Hong Kong is preparing to host one of Asia’s biggest start-up competitions as EPIC 2025 Presented by Cathay and HSBC heads for its finale at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal this November.
Now in its ninth year, the flagship event organised by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has drawn 100 semi-finalists from 28 economies, 85 per cent of them non-local.
EPIC offers a global stage for innovators competing for US$105 million in targeted investment funding and US$240,000 in cash prizes.
This year’s theme, “Take Off”, draws on Kai Tak’s aviation history. Once a city-centre runway, it now symbolises resilience and ambition, echoed in the journeys of founders pitching at EPIC.
The World Intellectual Property Organisation ranked the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster first worldwide in its 2025 Innovation Index, citing strength in patents, research output and venture capital.
Hong Kong also retained its title as the world’s freest economy, according to the Fraser Institute, recognised for its open, efficient business environment and role as a super connector for global capital, talent and ideas.
Among EPIC’s co-title sponsors, Cathay views innovation as central to its long-term transformation.
“We strive to become one of the world’s greatest service brands, and technology will play a critical role in getting us there,” said Lawrence Fong, Director Digital and IT.
The Cathay group has committed well over HK$100 billion to fleet expansion, cabin upgrades and sustainability initiatives, and recently launched Cathay Technologies to share its in-house digital tools – such as the Electronic Flight Folder for pilots – with the broader aviation industry. It has also tested smart currency exchange and AI lounge-management solutions with local start-ups.
“EPIC is like a runway, bringing start-ups from around the world to Hong Kong, ready for take-off. It is a launchpad for innovation, collaboration and long-term growth,” said Fong.
For HSBC, co-title sponsor, supporting EPIC reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to fostering the innovation economy.
Jonathan Yip, Managing Director, Head of Innovation Banking, Asia, HSBC, said a great pitch shows clarity, scalability and credibility – plus passion.
“Clarity is showing the problem you’re solving, scalability proves the opportunity reaches beyond a local market, and credibility lies in the team’s ability to deliver,” he said.
He noted that while funding and regulation remain challenges, AI marks a turning point. “Early-stage companies today grow faster with fewer people. AI is becoming ubiquitous, like electricity, and is increasingly embedded in every business.”
Yip called Hong Kong a natural base for founders. “It’s a gateway both ways – for global start-ups entering China and for Chinese firms going global.
“With its legal system, low taxes, investor base, cultural mix and the ever-growing ecosystem, Hong Kong is a great platform to solve global problems.”
Healthcare group Takeda, EPIC’s Digital Health Tech sponsor, says innovation is vital not only to R&D but also to patient experience.
“Innovation is essential in the pharmaceutical industry,” said Owen Gu, Head of Data, Digital & Technology, Takeda China, and Interim Head of the Takeda China Innovation Center (TCIC).
“Scientific breakthroughs have saved countless patients worldwide, but digital solutions can improve outcomes at every stage, from awareness to treatment and disease management.”
Takeda China’s Data, Digital & Technology team has recently achieved regulatory approval for the CD30 Digital Pathology Image Processing Platform, the first device of its kind developed locally in China.
“Sponsoring the Digital Health Tech track at EPIC 2025 allows us to showcase leadership in shaping the future of healthcare through innovation,” Gu said. “It’s a valuable occasion to engage with global innovators, share insights and forge partnerships.”
Regal Hotels Group, EPIC’s Hospitality Sponsor, focuses on sustainability and smart operations across its business. “Innovation is at the core of what we do,” said Balwin Yeung, Senior Vice President – Commercial.
“Travellers today look for comfort, convenience, personalisation and greener choices, all powered by technology.”
Turning this vision into action, Regal’s Green Meetings programme empowers clients to transform their ESG goals into tangible results. Through a proprietary Carbon Accounting Report, the programme provides actionable insights into event emissions and offers a clear path to offset carbon footprints using certified carbon credits.
A key strength of the programme is its focus on impactful choices. By promoting low-carbon dining across more than 20 curated menu options, clients can reduce related emissions by up to 25 times compared to traditional selections. This precise measurement and climate-positive approach ensure corporate clients can host high-impact events while confidently advancing their sustainability targets.
“Green Meetings demonstrate how data and sustainable practices position hospitality as an active part of the climate solution. It is this same innovative spirit that inspires our support for EPIC and Hong Kong’s fast-growing I&T ecosystem,” Yeung added.
For organiser HKSTP, EPIC demonstrates Hong Kong’s growing role as a global launchpad.
“Hong Kong is actively cultivating a vibrant I&T ecosystem, welcoming start-ups that bring bold ideas, scalable solutions and diverse talent,” said Hilda Chan, Chief Marketing Officer at HKSTP.
She described EPIC as a runway connecting both directions, with international start-ups landing in Hong Kong and local innovators reaching the world. “It’s a launchpad for innovation, collaboration and long-term growth to take off.”
Running across several days in early November, EPIC Week will welcome the top 100 start-ups to Hong Kong for a Tech Spotlight showcase, a Greater Bay Area tour and the Grand Finale at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on November 7.
