Events

About Start-up Express

Start-up Express is Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s highly curated start-up development programme that targets start-ups offering innovative and tech products or solutions, as well as with strong desire to enter the international markets. Since its first edition in 2018, Start-up Express has assisted 80 winners in building capability and connections, exploring markets, seeking business, and funding partners, and enhancing brand awareness. With the support from over 70 partners, the programme has received numerous applications from outstanding Hong Kong start-ups each year.

The programme offers start-ups with unique opportunities to learn, grow and connect. Each year, 10 winners will be selected as the annual cohort who will be exposed to vigorous marketing activities and earned attention from investors, media and potential partners.

WHO can apply?

• Start-ups incorporated on or after 1st January 2019;
• Start-ups raising less than USD 10 million in funding;
• Start-ups with a valid business registration in Hong Kong, China;
• The Person-In-Charge (PIC) MUST BE full time staff at CUHK holding positions within professoriate or research academic ranks (For CUHK nomination)
• Preference will be given to applicants using CUHK Technology (For CUHK nomination)
• Start-ups with a focus on technologies including but not limited to:

1) EdTech, 2) FinTech, 3) Health Tech, 4) Prop Tech, 5) Smart City, 6) Sustainability

WHAT to expect?

• Capacity Building Workshops
• Power Meet-ups with Business Leaders
• Exploratory Mission to GBA
• Local and Overseas Trade Promotion
• Business Matching
• Extensive Media Coverage
• Investor Pitching
• Becoming Alumni of HK Startup Society

Important DATES

[For CUHK nomination] Application Deadline: Apr 9, 2026^#

Application Deadline: Apr 28, 2026

Announce Final 40: May 6, 2026

Close Door Pitching: May 20, 2026

Announce Final 20: May 27, 2026

Final Pitching Day: Jun 25, 2026

Application through CUHK (For CUHK nomination)

Application Form (For CUHK nomination): HERE (Please send the completed excel with all supporting documents by sending email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than Apr 9, 2026)

# Teams may be invited for interview prior to being nominated. KTO reserves the right to the final decision on CUHK nomination related matters. For any enquiries, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 39430812 (Ms. Joyce Mak) for details.

Useful information

Official Website: https://portal.hktdc.com/startupexpress/en/s/Programme-Details

[Source: CUHK KTO website] Event Highlight| HKTDC Start-up Express 2025 (11 June 2025) : click here