The Times Australia
News From Asia

.

EPIC 2025 Outdid Itself with Record-High 1,200 Applications

Doubled from last year with 87% entering the Hong Kong startup competition from overseas

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 July 2025 - EPIC 2025, organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), has reached new heights with the 9th edition saw an influx of global applications hitting close to 1,200, entering from more than 70 economies, setting a record for the I&T arena gaining global recognition, and regional representation for the development of I&T ecosystems.

EPIC 2025 received 1,200 applications from 70+ economies.
EPIC 2025 received 1,200 applications from 70+ economies.

With the application period open from March to June, the response to participating in one of Asia's largest innovation arenas has been taken by storm. Where global startups with solutions in Digital Health Tech, FinTech, and Green Tech will be seen at 60-second pitches to get through to an unprecedented US$100M targeted investment funding and US$240,000 cash prizes, backed by 20 global financial and corporate partners that manage collectively of an AUM close to US$100B and operate across Asia, Europe and North America.

Monetary payoff aside, business matching and investment opportunities, as well as an extensive experience will be made available throughout EPIC Week––putting innovative solutions on display for potential investors and corporate decision makers with Tech Spotlight, and pulling a glimpse into the vast opportunities of the cities with Greater Bay Area Exploration guided tour––the series of highlights entailing complimentary flight and accommodation sponsored (*T&C applies) to contestants overseas, are set to enable mid- to late-stage startups to grow from indigenous names to international labels.

"First time ever that we're met with over a thousand applications, it's a feat right off the bat––we're expecting to see more aspiring tech gurus and their auspicious ideas rise to this year's shifts," said Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP.

Currently in the works, multiple regional pitching sessions will be held July to August, for the best and brightest in US, Europe, APAC and Hong Kong, to show and tell a story of their visions, where only the top 100 will be making it to the next round into the finals, taking place in November at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong's former international airport furbished to be a runway for an expedition in tech.

Please visit https://epic.hkstp.org for more details.Hashtag: #HKSTP

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HKSTP

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,300 technology companies from 25 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.

Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light

Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you’re not imagining things. Our new analysis[1] of eight years of data from the New Zeal...

Going Off the Beaten Path? Here's How to Power Up Without the Grid

There’s something incredibly freeing about heading off the beaten path. No traffic, no crowded campsites, no glowing screens in every direction — just you, the landscape, and the...

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banque...

What Endo Took and What It Gave Me

From pain to purpose: how one woman turned endometriosis into a movement After years of misdiagnosis, hormone chaos, and major surgery, Jo Barry was done being dismissed. What beg...

Why Parents Must Break the Silence on Money and Start Teaching Financial Skills at Home

Australia’s financial literacy rates are in decline, and our kids are paying the price. Certified Money Coach and Financial Educator Sandra McGuire, who has over 20 years’ exp...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer experiences Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2025 – Qlik®, a g...