Apply for EPIC 2025 and win a share of $100M in investment + $240,000 in cash
Global startups ready to make their mark in FinTech, digital health tech, or green tech now have the opportunity to scale in Asia’s most dynamic innovation ecosystem. The Elevator Pitch International Competition (EPIC), powered by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), is back for the 9th edition.
With a staggering $100 million investment pool and $240,000 in cash prizes for grabs, EPIC 2025 is calling on visionary startups around the world to compete, pitch, and grow. Applications officially opened on March 14, 2025, with the grand finale set for November 3–7, 2025, at the iconic Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong.
What is EPIC?
Hosted by HKSTP, EPIC is one of the region’s biggest startup competitions that brings together early-stage innovators, venture capitalists, and global tech leaders for a high-stakes showdown. Finalists pitch their ideas in just 60 seconds, competing for cash, investment, mentorship, and unparalleled exposure.
Now in its 9th year, EPIC continues to evolve. Originally FinTech-focused, EPIC 2025 has expanded to include Digital Health Tech and GreenTech, broadening its scope and welcoming a new wave of innovation.
Why EPIC matters
HKSTP has played a pivotal role in transforming Hong Kong into a global I&T hub since its launch in 2001. Today, it’s home to 2,000+ tech companies, supports 1,500+ startups, and has facilitated millions of dollars in funding. Startups like WeLab, Gogovan, and Lynk are just a few of its success stories.
Through initiatives like EPIC, Startup Express, and the “Innovation Starts Here” program, HKSTP has created a vibrant community of founders, mentors, and investors committed to building the future.
HKSTP has always stayed the course of its mission, which is to position Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub while ensuring that innovators from around the world benefit in the vibrant ecosystem of support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Over the course of two decades, the organisation has fostered a lot of technological and innovative inventions. While initially focused on information technology, telecommunications, and biotechnology, its focus has extended to smart city solutions, artificial intelligence, FinTech, healthtech, green technology, and robotics.
Benefits
Besides the investment pool of about $100 million and cash prizes, other benefits available to winners of EPIC 2025 include:
- Mentorship: the winners will be introduced to experienced industry experts who will guide their startups to achieve the utmost development.
- Networking opportunities: connections with potential investors, partners, and other entrepreneurs in the ecosystem.
- Support: each winner will have the opportunity to access workshops, training sessions, and facilities at HKSTP.
- Market access: a chance to showcase innovations to a global audience and gain exposure in various markets.
Eligibility
- To apply for EPIC 2025, your startup must: Be a registered business established less than 10 years as of Nov. 30, 2025.
- Be built on innovations in digital health tech, FinTech, or green tech.
- Show strong intentions to expand research and development (R&D) and business operation functions to Hong Kong and/or the Greater Bay Area in mainland China.
Important dates
- Application Deadline: June 17, 2025.
- Online Regional Pitch: July 2025.
- Finalist Announcement: August 2025.
- EPIC Week + Grand Finale: November 3–7, 2025.
In 2024, EPIC received 503 entries from 47 economies. With expanded sectors and bigger backing in 2025, this year’s edition is set to break even more records.
How to apply for EPIC 2025
If you’re ready to pitch your startup for just 60 seconds and potentially unlock funding that could change your trajectory, now is the time. Head over to the official EPIC 2025 application portal and submit your entry before June 17, 2025. With access to $100 million in investment, mentorship from global leaders, and the chance to scale in Asia’s tech capital, EPIC 2025 could be your startup’s next big leap. Apply now. Applications close on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
Do you have an innovative business (small, mid-scale business, or startup) that adds value, creates opportunities, or solves bold problems? Then you’ve got a story worth telling? Shoot us an email with SUBJECT “Story Worth Telling (+Name of Business)” to [email protected]
