Pitching Competition FAQ

1. How can I apply?
Please submit your online application here.
2. What are the judging criteria for the 100 startup finalists?
The judging criteria include:
  • Business Overview
  • Technology Highlight
  • Business Model
For details, please refer to “Judging Criteria”.

Please note that some of the questions in the application form represent the above judging criteria. It is important to fill up each question precisely and concisely.
3. Can I apply the competition if I am an overseas company/participant?
Yes. This competition is open to all tech startups from around the world who are
  • less than 5 years and received less than US$10 million funding by 31 March 2021; or
  • individuals who have not yet established any companies;
  • focuses on one of these categories: FinTech / Green Tech & Construction Tech / Health Technology / Smart City
  • accept the terms and conditions as set in the rules and regulations

Individuals with innovative ideas may also apply. All overseas contestants will enter the Global Track. For details, please refer to “How it works”
4. Can I apply if I have not yet set up a company?
Yes. Individuals, from local or overseas, with innovative ideas may also apply.
5. Can I still apply the competition if I have already participated in similar competitions organised by HKSTP?
Yes. This competition is open to all tech startups from around the world who are
  • less than 5 years and received less than US$10 million funding by 31 March 2021; or
  • individuals who have not yet established any companies;
  • focuses on one of these categories: FinTech / Green Tech & Construction Tech / Health Technology / Smart City
  • accept the terms and conditions as set in the rules and regulations
6. Is there any financial assistance for overseas startups to travel to Hong Kong for the competition?
All shortlisted overseas companies will perform an online live pitch during the Pitching Competition on 5 November 2021.
7. When will I know whether I am being shortlisted as one of the 100 startup finalists?
100 Startup Finalists will be announced in late-September 2021. Please also take note of the following important dates:
  • 31 August: Application closes
  • 1 September – late-September: Screening and selection by organising committee
  • Late-September: Announcement of the 100 startup finalists
  • 5 November: Pitching Competition
8. What are the prizes/awards?
  • The champion will receive a cash prize of US$100,000
  • Tech Winners (x4) will receive a cash prize of US$10,000 each
  • Top 10 will receive a cash prize of US$6,000 each

9. I have not established any company yet. As an individual applicant, can I put “Not applicable” for the questions in the form on “Business Valuation”?
You can put “N/A” if you really face difficulties in completing this section. But your input for the “Business Valuation” section will facilitate the investors to understand more about your business potential which will directly affect the investment opportunity.
10. Can my partner and myself pitch together and present at the Pitching Competition on 5 November if I am being selected as the top 10?
No. Only ONE representative from each company will pitch and present at the Pitching Competition. Hong Kong contestant must physically participate at sky100 in Hong Kong for the live pitch, whereas overseas contestant will perform an online live pitch.
11. Can I pitch in any other language?
No. All the pitches and presentations should be in English.
12. Can I still apply if my company is not registered in my name in Hong Kong?
Yes. You can apply even if your company is not registered in your name. If you are being selected as one of the 100 startup finalists, you can nominate any representative from your company to pitch and present at the Pitching Competition.
13. Can I perform a live pitch on stage if I am an overseas contestant but physically presence in Hong Kong on 5 November?
If you enter as an overseas contestant in the Global Track and shortlisted as the Top 10 finalist, you will be eligible to perform a live pitch on stage at sky100, Hong Kong on 5 November.
14. Can I perform an online live pitch if I am a Hong Kong contestant but cannot be physically presence in sky100 on 5 November?
If you enter as a local contestant in the Hong Kong Track, you will be required to give the live pitch physically at sky100 on 5 November. If you cannot physically participate in sky100, Hong Kong, you can nominate ONE representative from your company for the live pitch. Please note that the pitcher inside the elevator and on stage has to be the same person. Otherwise your company may be disqualified for the competition.