Well versed in the virtual world

Metaprint uses the metaverse to inspire teenage Hongkongers to embrace cutting-edge technologies.

Cofounder Wang Pak-hin believes the six underlying technologies that power this virtual word - artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, game engines, intelligent networks and virtual reality - can be harnessed to empower students in the real world.

Metaprint packs these technologies, together with three-dimensional modelling and printing, into courses for secondary schools. It has taught over 200 students since its launch in March last year.

Wang says it is important that students learn these technologies in an integrated way rather than as individual subjects.

As an example, he highlights a project in which students replicated a campus in a three-dimensional platform, during which they also got to understand the basics of architecture, art and related disciplines.

The 3D perspective enriched the learning experience, helped boost their confidence, and eased their apprehensions over coding and related technology, says Wang.

With younger generations now exposed to AI and high tech in their daily lives, traditional curriculum no longer suits them, he says.

He wants students to start learning about technology in the ninth grade or earlier, to help them understand their strengths and what subjects to pursue in senior secondary school.

Metaprint recorded revenue of HK$300,000 last year from its cooperation with three schools. This year, it hopes to expand the number of partner schools to 10 and teach up to 1,000 students.

As part of its drive to include green education in schools and contribute to carbon neutrality, the start-up has launched another venture called MetaGreenX, with a team of students from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Hong Kong Baptist University.

Dedicated to greenery conservation and sustainability, MetaGreenX developed a sapling monitor, GrootX, that runs on IoT technology.

Many organizations plant trees to offset their carbon footprint but then leave them unattended. GrootX, made of recycled plastic, monitors the saplings and gives them nourishment when needed. The monitor will be launched later this year, targeting green groups and enterprises.