Start-up Express, an entrepreneurship development programme organised annually by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has returned for its fifth edition. As they face up to issues arising from the ongoing pandemic and adverse global economy, start-up enterprises are in need of support more than ever before. This year’s programme continues to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses by building connections, exploring markets, seeking partners and enhancing brand awareness.
New ESG Award recognises socially aware projects
Start-up Express is aimed at local tech start-ups that have plans to expand into international markets. As the pandemic situation gradually begins to ease, innovative business models and fresh ideas will provide a new stimulus for the economy in post-pandemic times. The enrolment for Start-up Express 2022 reflects the great enthusiasm of local entrepreneurs, with shortlisted start-ups coming from a broader spectrum of fields than ever before including emerging technologies such as art tech, green tech, health tech, prop tech, fintech, smart city tech, edtech, food tech and more. This year, the ESG Award has been added to reward the most sustainable and socially efficient start-up.
HKTDC offers full support to boost business development
The Pitching Final of this year’s Start-up Express will be held on 15 June. The winning start-ups will be offered access to capability-building workshops, mentoring sessions, exploratory missions to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, marketing sessions, extensive publicity and investor pitching opportunities. These activities will help the winning entrepreneurs hone their business skills, gain access to the latest market insights and acquire business know-how from experienced industry leaders. The winning start-ups will also be presented with opportunities to interact with buyers and investors at HKTDC-organised local and overseas events. In addition, the HKTDC will arrange business matching meetings, helping the entrepreneurs to connect with potential partners, increase their media exposure and enhance brand awareness.
Professional judging panel to select 10 most outstanding start-ups
In the 2022 Pitching Final, the judging panel will select 10 outstanding teams out of 20 shortlisted start-ups. This year’s panel comprises Raymond Yung, Vice Chairman, AMTD Group; Jason Chiu, Chairman, Hong Kong Start-up Council; Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation), Sino Group; Ben Cheng, Managing Partner, C Ventures; and Arshad Chowdhury, Managing Partner, Betatron Venture Group. In addition, AMTD Group is the Strategic Partner of Start-up Express for the fourth consecutive year.
Start-ups selected for the shortlisted top 20 in the Pitching Final have all presented innovative business solutions that help address social and environmental issues.
