Next wave of disruptors unveiled at Start-up Express International 2024

From fintech to biotech, start-ups from around the world gather in Hong Kong to explore growth opportunities, funding and cross-border expansion

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The global winners of Start-up Express International 2024 pose with their awards at Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) in Hong Kong, joined by industry leaders and organisers.

Published: 12:00am, 25 Feb 2025

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The Start-up Express International 2024, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), showcased some of the most promising start-ups from 11 countries. Seven winners and eight finalists gathered in Hong Kong to present their innovative tech solutions across fintech, medtech, AI and sustainability.

Held as part of Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) 2024, the event reinforced Hong Kong’s status as a leading innovation and business hub, providing a platform for entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to collaborate and explore scaling opportunities in the region.

The judging process was highly competitive, with experts assessing start-ups based on innovation, scalability, market potential, and sustainability. The panel comprised senior executives from Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Gobi Partners, who not only selected the winners but also shared valuable insights into Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem and expansion opportunities during a panel discussion.

“Hong Kong serves as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area and beyond. With a thriving ecosystem, government funding and ease of business, we provide the perfect launchpad for start-ups,” said Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director at HKTDC, in his opening address to the panel discussion.

Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director at HKTDC, opens the Start-up Express International 2024 panel discussion, noting that Hong Kong’s thriving ecosystem, government funding and business-friendly environment make it the perfect launchpad for start-ups.

Start-up Express International 2024 global winners take the stage during a discussion session at Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) in Hong Kong, presenting their cutting-edge solutions in fintech, medtech, greentech, AI, sustainability and more. From left: AquaViolet (Singapore), EntoSus (Germany), Everybaby (Ireland), GeoVista (South Korea), Qaiver Fintech (Qatar), Wuxi Yingzhui Technology Development (Mainland China) and Zoala (Singapore).

As global challenges in water purification, air quality and sustainability continue to grow, innovative start-ups such as AquaViolet and Bioteos are developing cutting-edge solutions to address these issues.

AquaViolet is a Singapore-based deep-tech start-up that has developed UVx disinfection technology, a light-based purification system enhancing water safety and sustainability by eliminating pathogens with multi-band ultraviolet technology.