Top 10 Startup Competitions for Deeptech Startups in Asia 2025: A Detailed Overview
As Asia continues to be a hub for innovation and technology, the year 2025 is expected to host numerous competitions that cater specifically to deeptech startups. These competitions are invaluable for founders looking to pitch their ideas, gain visibility, and connect with investors. Here’s a comprehensive look at the Top 10 Startup Competitions for Deeptech Startups in Asia for 2025, including essential details about location, benefits, and links to their official websites.
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1. Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC)
Focus: Urban Solutions and Sustainability
Organizer: Singapore Management University (SMU)
Details: This globally recognized competition aims to revolutionize urban living through sustainable technology. The 12th edition focuses on connecting finalists with venture capitalists in Southeast Asia.
Prizes/Benefits: Access to key business networks, mentorship from A*STAR, potential collaborations, and participation in the BLAZE innovation festival for 50 finalist teams.
Location: Singapore
2. Hello Tomorrow APAC Challenge
Focus: Early-stage deep-tech startups
Organizer: Hello Tomorrow
Details: Designed for early-stage startups to showcase innovations related to global challenges, the APAC Challenge provides exposure and connections throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Prizes/Benefits: Fast-tracking to the finals at SLINGSHOT and Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge, networking opportunities, potential equity-free funding, and mentorship during the Hello Tomorrow APAC Investor Day.
Location: Asia Pacific
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3. GITEX ASIA - North Star ASIA
Focus: Deep tech startups, AI, Health Tech
Organizer: GITEX GLOBAL
Details: As Asia's largest tech event, GITEX focuses on facilitating connections among startups and investors. The event anticipates over 1,000 enterprises showcasing innovations across various tech fields.
Prizes/Benefits: Access to over 250 active investors, participation in the Supernova Challenge with a prize pool exceeding $100,000, matchmaking programs, and extensive networking opportunities.
Location: Singapore
4. Hello Tomorrow Japan Challenge
Focus: Deep tech startups
Organizer: Hello Tomorrow
Details: This competition serves as a platform for showcasing Japan's deep tech innovation and leads to the finals of the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge scheduled in March 2025.
Prizes/Benefits: Finalist status at the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge, extensive networking opportunities, and access to Japan's deep tech startup ecosystem.
Location: Japan
5. SLINGSHOT
Focus: Deep tech startups across various sectors
Organizer: SWITCH (Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology)
Details: This competition is pivotal for identifying promising startups that are worth investment during the SWITCH event.
Prizes/Benefits: Cash and grant prizes for grand and sector winners, with significant exposure to investors.
Location: Singapore
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6. InnoVEX
Focus: Innovative startups
Organizer: InnoVEX
Details: InnoVEX features international forums and pitch demos, making it a valuable platform for startups to gain a global audience.
Prizes/Benefits: Opportunities to network with investors and industry leaders, as well as exposure to potential partners.
Location: Taipei City, Taiwan
7. Startup Arena (Tech in Asia Conference)
Focus: Early-stage startups
Organizer: Tech in Asia
Details: This pitch competition allows founders to present their ideas to a panel of investors, providing a platform for visibility and funding opportunities.
Prizes/Benefits: Equity-free cash prizes, media exposure, and various credits for startup development.
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia
8. HK Tech 300 Southeast Asia Start-up Competition
Focus: Southeast Asian startups leveraging CityUHK technology
Organizer: City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
Details: Aims to assist Southeast Asian startups in expanding their businesses using resources from Hong Kong and Mainland China.
Prizes/Benefits: Up to HK$1 million in Angel Fund investment for the top 10 finalists.
Location: Southeast Asia, with focus on Hong Kong and China
9. EPiC 2025
Focus: Global startups expanding to Asia
Organizer: EPiC
Details: This competition provides an opportunity for startups from around the world looking to grow in the Asian market.
Prizes/Benefits: Access to 1,000 potential investors and 350+ corporate partners across different industries.
Location: Hong Kong
10. Startup World Cup 2024 (Southeast Asia)
Focus: Startups in Southeast Asia
Organizer: Future Lestari & Pegasus Tech Ventures
Details: Targets startups from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and more, with a grand prize that is designed to aid significant business growth.
Prizes/Benefits: A chance to win a $1 million investment, networking opportunities with global entrepreneurs, and a pitch opportunity at the finals in San Francisco.
Location: Southeast Asia, with final pitch in San Francisco
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FAQ
Q: What is the focus of the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition?
A: The Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition focuses on urban solutions and sustainability, connecting finalists with Southeast Asia's business networks. Learn more about LKYGBPC.
Q: What opportunities does the Hello Tomorrow APAC Challenge provide for startups?
A: The Hello Tomorrow APAC Challenge offers early-stage deep-tech startups access to important networks, visibility, and potential funding opportunities, along with fast-tracking to finals at major events. Discover Hello Tomorrow APAC Challenge.
Q: Where is GITEX ASIA held and what is its primary focus?
A: GITEX ASIA is held in Singapore and focuses on deep tech startups, particularly in AI and health tech, while being Asia's largest tech and startup event. Learn more about GITEX ASIA.
Q: How does the Hello Tomorrow Japan Challenge help participants?
A: The Hello Tomorrow Japan Challenge allows deep tech startups to compete for a chance to be finalists in the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge, while also providing access to the deep tech ecosystem in Japan and beyond. Explore Hello Tomorrow Japan.
Q: What type of startups does SLINGSHOT target?
A: SLINGSHOT targets deep tech startups across various sectors and is part of the larger SWITCH event dedicated to innovation and technology. Check out SLINGSHOT.
Q: What benefits can participants expect from InnoVEX?
A: InnoVEX provides startups the opportunity to present their ideas to a global audience, with ample networking with investors and industry leaders. Learn more about InnoVEX.
Q: What unique opportunities does the Startup Arena offer?
A: The Startup Arena provides early-stage startups a platform to pitch to investors, compete for prizes, and receive extensive media coverage. Discover more about Startup Arena.
Q: What does the HK Tech 300 competition aim to achieve?
A: The HK Tech 300 aims to help Southeast Asian startups leverage CityUHK technology, with significant investment opportunities in Hong Kong and mainland China. Learn more about HK Tech 300.
Q: What is the focus of EPiC 2025?
A: EPiC 2025 focuses on global startups looking to expand into Asia, providing access to numerous investors and corporate partners for growth opportunities. Explore EPiC 2025.
Q: What is the significance of the Startup World Cup in Southeast Asia?
A: The Startup World Cup focuses on startups from Southeast Asia, offering them a chance to win substantial investment and connect with global startup networks, culminating in a prestigious pitch event in San Francisco. Discover more about Startup World Cup.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
