StartmeupHK

After a week of the StartmeupHK Festival 2024, we are delighted to share some speakers’ insights with you! From discussing the transformative impact of generative AI, the inspiring journey of young champions, to the importance of responsible tech, the festival energised Hong Kong's startup ecosystem, igniting excitement for future technology and innovations. Stay tuned for what's next! John Whaley Natasha King (nee O'Brien) Jayesh C. -- Looking for opportunities as a startup or investor? Get in touch with us: https://lnkd.in/guMgSpw7 Subscribe to the StartmeupHK eNewsletter: https://lnkd.in/gRZuyXsQ #InvestHK #StartmeupHK #SMUHKFest2024 #HongKong #innovation #web3 #gamefi #startups #entrepreneur #sustainability #greentech #healthtech #climatetech

Hack A Day 2024 is back, and it’s bigger than ever!   Building on last year’s focus on AI, we are addressing the escalating challenge of fake identities created through technologies like deepfake and more. Our theme for this year, ‘Securing Identity’, highlights the critical importance of protecting digital identities in our interconnected world.   Join us at the #HackADay Cybersecurity Conference on 11th November as we work together to make the digital world a safer place.   This is our identity. This is PwC’s Dark Lab. Sign up now: https://lnkd.in/gHgRpD4t Kok Tin Gan Jenius Shieh Daryl Li Vanessa Law   #PwC #PwCHK #HackADay2024 #DarkLab #SecuringIdentity #Cybersecurity

The final event for StartmeupHK Festival 2024, the 1.5°C Summit by New World Development, concluded today with tremendous success! 🌍 This event gathered disruptive innovators, influential government officials, and prominent investors from around the globe to explore technology solutions for tackling climate change. Ms Diane Wong, JP, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, pointed out that the government is committed to introducing new energy sources and has formulated four key strategies for hydrogen energy, designed to prudently and systematically create a favourable environment for Hong Kong to seize the opportunities. Dr Jimmy Chiang, Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, 香港投資推廣署, highlighted that the adoption of technology is crucial in addressing climate change. Hong Kong is now home to over 200 green technology companies, many of which are actively developing innovative solutions and have even gained international recognition. One notable example is local startup Archireef , which is making strides in marine conservation by using 3D printing technology to create terracotta "coral reef discs" for coral restoration. Co-founder Vriko Yu Yu shared during a panel discussion that Archireef has successfully expanded its operations overseas within just a few years. Another session, featuring Lisa Marie Tse, co-founder of WHOSiFY and former Miss Hong Kong, highlighted how technology is fostering evolving mindsets and conscious lifestyle choices to promote sustainability amid climate change. The Summit then featured engaging discussions on global warming challenges and opportunities, with speakers exploring how technology—from smart textiles and wearable tech to digital fashion—can balance scalability and sustainability in business. Attendees also enjoyed a vibrant sustainability market at K11 Musea, allowing the public to discover emerging sustainable products and businesses. The event marked the conclusion of the StartmeupHK Festival 2024. We hope all participants gained valuable insights, forged new business connections, and will consider making Hong Kong their startup hub. Sheila Ebrahim -- Looking for opportunities as a startup or investor? Get in touch with us: https://lnkd.in/guMgSpw7 Subscribe to the StartmeupHK eNewsletter: https://lnkd.in/gRZuyXsQ #InvestHK #StartmeupHK #SMUHKFest2024 #startups #innovation #entrepreneur #technology #hongkong #climatetech #sustainability

The Asia Health Innovation Summit has just concluded, bringing the 4th day of StartmeupHK Festival to an end. This highly successful event united Asia's health ecosystem, bringing together startups, professionals, and investors to drive transformative innovation in healthcare. Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, emphasised that Hong Kong is well positioned to become a global hub for health and medical innovation, as it is currently home to five world top-100 universities, two world top-40 medical schools, eight State Key Laboratories and 16 InnoHK research centres which are life and health-related. Professor Sun expressed confidence that with ongoing government investment in this sector and leveraging the city's numerous competitive advantages, Hong Kong is poised to enhance the quality of human life globally. Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology, InvestHK, highlighted AI's emergence as a game-changer in healthtech, accelerating advances in drug discovery, surgical operations, gene editing, and more. The Government's initiatives, including the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+ Scheme), promote R&D commercialisation, while Hong Kong's robust ecosystem of research institutes and talent reinforces its position as a leading healthtech innovation hub in Asia. A notable panel, moderated by Maaike Steinebach, Founder & CEO of Femtech Future Ltd, explored the rapid emergence of FemTech in recent years and how it is breaking barriers in the healthcare sector. Natasha King (nee O'Brien) , Co-Founder of Blissmi , an incubatee of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (香港科技園公司 ), expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from HKSTP, as well as Invest Hong Kong for nurturing a vibrant life and health startup ecosystem. Grace Oh, Founder & CEO of Sol, noted the city's diverse pool of globally trained medical professionals and the synergy between large and startup companies in the sector, providing the needed support for high potential startups to grow. The Summit continued with engaging discussions on pressing healthcare challenges and opportunities. Expert panels explored the intersection of technology and ageing populations, innovative funding approaches for early-stage healthtech startups in Asia, and the transformative impact of AI on healthcare delivery. Jayne Chan, Head of Startups, InvestHK, concluded the event by highlighting Hong Kong's unique role in fostering collaborations and leading healthtech development in the Greater Bay Area, exemplified by the establishment of The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong. Its cultural and scientific synergy gives Hong Kong a distinctive advantage in fostering innovations that ultimately benefit the health and well-being of everyone. Brinc Merie Browne Guillermo Ginesta #InvestHK #StartmeupHK #SMUHKFest2024 #startups #innovation #entrepreneur #technology #hongkong #AI #femtech #healthcare #healthtech

