Green Hong Kong business has a blueprint for start-up success

Christina Tang Pik-han thinks the government can help her Blue Sky Energy Technology achieve its dream of cutting through the smog and delivering cleaner air for the city.

But she isn't asking for a handout or a free office. Tang believes the best way for the government to help would be to save even a fraction of its procurement budget to buy products and services from companies like hers.

"The private sector may follow … the support would be enormous. Because what any start-up needs is credible clients to build confidence," the 28-year-old says. Ring-fencing just 0.1 per cent of the procurement pie for start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises would do the trick, she says.

The government has increasingly talked up start-ups as a way to improve social mobility and give the city's discontented young people something to aspire to. Last month's budget included a raft of measures with start-ups in mind, including HK$500 million to develop new players in the fashion industry.

But Tang has turned to an initiative led by the private sector to help build her firm, which works with companies to cut energy use in commercial buildings and has developed a tool that offers real-time information on electricity usage along with tips on cutting waste.

Blue Sky is part of Swire Properties' blueprint programme, an "accelerator" which brings together 11 new technology companies. It offers them backing including shared workspace, tailored mentoring and professional support.