The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Hong Kong You Should Enter

 The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Hong Kong You Should Enter 

Hong Kong has long been a thriving hub for business and innovation, attracting entrepreneurs from around the globe. With its strategic location, favorable business environment, and vibrant startup ecosystem, Hong Kong offers numerous opportunities for startups to gain visibility, funding, and mentorship. If you're an entrepreneur looking to make your mark, here are the top 20 startup competitions in Hong Kong that you should definitely consider entering.

1. Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) Elevator Pitch Competition

What it is: A fast-paced competition where startups pitch their ideas in a 60-second elevator ride.

Why enter: Offers significant exposure, prize money, and access to investors and industry experts.

Website: HKSTP

2. Jumpstarter

What it is: Organized by Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Jumpstarter is one of Hong Kong's largest startup competitions.

Why enter: Provides a global platform for visibility, networking with top investors, and a chance to win substantial funding.

Website: Jumpstarter

3. StartMeUpHK Festival

What it is: An annual week-long festival that includes several pitch competitions and startup showcases.

Why enter: Excellent for networking, gaining international exposure, and accessing resources and mentorship.

Website: StartMeUpHK

4. HKTDC Start-up Express

What it is: A competition organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to help startups expand internationally.

Why enter: Offers training, mentorship, and opportunities to participate in international trade shows.

Website: HKTDC

5. EPiC (Elevator Pitch Competition)

What it is: Hosted by HKSTP, EPiC challenges startups to pitch their ideas in a 60-second elevator ride.

Why enter: Provides exposure, prize money, and networking opportunities with investors.

6. Rising Star Awards

What it is: A competition that recognizes and rewards the most promising startups in Hong Kong.

Why enter: Gain recognition, mentorship, and funding to accelerate your business.

7. Cyberport University Partnership Programme (CUPP)

What it is: A program for university students to develop their startup ideas, culminating in a pitch competition.

Why enter: Offers mentorship, training, and exposure to potential investors.

Website: Cyberport

8. Fintech Awards

What it is: A competition focusing on financial technology startups.

Why enter: Access to industry experts, investors, and potential business partners.

9. TechCrunch Startup Battlefield

What it is: A renowned global startup competition with regional events, including one in Hong Kong.

Why enter: High visibility, significant prize money, and a chance to pitch in front of top investors.

10. Betatron Startup Accelerator

What it is: An accelerator program that culminates in a demo day where startups pitch to investors.

Why enter: Offers mentorship, funding, and access to a vast network of investors.

Website: Betatron

11. KPMG-HSBC Emerging Tech Innovator Competition

What it is: A competition recognizing innovative tech startups in various sectors.

Why enter: Gain exposure to leading industry players and potential investors.

12. Brinc Global Accelerator Program

What it is: A program that supports hardware, IoT, and deep tech startups, ending with a pitch competition.

Why enter: Access to funding, mentorship, and a global network of partners and investors.

Website: Brinc

13. Asia Smart App Awards

What it is: A competition celebrating innovative mobile apps from across Asia.

Why enter: Gain recognition, exposure, and potential partnerships in the mobile app industry.

Website: Asia Smart App Awards

14. Cyberport Pitch Day

What it is: A regular event where Cyberport incubatees pitch their ideas to investors and industry experts.

Why enter: Access to a wide network of investors and potential business partners.

Website: Cyberport Pitch Day

15. HKGCC Business Case Competition

What it is: Organized by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, this competition focuses on innovative business solutions.

Why enter: Provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and a chance to pitch in front of industry leaders.

16. Seedstars Hong Kong

What it is: Part of the global Seedstars competition, focusing on high-growth startups in emerging markets.

Why enter: Chance to compete on a global stage and win investment and acceleration support.

Website: Seedstars

17. AngelHack Hong Kong

What it is: A hackathon and pitch competition for tech startups.

Why enter: Offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential funding.

Website: AngelHack

18. Hong Kong IoT Conference & Expo

What it is: An event that includes a pitch competition for IoT startups.

Why enter: Access to industry experts, potential investors, and business partners.

19. Startup Launchpad

What it is: A trade show with a pitch competition for hardware startups.

Why enter: Gain exposure, potential partnerships, and funding opportunities.

20. HAX Accelerator

What it is: A hardware accelerator that ends with a demo day where startups pitch to investors.

Why enter: Provides funding, mentorship, and access to a global network of partners.

Website: HAX

Conclusion

Hong Kong’s vibrant startup ecosystem offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs to gain recognition, funding, and valuable connections. Participating in these top 20 startup competitions can provide a significant boost to your startup journey. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, these competitions offer the perfect platform to showcase your innovation, connect with industry leaders, and accelerate your business growth. Mark your calendars for 2024 and take the leap into the exciting world of startup competitions in Hong Kong.