Next wave of disruptors unveiled at HKTDC’s Start-up Express International 2024
- From fintech to biotech, start-ups from around the world gather in Hong Kong to explore growth opportunities, funding and cross-border expansion
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The Start-up Express International 2024, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), showcased some of the most promising start-ups from 11 countries. Seven winners and eight finalists gathered in Hong Kong to present their innovative tech solutions across fintech, medtech, AI and sustainability.
Held as part of Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) 2024, the event reinforced Hong Kong’s status as a leading innovation and business hub, providing a platform for entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to collaborate and explore scaling opportunities in the region.
The judging process was highly competitive, with experts assessing start-ups based on innovation, scalability, market potential, and sustainability. The panel comprised senior executives from Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Gobi Partners, who not only selected the winners but also shared valuable insights into Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem and expansion opportunities during a panel discussion.
AquaViolet is a Singapore-based deep-tech start-up that has developed UVx disinfection technology, a light-based purification system enhancing water safety and sustainability by eliminating pathogens with multi-band ultraviolet technology.
By harnessing multi-band ultraviolet light, the technology efficiently eliminates pathogens while reducing energy consumption, said Yitch Cheng Yi Chiao, COO of AquaViolet.
Bioteos leverages patented microalgae filtration to improve air quality in high-density environments such as corporate offices and subway stations.
Several other winning start-ups are transforming maternal health, mental wellness, personalised therapy, sustainable nutrition and veterinary medicine.
“One in ten babies is born prematurely, and our technology improves detection accuracy while lowering costs,” said Dabriel Choi, CEO of the Ireland-based EveryBaby, which has developed an AI-driven preterm birth detection solution, offering a cost-effective and accessible solution to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
EntoSus, a Germany-based start-up, is pioneering cricket-based protein as a sustainable and nutritious alternative for the fitness industry.
With a complete amino acid profile and a significantly lower environmental footprint than traditional protein sources, cricket protein presents a viable solution to the growing demand for eco-friendly nutrition.
“Crickets offer complete amino acids, are highly sustainable, and address the growing demand for alternative proteins,” said Florian Berendt, Founder and CEO.
Wuxi Yingzhui Technology is pioneering the use of Eucommia gum-based materials, which transform under heat, making them ideal for medical rehabilitation aids and wearable technology.
“Our material reduces customisation time from days to 30 minutes, improving accessibility for patients,” said CEO Zhu Zeyun.
As advancements in bio-based materials reshape medical rehabilitation, technology is also transforming mental well-being and therapeutic solutions.
Your Sound Therapeutics is one of the start-ups driving this transformation, using AI and biometrics to develop personalised sound therapy that supports stress relief and better sleep quality.
Recognising the importance of mental health in helping students build resilience and prepare for the future, Zoala has developed an AI-driven mental wellness platform designed to integrate seamlessly into education systems.
“Our goal is to make mental health support accessible for all students,” said Founder and CEO Jeff Lee, adding that his company provides students with tools they need to cope with academic pressures and personal challenges.
Innovations in biotech are also improving healthcare for not just humans but pets, who are humans’ best companions and a member of many families.
GeoVista is transforming veterinary medicine by adapting human pharmaceutical treatments for pets, ensuring they receive advanced care and effective treatments for chronic conditions.
“Many cutting-edge treatments exist for humans, but pets are often left behind. We’re adapting human pharmaceutical technologies to develop antibody drugs and implants specifically for chronic pet diseases,” said Dr Gook-Jun An, CEO of GeoVista.
Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area’s financial services and property sectors have ample room for fintech and proptech start-ups to scale and expand.
Qaiver Fintech is addressing financial accessibility challenges with its AI-driven micro-loan and credit scoring solutions
The Qatar-based start-up leverages alternative data to enable underbanked populations to access financial services where traditional credit models fall short, according to Dr Allan Villegas, Co-Founder & CEO.
“AI and machine learning allow us to build more inclusive financial models, ensuring that people without traditional credit histories can still access essential financial products,” said Dr Villegas.
In the property sector, ChurchSpace is redefining commercial rentals with its Airbnb-style platform for churches. This US-based start-up helps places of worship monetise underutilised spaces by connecting them with local businesses and community organisations in need of event venues and commercial kitchens.
“We are seeing more overseas founders choosing Hong Kong as their base, not just because of market access, but because of the strong support system available here,” she said, adding that over 30 per cent of founders have international experience, reinforcing the city's appeal to global talent.
Henry Li, Head of Ecosystem Development at Cyberport, outlined Cyberport’s role in nurturing over 2,100 tech start-ups, offering HK$1.1 million in funding, free office space and expanding AI and Web3 clusters.
“We offer not just funding, but a complete ecosystem where start-ups can connect with industry leaders, investors, and corporate partners,” he said. He also noted that over 70 per cent of Cyberport’s Proof of Concept (POC) projects have transitioned into commercial deployment.
Derek Chim, Head of Start-up Ecosystem and Development at HKSTP, discussed HKSTP’s structured support, from bootstrapping to Series A and beyond. “We actively invest in promising start-ups and co-invest alongside venture capital firms to help them scale,” he explained.
Mike Lam, Associate Director of Ecosystem Development at HSITP, believes HSITP’s strategic location on the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border facilitates start-ups to access the Greater Bay Area while benefiting from Hong Kong’s business environment.
“Our incubation programme, launching next year, will connect start-ups with leading industry players in AI, biotech and deep tech,” he said.
Jimmy Ng, Investment Director at Gobi Partners, provided a realistic view of fundraising challenges. “The reality is that 90 per cent of start-ups will struggle to raise money. Investors are focusing on strong differentiation, clear market strategies, and scalable business models.”
However, he remained optimistic, citing government-backed investment funds supporting fintech, AI, biotech and sustainability. “There is still a lot of capital available for the right start-ups,” he added.