Applications for the fifth edition of the 929 Challenge formally started yesterday during a press conference held at the Forum Macau Complex, with the start-up competition again providing a platform for contestants to present their ideas and compete for funding and mentorship.
929 refers to Guangdong’s nine Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities, the two special administrative regions (SARs) in the GBA (Hong Kong and Macau), and the world’s nine Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSCs).
Featuring two tracks, with one for Universities and another for Start-ups, applications for the contest are open through September 30, while its “Final Pitch Event” is scheduled for November.
Winners will be able to receive a cash prize and opportunities including incubation support from Macau’s “top accelerators”, access to international markets through the competition’s partner network and specialised mentorship in key growth sectors, according to a statement provided at yesterday’s press conference.
The contest will also feature a one-day event for networking and business matching among stakeholders, while another highlight this year is the “Futures Builders” award, which is given to the best team from PSCs in Africa and Timor-Leste (East Timor).
Key developments for this year were also noted, including new strategic partnerships and the recent establishment of the Macau Angel Investor Network, which the statement said will “provide long-term support to our innovation ecosystem”.
Meanwhile, last year’s contest saw record participation, with 929 Challenge co-founder Marco Duarte Rizzolio telling reporters on the sidelines of the event that it drew in 320 teams and over 1,000 contestants, and that he is hoping to get more joining the event this year.
Duarte Rizzolio also touched on the winners of the previous event, saying that five finalists were entered directly into an “incubation ideation programme” by the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), noting that this shows that they have projects with “quality and potential”.
Moreover, Duarte Rizzolio added that in addition to the 929 Challenge and other competitions that were recently held, Macau needs more similar events and initiatives, requiring cooperation from all stakeholders.
Members of the organising committee of the 929 Challenge and guests pose for a group photo at yesterday’s press conference held at the Forum Macau Complex. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
