Start-up Express, a curated business development programme organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has selected 10 more candidates to join its flagship platform, which has backed 80 homegrown tech ventures since it was first launched in 2018.

This year’s winners – spanning smart city, sustainability, health tech innovations and more – were chosen by a panel of experienced investors and business leaders at a competitive pitch last week that was attended by more than 200 industry participants.

“We champion Hong Kong’s brightest start-ups by connecting them to the world to scale and succeed,” HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, Anna Cheung, highlighted at the opening of Start-up Express’s Final Pitching Day.

“Proudly, we stand with our winners every step of the way, unlocking partnerships, investment and the power to build a global brand,” she added.

On the day, 20 finalists took to the stage to present their innovative ideas and answer questions from the judges.

This group was narrowed to 10 winning start-ups, who will participate in HKTDC-organised business events at home and abroad to explore and capture new market opportunities, while engaging with potential investors, buyers and partners.

In alphabetical order, this year’s winners are:

1. Alpha AI, a smart city start-up specialising in spatial vision
2. BioZein, offering plant-based materials to replace microplastics
3. GABES, which focuses on fire detection and evacuation
4. Haykozé, providing cooling accessories for outdoor workers
5. Homing Therapeutics, developing innovative solutions for cell therapy
6. Muuse, a returnable packaging system for F&B
7. O-Spheres, which creates next-generation green materials
8. PetWell, a real-time pet health platform
9. PregnaSense, with predictive technology to improve pregnancy care
10. Pyramid AI, a compliance platform for the construction industry

BioZein also received a special ESG Award, while the My Favourite Start-up Award, picked by the audience, went to Homing Therapeutics.

One of this year’s judges, Hong Kong Startup Council Chairman Jimmy Tao, highlighted the quality and promise exhibited by this year’s entries.

“Many of this year’s finalists have successfully integrated artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies into practical applications, demonstrating strong commercial potential,” he observed.

Fast-tracking growth

Start-up Express also supports young companies that have a strong desire to launch in new markets around the world.

Eye health specialist Entoptica, which was part of the programme's 2025 cohort, connected with possible partners, manufacturers and investors from Shanghai, Japan and the United States during CES, one of the world’s largest tech fairs.

The vision science company also sold two prototype products at US$100,000 each, achieving pricing and overall results that exceeded its expectations.

“Start-up Express provided valuable opportunities to connect with investors and industry mentors, helping us secure funding to advance clinical trials and expand production capacity,” noted Chief Technology Officer Taranjit Singh.

“Participation in HKTDC events has also enabled us to broaden our network within the ophthalmic healthcare sector.”

The HKTDC is also committed to strengthening exchanges between start-up ecosystems in Hong Kong and overseas, further reinforcing the SAR’s competitive edge as a leading innovation and technology hub.

The fifth edition of Start-up Express International will be held during Entrepreneur Day, HKTDC’s anchor start-up event, in Hong Kong this November, helping early-stage tech ventures from overseas establish a presence in the city.

International start-ups can leverage Hong Kong as a gateway to explore opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as the rest of the Chinese Mainland and international markets.

Hong Kong’s reputation for innovation and entrepreneurialism continues to grow. The number of start-ups operating in the city rose 11% year-on-year to reach 5,221 in 2025, a record high.