City University of Hong Kong celebrated the success of its HK Tech 300 Southeast Asia Start-up Competition, awarding 10 innovative start-ups with up to HK$1 million each in Angel Fund investment. The competition underscores Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for tech innovation, facilitating regional start-ups’ access to Hong Kong and mainland China markets.
28 June 2024 – City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) hosted the Award Ceremony for its HK Tech 300 Southeast Asia Start-up Competition on June 27, 2024, at the Sime Darby Convention Centre. The event recognized 10 standout start-ups from Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, granting each up to HK$1 million in Angel Fund investment through CityUHK’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme, HK Tech 300.
The HK Tech 300 SEA Competition, launched in Kuala Lumpur in May 2023, aims to facilitate Southeast Asian start-ups’ expansion into Hong Kong and mainland China, foster bilateral tech talent exchange, and attract global tech talent to the city. Over 100 start-ups participated, representing a diverse array of industries and leveraging partnerships with regional universities and incubators.
Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, Mr. Lester Garson Huang, SBS, JP, CityUHK Council Chairman, and Professor Freddy Boey, CityUHK President, presided over the ceremony. The event was also attended by Mr. Chen Yulin from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and Mr. Victor Hui, Acting Consul General of Singapore in the HKSAR.
“Hong Kong remains a premier destination for global start-ups to flourish,” remarked Professor Sun Dong, highlighting the city’s vibrant innovation ecosystem supported by collaborative efforts across government, industry, academia, and research sectors. He commended HK Tech 300 for its pivotal role in nurturing tech start-ups and talents regionally.
Mr. Huang congratulated the winning start-ups, emphasizing their innovative contributions and the competition’s role in advancing Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for innovation and technology. President Boey expressed pride in CityUHK’s role, celebrating its 30th anniversary and commitment to fostering interactive and innovative education.
The 10 winning start-ups from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong SAR specialize in advanced technologies such as fintech, deep tech, biotech & health, and ICT & AI. Their innovations span digital healthcare, energy sustainability, green materials, digital assets, and real estate solutions.
In addition to Angel Fund investment, the start-ups will receive comprehensive support, including professional services, business matching opportunities for co-investment within the HK Tech 300 ecosystem, and access to CityUHK’s research and intellectual property.
The HK Tech 300 SEA Competition was organized in collaboration with universities and incubators across the region, underscoring its role in promoting technology transfer, commercialization, and enhancing regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
