Chinese-American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist’s Charles Huang Foundation (CHF) is proud to announce that, with its support, the University of Strathclyde’s former Student Union building on John Street in Glasgow will be transformed into a digital, entrepreneurial, and social engagement hub.
The building will be named the Charles Huang Advanced Technology & Innovation Centre (CHATIC) in recognition of CHF, Dr. Charles Huang’s philanthropic foundation, ‘s $38 million contribution to the project.
The project is now started and is to be completed by 2026.
Dr. Huang’s philanthropic vision for the university, his Alma Mater, is that the donation programs should help Strathclyde become a top business-oriented university through investments both in people and infrastructure, in campus and community, in present capacity and future sustainability.
The start of the CHATIC program signifies that the final major piece of Dr. Huang’s grand vision is taking shape and will profoundly impact the university and beyond. The three other key donation programs supported by CHF are already in place: the creation of the Stephen Young Institute for International Business, two professorial chairs in the Institute, and the establishment of The Stephen Young Entrepreneurship Awards and The Stephen Young Global Leaders Scholarship Program (, in memory of the University’s former marketing department head Professor Stephen Young, Dr. Huang’s supervisor and mentor during his PhD studies.
Situated in the heart of Glasgow City Innovation District, the 10-storey 5,535 m2 CHATIC will provide additional research facilities for advancing health technologies, 5G communications, industrial AI, fintech, quantum technologies, and space research, alongside housing an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub and a Social Innovation Hub. CHATIC will enable Strathclyde to expand and accelerate its proven model of place-based ecosystem development by co-locating industry and academia and enhancing a vibrant, collaborative environment where researchers, start-ups, innovation-intensive companies, SMEs, and commercial partners can learn, innovate, and grow together.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Strathclyde, said: “We are hugely grateful to Charles for his very generous contribution to this project and are delighted to recognize this through naming the new building. Strathclyde is the only academic institution founded during the Scottish Enlightenment in 1796, making us the 8th oldest university in the UK. Dr. Huang’s tremendous act of philanthropy is a significant part of this history. To see one of our own students return to support future Strathclyders in this extraordinary way is a testament to our founding principle as a place of useful learning. I am delighted to be entering our Diamond Jubilee Year with Charles’ major philanthropic investment in our students, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Lina Tullberg, CEO of the Charles Huang Foundation, said: “We are happy to see that programs are developing in line with Dr. Huang’s vision. The CHATIC is the final piece of the donation programs by CHF. However, it would not be the end, but the new beginning of the strong and productive partnership between CHF and Dr. Huang’s Alma Mater. Better things are on the way!”
Charles Huang is a prominent Chinese-American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with a diverse and accomplished career spanning multiple industries. Here are key aspects of his life and achievements:
Charles Huang was born in 1955 in Taoyuan, Taiwan. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Wuhan University in 1986. Subsequently, he obtained a British Council scholarship to pursue an MBA and Ph.D. in Marketing at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.
Investment Banking: After his studies, Huang moved to Hong Kong, where he pioneered China equity research in investment banking. He successfully led and participated in over 26 IPOs and was known for his exceptional stock-picking skills.
Automotive Industry: Huang spent over a decade as a senior executive in the automotive sector.
Pasaca Capital: In 2016, Huang founded Pasaca Capital Inc., a private equity firm based in Pasadena, California2. Under his leadership, Pasaca Capital has grown into a global, multi-billion-dollar investment company with portfolio companies across various sectors, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, technology, and entertainment2.
Innova Medical Group: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Huang founded Innova Medical Group in 20203. The company became a leading supplier of COVID-19 testing worldwide, delivering over 2 billion rapid tests.
Huang established the Charles Huang Foundation in 2020 to support education, health-related research, and entrepreneurship globally.
Notable donations include:
$63 million to the University of Strathclyde
$40 million to Wuhan University
$7 million to San Francisco’s Chinese Hospital
$7.5 million to USC Arcadia Hospital 2
Named “Philanthropreneur of the Year” by the California State Assembly in 2021.
Recognized as a distinguished Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) leader by the California AAPI Legislative Caucus in 20222
Included in the “2024 Forbes China 100 Most Influential Chinese” list.
Charles Huang’s career exemplifies a combination of business acumen, innovation, and philanthropy, making significant contributions to various industries and society at large.
Dr. Huang is the founder and chairman of Pasaca Capital Inc., a California-based multi-billion-dollar evergreen fund with various global portfolio companies in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, TMT, industrials and automation, and entertainment (Innova Medical Group, Canton Technology, ATL, Meepo Inc, Sweegen Inc., KraftPal) in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Prior to forming Pasaca Capital, Dr. Huang had an exceptional career in investment banking and the automotive sector. His accomplishments include:
Worked in various global investment banks as a top stock analyst, partner, and executive director
Successfully led and participated in over 26 IPOs in Hong Kong
Served key leadership roles in cross-industrial businesses, such as Brilliance Automotive Group and Hybrid Kinetic Group
Ph.D. in Marketing and MBA from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland; Bachelor’s in Economics from Wuhan University, China.
As he climbed the ladder of success, Dr. Huang founded the Charles Huang Foundation in 2020, looking for meaningful ways to give back to society and help others.
Through the Charles Huang Foundation, his personal guiding principles of humanitarianism, global visions, and strong local economies align well with value-based giving and investing to create the positive future for which we all strive.