Master of Science in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Biotechnology
理學碩士 ( 生物科技創業領導 )
MSc(ELBT)
Both full- and part-time
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
HK$250,000
Program Director:
Prof Karl TSIM, Chair Professor of Life Science
The Master of Science Program in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Biotechnology (ELBT) is designed to equip professionals with the skills to lead and innovate entrepreneurially in biotech organizations and startups. The program will focus on developing entrepreneurial mindsets, leadership capabilities, and business acumen tailored to the biotechnology sector, with an emphasis on creating and scaling biotech ventures. It will also provide insights into the regulatory, league, ethical, and policy frameworks that govern the industry.
The program will benefit students by enhancing their career prospects in entrepreneurial and leadership roles within biotech startups, established companies, investment firms, government agencies, and regulatory bodies. For HKUST, this program will strengthen its position as a leader in biotechnology education and research, particularly in the Greater Bay Area, where the biotech industry is rapidly expanding. The program will also foster collaborations between academia and industry, creating opportunities for its graduates to advance their career in its intrapreneurial partnerships and entrepreneurial spin-off companies.
On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Develop and apply entrepreneurial leadership skills to initiate, grow, and lead biotechnology ventures, integrating strategic vision with innovative problem-solving.
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for biotech innovation, creating actionable business plans that address regulatory, ethical, and market challenges.
- Secure and manage resources, including funding and talent, to build and scale biotech startups or intrapreneurial projects within established organizations.
- Lead interdisciplinary teams in the development, commercialization, and launch of biotech products, ensuring alignment with global regulatory and industry standards.
- Pitch and communicate biotech venture ideas effectively to stakeholders, including investors, partners, and regulators, to secure support and drive growth.
- Cultivate an entrepreneurial culture within biotech organizations, balancing profitability with ethical responsibility and societal impact.
-
Minimum Credit Requirement
30 credits
-
Required Courses
12 credits
-
Elective Courses
18 credits
Students are required to take at least three ELBT courses from the following list:
Last update: 17 December 2025
To qualify for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Admission is selective and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
-
Applicants seeking admission to a master's degree program should have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent qualification.
Applicants have to fulfill English Language requirements with one of the following proficiency attainments:
-
TOEFL-iBT: 80 (for tests taken prior to 21 January 2026) *
4.5 (for tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards) * -
TOEFL-pBT: 550
-
TOEFL-Revised paper-delivered test: 60 (total scores for Reading, Listening and Writing sections)
-
IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score: 6.5 and All sub-score: 5.5 *
* Refers to scores in one single attempt only. Test at home option is not accepted.
Applicants are not required to present TOEFL or IELTS score if
-
their first language is English, or
-
they obtained the bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English.
-
A bachelor's degree or above in Business, Engineering, Science, Medicine or other relevant disciplines
-
Applicants who have biotech industrial experience will have an advantage.
Apply online before the application deadlines.
HK$350
For 2026/27 Fall Term Intake (commencing in Sep 2026):
Non-local Applicants*
Full-time: 1 Jun 2026
Part-time: 1 Jun 2026
Local Applicants
Full-time: 15 Jul 2026
Part-time: 15 Jul 2026
Admissions is on rolling basis.
* Applicants are considered as non-local students if they hold (i) student visa/ entry permit; or (ii) visa under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG); or (iii) dependent visa/entry permit who were 18 years old or above when they were issued with such visa/ entry permit by the Director of Immigration. For details on student visa/ entry permit requirements, please click here.