LOUDER Connect: Connecting the Dots for Responsible Tech has just concluded with remarkable success! 🌟 Bringing together thought leaders and innovators to discuss responsible technology's role in shaping a sustainable future, the event featured unique debate sessions held on Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferry, symbolising the city's unique blend of tradition and innovation. The day kicked off at Hong Kong Maritime Museum with inspiring opening remarks from Michael Wong, GBS, JP, Acting Financial Secretary, who stated that the Hong Kong Government is dedicated to fostering a robust startup ecosystem that promotes innovation while ensuring responsible technology use. He stated that a significant milestone was the establishment of the Digital Policy Office (DPO) in July, which is pivotal in advancing data-driven, user-centric, and outcome-oriented digital policies across government and various sectors. Alpha Lau, Director-General of Investment Promotion, 香港投資推廣署 , emphasised that technology plays a vital role in addressing global challenges, particularly in climate change and sustainability. She highlighted that this commitment extends to other key areas of responsible innovation, as the government works to establish a balanced regulatory framework that enhances Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness while protecting societal interests. A standout moment was the Radical Debate sessions, where industry experts engaged in a series of heated discussions on an array of topics such as responsible AI and the social responsibility of tech startups. Jayesh C. Founder of Hula, an AI learning platform for children, stated, “Hong Kong is an exceptionally open environment that facilitates networking and collaboration, making it easy to connect with individuals who can support your business growth and success.” The event concluded with interactive closing remarks from local singer and artist JOYA and Jayne Chan, Head of Startups, InvestHK. Accompanied by music and dancing, they pinpointed the transformative potential of generative AI in creating movies and music, and why it is imperative for artists to adapt to this emerging technology. Simultaneously, a lively party took place where investors and startup founders connected over cocktails on the iconic tram in Hong Kong. Together, we’re paving the way for responsible tech! 🚀 -- Looking for opportunities as a startup or investor? Get in touch with us: https://lnkd.in/guMgSpw7 Subscribe to the StartmeupHK eNewsletter: https://lnkd.in/gRZuyXsQ LOUDER GLOBAL Yamilette Cano Jodie Chan #InvestHK #StartmeupHK #SMUHKFest2024 #startups #innovation #entrepreneur #technology #hongkong #responsibletech #radicaldebates #femtech

Is Hong Kong the Best Place to Build a Tech Startup? Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem might just be the world’s best-kept secret. While most people correctly think of Hong Kong as a financial hub, few realize the depth of its tech-driven innovation, fueled by an international mix of talent and ideas. With nearly 30% of its startup founders coming from outside the region, Hong Kong is quietly becoming a global melting pot for innovation. The city's unique position as a financial hub is already driving fintech innovation, but what's more shocking is how sectors like biotech, deep tech, and green tech are rapidly taking over. If you thought Hong Kong was just about banks and property, think again—this is a city transforming into a tech powerhouse. While many governments remain timid about emerging technologies, Hong Kong is all in, rolling out progressive regulations on digital assets and artificial intelligence with a boldness that few other regions can match. With the Greater Bay Area on its doorstep, offering an enormous market of 86 million people, Hong Kong is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the next wave of global tech trends. While other cities boast about disruption, Hong Kong is quietly making it happen. Watch this amazing episode we had with Jayne Chan, the Head of Startups at Invest Hong Kong. #technology #innovation #startups #greaterbayarea #fintech #deeptech #biotech #greentech Bryan Leung FleishmanHillard Martin Ronfort Valentine Fontannaz Renata Quintieri https://lnkd.in/e32k8Sfm

