Charting his own course: Kelvin Li’s rise from student to startup founder
Kelvin Li Tsz-yin (Economics, Year 4) combines academic excellence with entrepreneurial ambition. In his four years at Lingnan University, Kelvin has gone from being an average high school student to a scholarship-winning, internationally engaged young leader who has founded a startup. His unwavering focus and drive to push beyond his limits have earned him the prestigious title of “Most Distinguished Student of the University Award 2024/25”.
“When I first came to Lingnan four years ago, I never imagined I’d win this award. It’s the highest honour the university offers, and I truly didn’t expect it,” Kelvin said.
Kelvin is candid about his academic beginnings: “I wasn’t a top student in high school. Getting into Lingnan felt like a stroke of luck.”
But once admitted, he threw himself into his studies with energy and determination, doing all the pre-reading before lectures, participating in class discussions, and revising afterwards. His hard work paid off, earning him top marks and multiple scholarships, including a Best Economics Student Award for 2023/24.
I used to study on the second floor of the library between every class, right up until the next lecture. I’d review and practise papers to make sure I had a solid grasp of the material.
Kelvin with start-up partners. From left: Henry, Sam, Sunny, Kelvin.
Turning Theory into Action
Beyond academics, Kelvin began exploring how to apply economic theory in a real-world context. Entrepreneurship became both a source of inspiration and a testing ground, pushing him to learn beyond the classroom, and despite knowing the risks, he stepped out of his comfort zone and embraced the challenges.
Through a friend on the university fencing team, Kelvin met Henry, who introduced him to Sam and Sunny - like-minded students with a passion for innovation. Together, they entered a design competition and eventually launched a startup. Their initial project offered university experience programmes for secondary school students, and later evolved into eco-education and tech initiatives, including WiseTone Pro, which helps elderly users learn how to use smartphones.
Their entrepreneurial journey was supported by the Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative (LEI), which provided seed funding through the Innovation and Impact Fund (IIF) and mentorship through the Pre-incubation for Innovators and Entrepreneurs (PIE) Programme, organised with the Hong Kong Science Park. The LU Barn (a makerspace at Lingnan's Fong Sum Wood Library) gave them access to laser cutters and 3D printers to help design and produce product prototypes, and Belinda, their LEI mentor, once asked them ‘Is anyone actually using your product?’ That made them re-evaluate market needs and refine their design.
Resilience in the Face of Setbacks
The road wasn’t always smooth. Kelvin and his team failed in startup competitions, and missing out on hundreds of thousands in funding due to an underdeveloped project nearly caused the company a financial crisis. But they adapted and persevered – and eventually got the business back on track.
Kelvin participating in the MEMSI.
Kelvin also broadened his horizons through international experience. In his third year, he went abroad to study at the Goethe University Frankfurt, and earlier this year he was selected for the MIT Entrepreneurship and Maker Skills Integrator (MEMSI) intensive, immersive bootcamp, where he worked with students and faculty from MIT and local universities, gaining fresh insights and inspiration for the future.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
Receiving the Most Distinguished Student of the University Award, Kelvin expressed heartfelt thanks to his startup team, his professors and mentors in the Economics Department, and most of all, to his family.
“My grandma supported me unconditionally so I could focus on university life. My mom helped me weigh the pros and cons when I was deciding whether to try to be an entrepreneur. Their support gave me the courage to take that leap.”
As he prepares to graduate, Kelvin is planning to pursue a Master’s degree in economics while continuing to run his startup as a stable side venture. He would also like to pass on some advice to younger Lingnan students:
Don’t give up easily – Whether in student societies, sport, social projects, or startups, your four years at Lingnan are full of possibilities. You’ll find your path.
Step out of your comfort zone – Don’t limit yourself. Beyond what you expect to achieve, you may create something even greater - as well as lasting memories.
Chase your dreams boldly – If you don’t go after them, dreams will remain just that - dreams.
Kelvin's experience is just one of many entrepreneurial stories among students at Lingnan University. According to the “University Accountability Agreements” for 2022-2025 Triennium released by the University Grants Committee, Lingnan University had 641 students participating in startups and entrepreneurship in the 2022/23 academic year. The participation rate (22.6%) ranked first among Hong Kong’s eight public universities.
Kelvin presenting his project during a lesson while on exchange in Germany.
Kelvin (right) participating in HKSTP venture event with his startup partners.
Kelvin receives the "Most Distinguished Student of the University Award" at the Awards Presentation Ceremony.