AI x HK OpenCup 2026 Champions Innovation for Mental Health and Wellbeing
7 Jul 2026
100 secondary students join the OpenCup this year and explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to address pressing mental health challenges.
After attending a talk and an AI coding workshop, students develop projects under the guidance of mentors from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong and Mind HK.
Students deliver dynamic team presentations, demonstrating their ability to apply AI tools to address mental health challenges.
The 6 winning teams of AI x HK OpenCup 2026.
The fifth edition of AI x HK OpenCup (the OpenCup) was successfully held on 3 July 2026, bringing together 100 senior secondary students from across Hong Kong to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) could be harnessed to address pressing mental health challenges.
This year’s theme, “AI for Mental Health Challenge”, inspired participants to combine coding, collaboration, and creativity in a one-day bootcamp. Students engaged in hands-on workshops, project development, and dynamic team presentations, showcasing their ability to apply AI tools to real-world social issues.
The day began with a thought-provoking talk by Mind HK, which highlighted the current landscape of mental health challenges in Hong Kong. Students then took part in an AI coding workshop tailored to mental health applications, equipping them with practical skills needed to prototype solutions. Guided by mentors from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong and Mind HK, teams worked intensively to develop projects that demonstrated both technical ingenuity and social impact.
Excitement peaked during the final presentations, where teams from 20 secondary schools pitched their ideas to a panel of judges. The Champion title was awarded to International Christian Quality Music Secondary and Primary School for SOMA, an AI-powered interactive platform that supports mental wellbeing through personalised chatbot interactions, emotional skills development, and scenario-based learning. The judges were particularly impressed by the team's innovative use of AI to tackle mental health stigma and encourage users to build resilience, seek support, and develop meaningful connections.
List of Award Recipients
Awards
School
Champion
International Christian Quality Music Secondary and Primary School
1st Runner-up
Diocesan Girls' School
2nd Runner-up
Raimondi College
AI Rising Star Award
King George V School
Pitching Excellence Award
CUHKFAA Chan Chun Ha Secondary School
Social Innovation Award
Diocesan Boys' School
Organised by Hong Kong Baptist University and hosted by the Department of Computer Science, the OpenCup received strong support from a robust network of partners, including Mind HK, the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Computer Society, IEEE Hong Kong Section, the Innovation and Technology Commission, ASTRI, HKSTP, and leading industry giants such as Huawei Cloud, Microsoft, Tencent Cloud, and XPENG Hong Kong.
Professor Byron Choi, Associate Head (Teaching and Learning) of the Department, further remarked: “Artificial intelligence, when guided by empathy, has the power not only to innovate but to uplift - to reduce stigma, extend support, and create solutions that bring hope.”
The Department remains committed to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and cultivating talent that addresses global challenges. Through initiatives like the OpenCup, we reaffirm our mission to inspire the next generation of leaders in technology, equipping them not only with technical expertise but also with the vision to drive positive change for society.
