Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 1/8/2027
In short
EPIC 2025 is a global elevator pitch competition in Hong Kong for mid to late-stage startups with innovations in Digital Health Tech, FinTech, or GreenTech, offering a USD 60,000 grand prize and significant investor exposure.
EPiC Elevator Pitch
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 1/8/2027161 days left
USD 180,000
Total prize money
60 seconds
Express pitch
Hong Kong
Event location
Global
Applicant reach
3
Tech tracks
Market Discovery Programme
Key feature
Overview
EPIC 2025 is a global platform designed for mid to late-stage startups to scale their businesses. Hosted in Hong Kong, recognized as Asia's premier startup ecosystem, the competition provides direct access to a dynamic business environment and valuable opportunities to connect with the rapidly expanding Greater Bay Area, accelerating global ambitions. It offers unparalleled exposure to investors and corporate partners, exclusive networking opportunities, and tailored support to help participants present their innovations and break into key global markets. The competition centers around a 60-second elevator pitch, serving as a gateway for startups to gain visibility and secure investment. Beyond the pitch, EPIC 2025 offers a comprehensive experience, including business and investment matching sessions, tech spotlights to present solutions to industry leaders, and opportunities to explore Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem and the broader Greater Bay Area market. Participating startups will engage directly with top executives and potential clients, fostering collaborations and expanding market reach. The event emphasizes bridging the gap between visionaries and investors, aiming to accelerate impactful ideas and facilitate global collaboration within the Innovation and Technology (I&T) sector.
Prizes
Overall Champion
USD 60,000
3 Tech Track Winners
USD 20,000 each
Top 12 Finalists
USD 10,000 each
Key dates
- Semi-finalist notificationAugust 2025
- EPIC Week / Market Discovery Programme3-7 November 2025
- Grand Finale (Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch)7 November 2025
Eligibility
EPIC 2025 is open to dynamic mid to late-stage startups globally. Companies must have been established for less than 10 years as of 30 November 2025. Innovations must be in Digital Health Tech, FinTech, or GreenTech. Applicants must have a strong intention to expand Research & Development (R&D) and Business Operation Functions to Hong Kong and/or the Greater Bay Area in China. Only registered businesses are eligible; individual applications are not accepted. Previous participation in similar HKSTP competitions does not disqualify applicants.
How to enter
- Application for EPIC 2025 has closed. Subscribe to the e-newsletter on the homepage for updates on future opportunities.
Submission requirements
- A two-minute pitching video (English, Landscape 1920x1080, MP4, <25MB), introducing the innovative solution and its market distinction.
- Introductory materials (PDF, <25MB) providing a clear introduction to the company and solution, including mission, vision, and specific details.
Judging criteria
- Uniqueness: High level of innovation and competitive edge of the product or service.
- Market size: Growth potential in terms of market demand and scalability.
- Strategy: Well-defined and feasible roadmap for achieving business goals.
Sponsors & partners
AIAHong Kong International AirportArupASK HealthBOCHKBEAM Society LimitedBOC LifeBupaCathayCTF LifeCICCLPDBSDragagesFriends of the Earth (HK)FWDGE HealthcareGowinHang LungHang SengHealthcare DialoguesHenderson Land GroupHong Kong Green Finance AssociationHKTHK Bio-ionHong Kong Green Building CouncilHSBC Innovation BankingHSBC LifeHysanJLLKai Shing Management Services LimitedLanghamMadisonManulifeMPPSMerck GroupMerit MedicalNan FungNew Heritage GroupOCBCRegal HotelsRGARocheSCORSino GroupSOCAM Development Ltd.Sun LifeSwire Properties LimitedTakedaThe Bank of East AsiaGBA HealthcareTowngasKMBTonyipYF LifeZurich InsuranceBaidu VentureBetatron Venture GroupBeyond VenturesBitRock Capital
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
How can I apply for EPIC 2025?
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Application for EPIC 2025 has closed. Subscribe to our e-newsletter on our homepage to get the latest updates.
Who is eligible to apply for EPIC 2025?
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EPIC 2025 is for dynamic mid to late-stage startups from all corners of the globe. Your company must have been established for less than 10 years as of 30 November 2025, be built on innovations in Digital Health Tech, FinTech, or GreenTech, and have a strong intention to expand Research & Development (R&D) and Business Operation Functions to Hong Kong and/or the Greater Bay Area in China.