Game On! 2024 has just wrapped up, and what an incredible hybrid conference it was! 🎮✨ This event brought together passionate gamers, artists, developers, investors, and fans to explore the vibrant intersections of #Gaming, #Art, #Music, and #Entertainment (GAME). Mr. Christopher Hui, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, emphasised in his keynote on the 'Future of Digital Assets in Hong Kong' that the city is becoming a key hub for #virtualassets, attracting innovative startups in the growing web3 sector. By creating a strong regulatory environment, Hong Kong aims to evolve into a vibrant centre for innovation. Doris Fong, Head of Creative Industries at InvestHK, stated that Hong Kong is an ideal location for innovative startups to grow, recently ranking as the world's freest economy. She noted that the upcoming East Kowloon Cultural Centre will be a vital hub for the creative industries, offering a platform for development in this dynamic city. A highlight of the afternoon was the inspiring story of Cheng Yip-kai, the 16-year-old Pokémon GO World Champion. His journey to the top demonstrated the dedication and quick decision-making needed in this fast-paced game, like speed chess, with only a few players globally able to consistently excel. Cheng expressed his goal to reclaim the championship title, inspired by Hong Kong's Olympic gold medalist, Cheung Ka-Long. The event also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on the Regulatory Landscape behind #GameFi panel, where panelists suggest studios go back to first principles of making games people really want to play. In the words of Esme Pau, CFA Pau, CEO of venture studio EmergentX, there should be “more game, less fi” with a focus to “onboard the next billion users” if studios want to attract investors. The evening ended with a cocktail reception, offering investors and entrepreneurs a great opportunity to network and connect as they shape the future of the gaming sector. Bowie Lau Joe Pan -- Looking for opportunities as a startup or investor? Get in touch with us: https://lnkd.in/guMgSpw7 Subscribe to the StartmeupHK eNewsletter: https://lnkd.in/gRZuyXsQ #InvestHK #StartmeupHK #SMUHKFest2024 #startups #innovation #entrepreneur #technology #hongkong #web3

The StartmeupHK Festival 2024 has kicked off with a bang TODAY! 🚀 Our first main event, The JUMPSTARTER Ignition Gala by Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, has marked an outstanding start for the Festival. The event commenced with opening remarks from Algernon Yau, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. He highlighted enhancements to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) as detailed in the recent Policy Address. These improvements aim to provide greater flexibility and convenience for companies based in Hong Kong investing in Mainland China with the goal of attracting new innovative firms to Hong Kong. Ms Alpha Lau, Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, then gave remarks and pointed out that the cross-sector government support, combined with a comprehensive stakeholder ecosystem, has made Hong Kong an ideal destination for startups to thrive, as evident by the record-breaking number of startups in 2023, revealed by the InvestHK survey. In a keynote session, Dr. John Whaley , Founder of Inception Studio, pinpointed that humanity is currently in a pivotal moment in history with the rise of generative AI and foundational models. While their full potential remains largely unexplored, their significance is widely acknowledged and has the potential to change humanity for the better. Professor Poman Lo, Founding Partner of AlphaTrio Capital, delivered a compelling keynote on investing in sustainable innovation. She emphasised the importance of educating stakeholders on the benefits of impact investing, noting that without effective messaging on ESG risks, these investments may become obsolete. The event also featured numerous industry leaders from around the globe who discussed the power of AI, effective strategies and tactics for startups to grow and thrive, and the role of technology in combating climate change. The Gala concluded with an engaging pitch session where investors connected with founders, paving the way for the StartmeupHK Festival 2024 Launch Party meeting new and old friends throughout the evening. This event highlighted the dynamic intersection of innovation and sustainability, setting a positive tone for the week ahead. Let’s continue to drive change together! 🚀 — Looking for opportunities as a startup or investor? Get in touch with us: https://lnkd.in/guMgSpw7 Subscribe to the StartmeupHK eNewsletter: https://lnkd.in/gRZuyXsQ #InvestHK #StartmeupHK #SMUHKFest2024 #startups #Innovation #Technology #AI #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship

Last call for StartmeupHK Festival 2024! Connect with Sheila Ebrahim from New World Development Company Limited as she shares the vision for the 1.5°C Summit. This gathering will focus on climate technology solutions and sustainable practices, encouraging startups to adopt impactful changes. Listen to Sheila's thoughts on creating a sustainable future! Date: 25 Oct (Fri), 2024 Time: 10:00 – 17:00 Venue: K11 MUSEA Don’t miss out your chance to connect with visionary leaders and dive into discussions on #AI, #climatetech, #greentech, and #sustainability — learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dserX8uP -- Looking for opportunities as a startup or investor? Get in touch with us: https://lnkd.in/guMgSpw7 Subscribe to the StartmeupHK eNewsletter: https://lnkd.in/gRZuyXsQ #InvestHK #StartmeupHK #SMUHKFest2024 #startups #innovation #entrepreneur #technology #hongkong #climatetech 

Last call for StartmeupHK Festival 2024! Listen to Merie Browne from Brinc as she highlights key topics at the Asia Health Innovation Summit. This hybrid event will explore innovations in health tech, including femtech and AI, while fostering collaboration among startups and professionals. Check out her creative ideas below. Date: 24 Oct (Thur), 2024 Time: 08:30 – 17:30 Venue: Amazon Web Services Office, TOWER 535 Don’t miss out your chance to connect with visionary leaders and dive into discussions on #AI, #healthtech, #healthcare and #femtech — learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dserX8uP -- Looking for opportunities as a startup or investor? Get in touch with us: https://lnkd.in/guMgSpw7 Subscribe to the StartmeupHK eNewsletter: https://lnkd.in/gRZuyXsQ #InvestHK #StartmeupHK #SMUHKFest2024 #startups #innovation #entrepreneur #technology #hongkong