Over 70 Startups Gear Up For EPiC 2024 Grand Finale In Hong Kong

The HKSTP global Elevator Pitch Competition 2024 (EPiC) has reached a pivotal moment with the conclusion of its four regional semi-finals, setting the stage for the Grand Finale in Hong Kong on 26th April 2024. This year, over 70 semi-finalists have been chosen to compete for a substantial total investment of US$45 million. Additionally, contenders have the opportunity to secure up to US$5 million in HKSTP Corporate Venture Fund (CVF), US$240,000 in cash prizes, and valuable partnership opportunities. The Grand Finale promises to be a unique event, hosted at the Sky100 venue atop Hong Kong's tallest building, where startups will deliver their 60-second elevator pitches while ascending the International Commerce Centre tower.

The EPiC 2024 competition has garnered attention by attracting high-caliber startups from across the globe, including Silicon Valley, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Stuttgart. By hosting events in the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Mainland China, HKSTP has expanded its global innovation footprint. This initiative has not only provided startups with significant growth opportunities but also brought together over 100 innovation leaders from around the world to serve as judges. Esteemed organizations such as Cathay, HSBC, and MTR Lab have contributed judges to this elite panel.

The competition is structured around three innovation tracks: PropTech, FinTech, and MobilityTech. Each track is supported by a dedicated judging panel responsible for selecting four finalists from their respective categories. These finalists will then advance to compete in the final round. The Grand Finale's unique format will see elevator judges, comprising industry experts and investors, evaluating startup pitches during their ascent up the ICC tower.

EPiC has a proven track record of facilitating success for its participants. Notable past successes include Archifiction, a venture specializing in naked-eye 3D XR technology. Through EPiC, Archifiction partnered with Henderson Land to establish an XR experience center in Hong Kong. Similarly, Papkot, a French greentech startup, leveraged EPiC to expand its operations and now produces plastic-free paper packaging in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

The Grand Finale not only offers startups exposure to international investors and corporate innovators but also provides access to HKSTP's Shenzhen Branch support and infrastructure for those looking to expand into Mainland China.

In summary, EPiC 2024 stands as a global platform that connects startups with investment opportunities and supports their growth ambitions in Hong Kong and beyond. With its focus on high-quality startups and judges from around the world, EPiC continues to foster innovation and growth across various sectors.