EPiC 2024 is the place to be for dynamic mid to late-stage startups from all corners of the globe.
If your business meets the following criteria, nothing should stop you from hitting Apply Now!
To submit your application, please use the appropriate online form:
Great question! We're glad you asked. Let's dive into each category to give you a better understanding:
FinTech
The banking and finance industry is a 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.
Our focuses include but are not limited to:
PropTech
PropTech is revolutionising every phase of the building lifecycle from design and construction through operation to its eventual demolition. Show us how you disrupt planning, efficiency, sustainability and safety to bring a better experience for all.
Our focuses include but are not limited to:
MobilityTech
MobilityTech is all about enhancing the flow of people and goods using advanced transport and logistics systems.
It plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable connectivity, which is vital for the smooth functioning and livelihood of our communities.
Our focuses include but are not limited to:
We’re currently only open to registered businesses. Individuals are not eligible.
Absolutely! Taking part in our previous competitions does not disqualify you from EPiC 2024. We welcome startups from diverse backgrounds. As long as your startup meets the eligibility criteria stated in Question 2, we want you in this exciting competition!
Not a problem. An eligible company can nominate a representative to participate in the pitch, as long as your company meets the criteria stated in Question 2.
While submitting the voluntary introductory material and video is not a guarantee of shortlisting, it's an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impression on the judges. These additional materials provide a deeper insight into you and your company, allowing the judges to better understand your vision, passion, and unique business ideas. It can certainly enhance your overall application and positively impact the evaluation process.
Nope. The only thing you have to pay is paying attention to the submission deadline!
Your application will be evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges who possess deep expertise and industry insights. Stay tune for our star-studded panel.
If you're in the Hong Kong track, the semi-pitch will take place in Hong Kong on 29 February.
As for overseas companies, our strategic partner, Plug and Play, will notify you about the physical event location and arrangement. They will be hosting events in Silicon Valley (17-18 January), Singapore (22-23 February) and Stuttgart (4-5 March). What’s more - we'll even arrange your flight tickets to ensure your smooth participation in the semi-pitch. We can't wait to see you shine on the semi-pitch stage!
While we appreciate the enthusiasm from both of you, 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 Regional Semi-Pitch, Elevator Pitch and Grand Finale rounds. Changing your representative may result in disqualification. We recommend careful deliberation in selecting your most proficient spokesperson to showcase your startup's excellence.
To maintain a level playing field and ensure effective evaluation, all pitches must be delivered in English. This language requirement allows our judges to fully grasp and evaluate the details of your presentation. Don't worry if English is not your first language, as innovation is the only language that matters here!
Sure! Please share your deck with us according to instructions emailed to you, and we also encourage bringing your prototype on stage to demonstrate its functionality and unique features to the judges.
You have 8 minutes to deliver your semi-pitch. After your pitch, there will be a Q&A session where the judges can ask you questions. The Q&A session lasts for approximately 2 minutes, giving you an opportunity to respond fully and interact with judges.
You will be notified via email in March. Keep a close eye on your inbox, as we will deliver the exciting news directly to you.
The Grand Finale will take place on 26 April 2024 (Friday) at the sky100, located in the iconic International Commerce Centre (ICC) at 1 Austin Rd W, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
HKSTP offers financial assistance in the form of subsidised air tickets to Hong Kong and accommodation for the Grand Finale. This valuable support is exclusively provided to the 72 semi-finalists who have been shortlisted for the competition.
The competition flow is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Here's the rundown:
While we appreciate the enthusiasm from both of you, 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 Regional Semi-Pitch, Elevator Pitch and Grand Finale rounds. Changing your representative may result in disqualification. We recommend careful deliberation in selecting your most proficient spokesperson to showcase your startup's excellence.
To maintain a level playing field and ensure effective evaluation, all pitches must be delivered in English. This language requirement allows our judges to fully grasp and evaluate the details of your presentation. Don't worry if English is not your first language, as innovation is the only language that matters here!
Yes, semi-finalists do indeed enter an actual elevator to deliver your pitch.
Each semi-finalist will step into the elevator with two judges waiting inside. The pitch will be delivered as the elevator ascends from the 2nd floor to the 100th floor. The ride is exactly 60 seconds.
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.
Each Final Pitch consists of a 3-minute pitch followed by a 3-minute Q&A session where judges raise any queries they have. Prepare diligently, practice your presentation, and anticipate potential questions to make the most out of this critical session.
