Latest news with #EQTFoundation
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Environmental breakthroughs take centre stage in Hong Kong start-up pitch competition
Every early-stage company entering the 2025 EQT Impact Challenge recognised the need to come up with a business concept that could meet three key criteria: it had to be investible, scalable, and hold promise for the long term. The task was to convey that potential to a panel of expert jurors and demonstrate how the company's innovation could drive meaningful change. The pitch competition, which has held previous editions in Japan, South Korea and Singapore, aims to identify and support early-stage companies with their breakthrough concepts, business plans, financial models, and ambitions to scale for long-term growth. It is organised by EQT, one of the world's largest investment firms, with its philanthropic arm, EQT Foundation, providing the winning start-up capital to fuel growth, and access to a global network of potential industry partners and investors. The event is being held in partnership with the South China Morning Post. The competition focuses on novel, deep tech solutions and scientific breakthroughs related to climate and nature, as well as health and well-being. Many leading contenders were prepared to think big, putting forward ideas and solutions that, given the right backing and once scaled, have the potential to change lives on a global scale.
South China Morning Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
5 start-ups face EQT Impact Challenge 2025 public vote for a chance at grand finale
Hong Kong's vibrant tech start-up scene has brought forward a stand-out group of contenders for the top prize in this year's EQT Impact Challenge. The contest aims to find the leading pre-seed or early stage company to receive a grant and technical assistance from EQT, a global investment organisation with a strong track record in scaling innovative ventures. More than 200 entrants initially competed for the chance to impress with their breakthrough concepts, business plans, financial models and ambitions to scale for long-term growth. From that initial pool, 10 were shortlisted for this year's Jury Deliberation and Finalists Showcase, where they had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of experienced judges. The judges picked just five entrants to create video pitches that will be shared online so that the public can vote for the start-ups that will progress to the grand finale. The pitching sessions were fast-paced and demanding, designed to mirror the real-world pressures start-ups face when presenting to prospective investors. All the video pitches are now featured on the competition website . The grand finale, set for this summer, will see the top team awarded €100,000 (US$112,000) by the EQT Foundation to help bring their plans to life. In addition, the winning start-up gets access to funding, strategic guidance and introductions to a network of industry experts, respected consultants and potential investors. The second- and third-place finishers will each receive US$50,000 from Central Cove Group, the private investment office of Jean Eric Salata, a jury member and chairman of EQT Asia. Salata, recognising the strength of this year's entries and eager to champion Hong Kong's emerging talent, opted to support the initiative directly.
