The Elevator Pitch International Competition (EPIC) 2025 has officially launched its application process, inviting startups from around the world to participate in this prestigious event.
Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking ideas through a 60-second pitch on November 7, 2025, at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong. EPIC aims to provide a global stage for innovative entrepreneurs to secure investment and foster business growth. Global applications are now open and will remain available until June 17.
EPIC has a proven track record of facilitating startup success, exemplified by notable participants such as Leapstack and Archireef.
Leapstack, a digital healthcare platform founded by data engineers from Silicon Valley, participated in EPIC 2023 and advanced to the semi-finals. This achievement led to their invitation to the esteemed HKSTP Elite Programme, a three-year, milestone-based funding initiative designed to support startups in expanding globally. “Establishing a presence in the Hong Kong market is a defining moment for us,” said Cole Gu, Co-founder and CEO of Leapstack. “We are drawn to Hong Kong’s sound regulatory environment and its strong global reputation in the insurance and reinsurance markets.”
Gu highlighted that, as a member of the HKSTP Elite Programme, Leapstack received expert guidance, marketing, and funding support, which helped them gain traction in the Hong Kong market and beyond. This membership also enabled Leapstack to develop comprehensive solutions tailored to the broader market environment.
Similarly, Archireef, the 2021 Elevator Pitch Competition champion, gained recognition for its innovative 3D-printed Reef Tiles™, designed for marine ecosystem restoration. Following their success at EPIC, Archireef secured global recognition and backing from ADQ, one of the Middle East’s largest sovereign wealth funds.
Building on this momentum, Archireef established an end-to-end eco-engineering facility in Abu Dhabi to support large-scale production and expand into key global markets, including plans for the region’s first eco-engineering mega factory.
As EPIC 2025 opens its doors, participating startups will have access to a vibrant ecosystem of investors, corporate partners, and industry experts.
EPIC 2025, as the most anticipated global startups competition, features a targeted funding pool of USD 100 million, doubling the amount available in previous years, along with a cash prize of USD 240,000. Additionally, the competition introduces two new tech tracks—Digital Health Tech and Green Tech—alongside the established FinTech track.
The application process for EPIC 2025 will remain open until June 17, 2025, at 23:59 (GMT +8). Eligible participants include mid- to late-stage companies under 10 years old, focused on the specified tech tracks and aiming to expand their operations in Hong Kong or the Greater Bay Area. The competition will also feature an online regional pitch event in July 2025, taking place across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, with finalists announced in August.
As excitement builds for EPIC Week, which will include a series of enriching events leading up to the Grand Finale, startups are encouraged to seize this transformative opportunity. For more information and to submit applications, please visit EPIC’s official website at https://epic.hkstp.org/. The future of innovation awaits those ready to embrace the challenge.
