Hong Kong is open to all, and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is ramping up its seventh Elevator Pitch Competition (EPiC 2023) by unveiling 50 Grand Finale semi-finalists, carefully selected from 618 entries and about 55 economies across the world.
What are the main highlights of EPiC 2023?
Elevator Pitch Competition, EPiC 2023 — backed by HKSTP’s innovation-driven partners Cathay, HSBC, MTR Lab, plus the very credible global accelerator Plug & Play — is the city’s most eagerly anticipated pitch event every year and this year it will take place on 28 April 2023 (Friday) at the summit of Hong Kong’s tallest building, the International Commerce Centre.
This annual event is a unique competition for all global mid to late-stage startups in the FinTech and PropTech sectors who seek to expand their footprints into Asia and beyond, all over the world while also leveraging Hong Kong’s biggest innovation ecosystem at HKSTP.
EPiC provides the best available platform for startups to make real business impact through connections with the Science Park network of 1,000+ investors and 300+ corporate partners. This year, three quarters of the entries are from overseas, with the proportion of overseas contestants and the number of economies participating hitting a record high since 2016.
Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks said, “EPiC is an iconic mega event that has hit the global scale, as a record turnout from international startups further demonstrates Hong Kong’s advantages as an international I&T hub.”
“Hong Kong is diversified, vibrant and attracts the best entrepreneurs, investors and innovators. Grow fast and go beyond is the theme for EPiC this year, and we welcome talents from around the world to explore Hong Kong’s investment and innovation opportunities.”
What to expect during the seventh EPiC edition?
A total of 50 contestants representing 14 different economies entered the semi-final round. All 50 semi-finalists have a golden opportunity to be considered for direct investment of up to US$5 million from the HKSTP Venture Fund, as well as market expansion support across Asia and beyond, plus the chance to win a cash prize of US$90,000 if crowned overall champion.
The EPiC Grand Finale happening on 28 April will be hosted at Hong Kong’s iconic Sky 100 venue atop Hong Kong’s famous tallest building, the International Commerce Centre. The 50 competing teams will pitch their world-changing ideas to a judging panel of renowned investors, entrepreneurs, and industry business leaders. The actual pitch will comprise of a 60-second elevator ride as the participants compete for the title of the overall EPiC Champion.
To propel EPiC to the broader public, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation HKSTP has launched for the first time, the “My Favourite Pitcher” public poll, which is open to all to voters for their favorite pitch video from the shortlisted 50 semi-finalists that day.
The poll is now available at the EPiC polling website and it will last until 28 April 2023 at 1pm (HKT). The semi-finalist with the highest number of votes will win the cash prize of US$10,000, as well as 200,000 Asia Miles sponsored by the company, Cathay. The prizes are epic.
HKSTP will kick off the exclusive Immersion Programme for semi-finalists to experience Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem and unlock business opportunities through educational talks, business matching and networking with leading corporate partners & investors across their ecosystem.
Contestants Breakdown:
| Category | No. of applicants |
| PropTech | 266 (43%) |
| FinTech | 352 (57%) |
| Headquarter | No. of applicants |
| Overseas | 465 (75%) |
| Hong Kong | 153 (25%) |
A record high proportion of overseas contestants and economies participation since 2016.
What are the ongoing and anticipated EPiC activities?
“My Favourite Pitcher” Public Polling
Now until 28 April 2023, 1pm (HKT)
- The top 50 semi-finalists’ pitching videos is open for public online voting
- The semi-finalist with the highest number of votes will be crowned EPiC 2023’s “My Favourite Pitcher” and win the cash prize of US$10,000 plus 200,000 Asia Miles sponsored by Cathay
“Grow Beyond Hong Kong” Immersion Programme
25 – 26 April 2023
- An exclusive 2-day programme for EPiC 2023 semi-finalists to experience HKSTP’s innovation ecosystem.
- Participants will unlock growth opportunities through educational talks, business matching and networking with leading corporate partners and investors in our ecosystem.
EPiC 2023 Grand Finale
28 April 2023
EPiC 2023 Grand Finale
- Venue: Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
- Top 50 Semi-Finalists will pitch their ideas within a 60-second elevator ride
- Top 10 Finalists will pitch their innovation ideas on stage to renowned investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders
- All 50 semi-finalists have the golden opportunities to be considered for direct investment of up to US$5 million from the HKSTP Venture Fund, plus the chance to win a cash prize of US$90,000 if crowned overall champion.
