Alumni Stories | A Young but Impactful Business: Daric Li

May 29, 2025

“Step out of your comfort zone,” said Daric Li in a message to fellow graduates during an interview on HKU Alumni Day 2025 on campus, the day when bold HKU alumni entrepreneurs like him showcased their businesses to eager alumni and friends.

A graduate of the University of Hong Kong’s Master’s programme in Financial Technology and Data Analytics in 2023, Daric himself is a living example of someone who made bold moves, venturing not only into entrepreneurship but also across the border, into the Greater Bay Area.

Coming from a career in banking and fintech, his path to entrepreneurship might seem unconventional—but it was driven by a clear purpose and a personal mission. Together with three other partners, he co-founded Starz Origin, a startup dedicated to driving sustainability and innovation through advanced 3D printing solutions.

He only returns to his office in Qianhai, the special zone within Shenzhen, at weekends. That is because he also holds a banking job in Hong Kong, with which he is occupied during the week. The full-time job has not stopped him from exploring projects that could bring forth positive impact on society.

Daric attributes his desire to the influence of his classmates in the MSc programme. “One of my biggest gains from the programme is that I learned from my classmates to step out of my comfort zone. Many of them are slashers; they have their own ideas and have already set up their own businesses. For example, there is the banker who also runs a dental clinic, or others running a physiotherapy clinic or bakery shop, another one is working as a KOL,” said Daric, the Chief Strategic Officer of his company.

“Many people pursuing master’s courses often come with prior work experience, bringing their own perspectives and ambitions,” he shared. “It’s a stage in life where many are eager to explore new opportunities. Talking to my classmates sparked ideas about starting my own company.”

The MSc programme covers wide-ranging areas relevant in today’s fast-changing world, from financial engineering, computational intelligence and machine learning to privacy and data protection. Not least importantly, it exposed Daric to the latest Generative AI technology, and tools like Midjourney capable of producing personalized style and images. Professors from the Faculty of Engineering not only guided their projects but also helped them build valuable connections and opened doors to new opportunities.

Emboldened by new discovery

During research for his coursework, Daric discovered the immense power of 3D printing and has since been captivated by it. Through one of the company’s co-founders, he gained firsthand insight into the eco-friendly and cost-effective manufacturing processes at factories in China.

By combining Gen AI technology and 3D printing, he is emboldened to provide sustainable alternatives for the design and construction industries, as well as to promote the vital concept of ESG – environment, social and governance. ESG is a notable benchmark for responsible companies around the world nowadays.

3D printing is considered ESG friendly due to its on-demand production process, and the infusion of to avoid waste and reduce carbon emission. Starz Origin’s factory in Zhuhai utilizes sustainable materials such as biodegradable or recyclable options. These materials include PLA (Polylactic Acid), a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, and PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), a naturally occurring polymer produced by microorganisms that can be combined with food waste, such as coffee grounds or tea leaves, for eco-friendly innovation. Additionally, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), a recyclable material known for its strength and lightweight properties, offers versatility in molding and a variety of finishes, colors and textures.

“We also offer 3D printing workshops for the next generation to tell them about the technology and the importance of sustainability,” Daric added. “We focus on outcomes, not just outputs. Together with our staff, we aim to cultivate a strong corporate culture while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”

As traditional craftsmen are in shrinking supply, he sees the urgency of using technology to reduce the demand for human labour while controlling production cost.

The cost of one of his company’s impressive projects, stylish-looking furniture created from an AI-generated picture was halved through 3D printing. Another creation, a blue and white wall in a wavy design resembling a blue ocean, demonstrates the integration of 3D printing with artistic design. “Our company’s slogan is Print Your Imagination. 3D printing can truly transform your imagination into a sustainable reality,” Daric noted. “As technology continues to mature, it has the potential to solve a wide range of issues.”

Print Your Imagination - From AI-rendered image to reality in 3 days

In Qianhai, young startups like his company enjoy a range of government support and ample networking opportunities. Daric’s company made it to the semi-final in an entrepreneurship contest held there, apart from winning a string of awards in various events. His team is reaching out to the global audience through various social media platforms and roadshow events.

All the efforts are not intended merely to make profits but for the wider purpose of serving the society. “We want to make some impact in the area of ESG and sustainability,” he said.

His other advice for budding entrepreneurs – be they students or full-time employees - is to bear in mind their own aspiration, take their first step and try. “Opportunities will come your way,” Daric said. “It’s never too late to start your own adventure.”

Embracing the Gen AI era and building a future of possibilities

He encouraged young alumni to embrace the Gen AI era, not just by adapting to technological advancements but by leveraging them for societal impact. “AI is a powerful tool to help you work smarter and achieve more,” he noted, advising young professionals to stay curious and open to learning. “Focus on your unique strengths—creativity, empathy, and human insight. Integrate AI into your field, collaborate, and generate innovative ideas.” Above all, he urged them to stay true to their values and consider how AI can improve the world. “This is your time to adapt, innovate, and shape a future full of possibilities.”