is not just about working faster, but about working smarter: communicating clearly, prioritising effectively, and staying focused on the ideas that matter most.”

(by Mr. Chen Yi-an Aaron)

“Building everything in just 7 hours was intense – but incredibly rewarding.

Throughout the hackathon, I dove into innovative financing solutions and explored how to align capital with ocean-protection initiatives. It gave me a glimpse into the world of sustainable capital markets, structuring solutions that drive impact at scale.

I came away with a fresh perspective on the sustainable finance landscape and a deeper appreciation for an industry deeply connected to all of us. The blue economy is full of untapped potential — and this is just the beginning.”

(by Miss Chu Pei Yan Joyce)

“The BNP Paribas Sustainable Finance Hackathon has brought transformative impacts to my understanding of sustainable finance. Through devising solutions to address ocean-related problems with my teammates, sustainability was no longer a vague and elusive concept but something we can put into practice with real actions. It was insightful to learn the power of the financing industry in stimulating corporations’ contribution to ESG.

A key takeaway of the pitching was the importance of brevity in real-life presentation. A successful pitch is never about designing and explaining complex products, or presenting evidence. It’s the ability to simplify ideas without compromising clarity and personalisation that truly attracts investors.”

(by Miss Hsi Yu Ting Tina)

“The BNP Paribus Sustainable Finance Challenge has been a rewarding experience for me, not only for the exposure to green finance but also for the opportunity to cope with tight schedules and deliver under pressure.

During the process, I learned to challenge my assumptions by assessing the practicality of detail designs from perspectives of various stakeholders and doing cross-validation across different channels. I also developed deep interest in ocean finance and hope to explore its future themes.”

(by Miss Wang Xinrui Claudia)

“During the BNP Paribas Sustainable Finance Hackathon, we focused on addressing marine pollution caused by the pharmaceutical industry and designing practical, impact-driven financial solutions. We worked to connect capital with real-world environmental action, creating structures that link ESG performance to measurable outcomes for ocean health and biodiversity.

This experience deepened my understanding of sustainable finance and its power to drive meaningful change across industries. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and bring innovative ideas to life alongside my teammates.

This achievement would not have been possible without the guidance from the organisers and the support from HKU. I look forward to continuing to explore the blue economy and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

(by Mr. Zhang Yunzhe Henry)