Accelerating Hong Kong’s next wave of innovation
- HKTDC’s Start-up Express International is a pitching contest open to global entrepreneurs that hone their skills, connect them with partners and investors, and boost their global visibility
- Among last year's distinguished winners were a diverse array of innovative companies, each contributing uniquely to their respective fields
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Hong Kong is continuing its efforts to transform itself into the region’s innovation hub by rolling out the red carpet for the next generation of entrepreneurs aiming for the global market.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is one of the organisations spearheading this initiative through its Start-up Express development programme, which is designed to help them scale up from business model development to eventually product launch.
More specifically, the programme aims to support aspiring start-ups by helping them build their capabilities, connect with potential corporate and funding partners, and increase their brand visibility.
The benefits offered to facilitate this journey include workshops to enhance their capacity, mentorship by business leaders, exploratory missions to the Greater Bay Area, and various opportunities for trade promotion both locally and internationally.
The programme also facilitates business matching, provides media coverage, and offers a platform for pitching to investors, all aimed at integrating these start-ups into Hong Kong’s vibrant start-up ecosystem.
As well as local exposure, Start-up Express provides them with opportunities to showcase their innovations on a global stage. This includes spots in international exhibitions, such as the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the MEDICA Trade Fair in Düsseldorf, and the China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF).
Expanding global networks through Start-up Express International
Since its inception in 2018, Start-up Express has become a cornerstone for up-and-coming ventures in Hong Kong, with 60 winners having been celebrated to date.
As part of the comprehensive start-up development programme, the Start-up Express International pitching competition was first launched at Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) in 2022, aiming to connect global start-ups with potential Hong Kong partners, enhancing the programme's worldwide network.
Last year, the competition attracted start-ups nominated by 35 partners from 15 countries and regions, spanning ten industries, demonstrating its international reach. Among last year’s distinguished winners were a diverse array of innovative companies each making a unique contribution to their respective fields.
Ambiator, a climate tech firm, stands out for its commitment to environmental solutions, while Flectothink shines with its ground-breaking research in brain-computer interface technology, aiming to revolutionise both consumer electronics and medical industries.
Hangles brings a sustainable approach to fashion, advocating for the extension of the clothing life cycle through principles of reuse, reduce, and recycle, aligning with the growing demand for ethical fashion.
Moreloop is a business that combines environmental sustainability with digital technology to build its own platform, with vision to make the circular economy a reality. NL37 introduces smart chassis technology, enhancing the efficiency and intelligence of smart mobility.
Sino Microimaging breaks new ground with its portable MRI technology, making medical imaging more accessible. TEG MAT specialises in thermal energy harvesting, contributing to the sustainable energy sector with cutting-edge solutions.
Ucloudy focuses on smart factory diagnostic consulting, offering insights and optimisations for the manufacturing sector. Uvera, identified as a clean-tech start-up, aims to reduce food waste using its AIoT solution that doubles the shelf-life of fresh produce, meat and baked goods by 97% on average.
Last but not least, Voltaic specialises in smart IoT solutions that connect solar panels, inverters, battery storage systems, heat pumps, and wall boxes as part of a green building solution, underscoring the event's emphasis on start-ups that are not only innovative but also contribute to a sustainable future.
Criteria and timeline
Start-up Express International is open to start-ups founded within the last five years and those that have secured under US$10 million in funding, ensuring the support is directed towards early-stage ventures.
Applications for the 2024 cohort will open in the third quarter of 2024 through nominations from Global Partners of the programme worldwide. Winners will have the opportunity to pitch to potential partners at Entrepreneur Day on 5-6 December 2024.
International winners will receive access to the “Start in Hong Kong” package, which includes marketing aid, incentives, mentorship, technical support, and guidance for establishing a business in Hong Kong.
In a testament to the programme’s efficacy, InxMed, a Nanjing-based biotech company and one of the global winners, successfully established its R&D and business office in Hong Kong's Science and Technology Park in May 2023, thanks to the HKTDC’s facilitation.
The HKTDC extends an open invitation to all start-ups related entities worldwide, including accelerators, incubators, venture capital firms, and start-up networks, to become Global Partners and nominate start-ups to join this competitive yet enriching endeavour.
