Frequently Asked Questions

1.How can I apply for EPIC 2025?

Applying for EPIC 2025 is simple! No matter where your company is registered or located, simply apply HERE.

2.Who is eligible to apply for EPIC 2025?

EPIC 2025 is the place to be for dynamic mid to late-stage startups from all corners of the globe.

To apply, your company must meet these eligibility requirements:

  • Your company will have been established for less than 10 years as of 30 Nov 2025.
  • Your company is built on innovations in Digital Health Tech, FinTech, or GreenTech.
  • Your company has strong intention to expand Research & Development (R&D) and Business Operation Functions to Hong Kong and/or Greater Bay Area in China.

Ready? Submit your application HERE.

3.What do the terms Digital Health Tech, FinTech, and GreenTech refer to?

Here are some examples for each category, but they are not exhaustive. The possibilities are endless! Still unsure? Reach out at EPIC@hkstp.org.

Digital Health Tech

Digital healthcare solutions are a key strategic focus area for maintaining economic strength and global competitiveness in an information-reliant era.

  • GeronTech & RehabTech
  • Health management solutions
  • Medical diagnostics – AI & data
  • Patient solutions
  • Population health management
  • Remote devices
  • SportsTech
  • Telemedicine
  • Wellness

 

FinTech

The banking and finance industry is cornerstone to our economy, providing the source of capital to operate. From global to local, from public to private, good governance is important for safeguarding the trust and confidence of the public.

  • Customer support
  • Digital assets
  • Embedded finance
  • Financial infrastructure
  • InsurTech
  • Open banking
  • Payments
  • RegTech
  • WealthTech

 

GreenTech

Environmental innovation is a driving force behind economic growth and long-term resilience. Green technology solutions are critical for tackling global challenges, enhancing energy efficiency, and advancing resource optimisation.

  • Biodiversity
  • Carbon capture and credits
  • Climate risk analytics
  • Green buildings
  • Low-altitude economy
  • New energy and energy storage
  • Smart city solutions and services
  • Sustainable mobility
4.Is it possible to apply if I haven't established a company yet?

EPIC 2025 is only open to registered businesses. Individual applications are not accepted right now.

5.Am I allowed to apply if I have previously participated in similar competitions organised by HKSTP?

Absolutely! Taking part in our previous competitions does not disqualify you from EPIC 2025. We welcome tech ventures from diverse backgrounds. As long as your tech ventures meets the eligibility criteria stated in Question 2, you are eligible to apply.

6.My company is not registered under my name in Hong Kong. Can I apply?

Not a problem. An eligible company can nominate a representative to participate in the pitch.

7.Is submitting the company / your solution’s introductory material and pitching video mandatory for the application?

Yes, submitting both the introductory material and pitching video is a must. It’s an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impression on the judges. These materials provide a deeper insight into you and your company, allowing the judges to better understand your vision, passion, and unique business ideas. Here are the requirements:

Pitching Video:

A two-minute video where you introduce your innovative solution, highlighting key aspects of your product or service, with a clear and concise explanation of how your solution stands out in the market.

  • Duration: Maximum of two minutes
  • Language: English
  • Format: Landscape (1920 x 1080), MP4
  • Size: Less than 25MB

Introductory Materials:

These materials should provide a clear introduction of your company and the solution you're presenting. Include essential details about your business, such as your mission, vision, and the specifics of your solution.

  • Format: PDF
  • Size: Less than 25MB
8.Is there an application fee?

No, application to EPIC is free of charge.

1.How do the judges evaluate the applications?

The judges evaluate the applications based on several key criteria to identify the most promising tech ventures. Here's what they assess:

  • Uniqueness - They look for a high level of innovation and value any competitive edge your product or service shows. What sets you apart from others in the market?
  • Market size - They analyse the growth potential of your product or service in terms of market demand and scalability. Is there a significant market opportunity for your solution?
  • Strategy - They examine your planned actions and strategies to achieve your business goals. How well-defined and feasible is your roadmap for success?
2.Who will evaluate my application?

Your application will be evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges who possess deep expertise and industry insights. Learn more about our judging panel on the EPIC website.

3.When will I receive notification if I have been selected as one of the semi-finalists?

By Aug 2025, the list of semi-finalists will be published on the EPIC website. You will also receive an email. Keep an eye on your email and the EPIC website and brace yourself for the exciting news!

1.What’s EPIC Week (3-7 Nov 2025)?

EPIC Week is all about giving you an unforgettable, action-packed experience in Hong Kong. Over the course of a week, you'll dive deep into Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem and explore the business environments of both Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, notably through our Market Discovery Programme.

The Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch will also take place during the EPIC Week. You will be pitching your innovative solution to judges and showcasing your tech ventures on the global stage.

2.Do I get any support for travel to Hong Kong for EPIC Week?

Yes, if you’re shortlisted, all non-local semi-finalists will be invited to join the Grand Finale in Hong Kong. We’ll take care of your travel and accommodation. You will receive an email with all the details after the shortlisting.

3.What is Market Discovery Programme?

The Market Discovery Programme is a three-day event designed to welcome you to Hong Kong and kick off your EPIC journey. During this programme, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s largest innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, as well as the business environments in both Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

Plus, you'll have priority business and investment matching sessions with investors and HKSTP’s corporate partners, giving you the opportunity to network and explore potential collaborations. All semi-finalists will get an invite, and we’ll be sending out more details via email.

4.Do I have to join the Market Discovery Programme?

The Market Discovery Programme is compulsory. We strongly recommended you as its invaluable opportunities with potential investors and partners. Engage to broaden your reach in the dynamic Asian Market.

5.I cannot join the Market Discovery Programme, can I invite my partner to join instead?

We highly encourage you not to miss out on this opportunity! However, if you really cannot make it, please contact us at international@hkstp.org and share the contact information of your partner with us.

6.When and where will the Grand Finale take place?

EPIC 2025 Grand Finale (Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch) will take place in Hong Kong on 7 November 2025.

7.What will I need to do at the Semi-Pitch and Final pitch?

Here’s what to expect:

  • Semi-Pitch : Each semi-finalist will present a 60-second pitch to the judges. It’s an intense and exhilarating experience – every second counts!
  • Final Pitch : If you make it as a finalist, you will deliver a three-minute pitch on stage to an audience of judges, investors, and HKSTP’s corporate partners. This will be followed by a three-minute Q&A session where the judges can dive deeper into the details of your tech ventures.
8.Can I deliver my pitch online if I'm unable to attend the Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch in person?

You are required to deliver their pitch in person. We want to offer you an immersive and memorable experience in Hong Kong.

9.Can I pitch together with my partner?

Only one representative from each company is allowed to pitch in the competition. To ensure fairness and consistency throughout the competition, we require the same person to pitch in the Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch. Changing your representative may result in disqualification. We recommend careful deliberation in selecting your most proficient spokesperson to showcase your tech venture’s excellence.

10. Can I deliver my pitch in a language other than English?

No. All pitches must be delivered in English. This language requirement allows our judges to fully grasp and evaluate the details of your presentation.

11.Can I bring a presentation deck and prototype for the Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch?

While presentation decks are not permitted, you are welcome to bring your prototype on stage. In fact, we encourage you to demonstrate its functionality and unique features to the judges.

12.Where can I purchase the Grand Finale ticket?

EPIC 2025 Grand Finale is an invitation-only event. Please stay tuned to EPIC website, where the event will be live-streamed.