What do the terms Digital Health Tech, FinTech, and GreenTech refer to?
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Digital Health Tech includes GeronTech & RehabTech, health management, medical diagnostics, patient solutions, population health management, remote devices, SportsTech, telemedicine, and wellness. FinTech covers customer support, digital assets, embedded finance, financial infrastructure, InsurTech, open banking, payments, RegTech, and WealthTech. GreenTech includes biodiversity, carbon capture and credits, climate risk analytics, green buildings, low-altitude economy, new energy and energy storage, smart city solutions, and sustainable mobility.
Is it possible to apply if I haven't established a company yet?
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EPIC 2025 is only open to registered businesses. Individual applications are not accepted.
Am I allowed to apply if I have previously participated in similar competitions organised by HKSTP?
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Absolutely! Taking part in our previous competitions does not disqualify you from EPIC 2025, provided your tech venture meets the eligibility criteria.
My company is not registered under my name in Hong Kong. Can I apply?
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Yes. An eligible company can nominate a representative to participate in the pitch.
Is submitting the company / your solution’s introductory material and pitching video mandatory for the application?
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Yes, submitting both the introductory material and pitching video is mandatory. The pitching video should be a maximum of two minutes, in English, landscape (1920x1080), MP4, and less than 25MB. The introductory materials should be in PDF format and less than 25MB.
Is there an application fee?
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No, application to EPIC is free of charge.
How do the judges evaluate the applications?
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Judges evaluate applications based on Uniqueness (innovation and competitive edge), Market size (growth potential, market demand, scalability), and Strategy (well-defined and feasible roadmap).
Who will evaluate my application?
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Your application will be evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges with deep expertise and industry insights.
When will I receive notification if I have been selected as one of the semi-finalists?
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By August 2025, the list of semi-finalists will be published on the EPIC website, and you will also receive an email.
What’s EPIC Week (3-7 Nov 2025)?
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EPIC Week is an action-packed experience in Hong Kong where participants dive into the I&T ecosystem and explore business environments in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, primarily through the Market Discovery Programme. The Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch also occur during this week.
Do I get any support for travel to Hong Kong for EPIC Week?
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Yes, all non-local semi-finalists invited to the Grand Finale in Hong Kong will receive travel and accommodation support. Details will be provided via email after shortlisting.
What is Market Discovery Programme?
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The Market Discovery Programme is a three-day event welcoming participants to Hong Kong, providing a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem and the business environments in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. It includes priority business and investment matching sessions with investors and HKSTP’s corporate partners. All semi-finalists receive an invite.
Do I have to join the Market Discovery Programme?
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The Market Discovery Programme is compulsory due to its invaluable opportunities with potential investors and partners for expanding reach in the Asian market.
I cannot join the Market Discovery Programme, can I invite my partner to join instead?
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It is highly encouraged not to miss this opportunity. If unavoidable, contact international@hkstp.org and provide your partner's contact information.
When and where will the Grand Finale take place?
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EPIC 2025 Grand Finale (Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch) will take place in Hong Kong on 7 November 2025.
What will I need to do at the Semi-Pitch and Final pitch?
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At the Semi-Pitch, each semi-finalist will deliver a 60-second pitch. If selected as a finalist, you will deliver a three-minute pitch on stage, followed by a three-minute Q&A session with judges, investors, and HKSTP corporate partners.
Can I deliver my pitch online if I'm unable to attend the Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch in person?
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No, you are required to deliver your pitch in person to ensure an immersive and memorable experience in Hong Kong.
Can I pitch together with my partner?
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Only one representative from each company is allowed to pitch. The same person must pitch in both the Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch to ensure fairness; changing representatives may result in disqualification.
Can I deliver my pitch in a language other than English?
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No. All pitches must be delivered in English.
Can I bring a presentation deck and prototype for the Semi-Pitch and Final Pitch?
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Presentation decks are not permitted. However, you are welcome and encouraged to bring and demonstrate your prototype's functionality and unique features on stage.
Where can I purchase the Grand Finale ticket?
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EPIC 2025 Grand Finale is an invitation-only event. The event will be live-streamed on the EPIC website.