Alibaba’s startup contest draws AI-focused entries

Alibaba’s (9988) startup competition will announce its final winner on March 26-27 at the AsiaWorld-Expo, with most participants focusing on innovations in artificial intelligence.

The Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund / HSBC Jumpstarter for One Earth Global Pitch Competition is offering up to US$5 million (HK$39 million) for 30 finalists to compete, of which 20 are developing AI-driven innovations across a variety of sectors.

This year’s competition attracted over 800 submissions from scaleups and startups focused on AI and sustainability, the highest number of AI entries to date.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po will attend the event, joined by over 80 AI industry leaders, including Joseph Tsai Chung-Hsin, co-founder of Alibaba.

STAFF REPORTER