(Hong Kong, 16 October 2017) - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), HSBC and Hong Kong Business Angel Network (HKBAN) join hands to launch SPRINTER, a two-year programme aimed at energising the local innovation and technology ecosystem to support Hong Kong’s bid to become a regional technology hub.
Organised by HKSTP, sponsored by HSBC and co-organised by HKBAN, SPRINTER is divided into two tracks: Entrepreneur Track and Business Angel Track.
“We are excited to launch the SPRINTER programme with the support from HSBC and HKBAN to fuel the innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong,” said Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP. “Technology companies need knowledge and resources in various fields to develop strong business acumen as they turn their innovative ideas into marketable products and enlarge market footprints; while the investors’ community also requires an extensive network and domain expertise for generating quality deal flow. By fully leveraging each involved partner’s network and resources, SPRINTER will surely benefit the entire innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong. The programme also proves the importance of joint-efforts among various organisations and stakeholders for making Hong Kong as a regional innovation and technology hub. HKSTP endeavours to provide a strong driving force for Hong Kong’s transformation into an innovation-led economy. We will double down our efforts in strengthening our collaborative ecosystem and enhancing its synergy to help every innovative mind succeed.”
Terence Chiu, Head of Commercial Banking, Hong Kong, HSBC, said: “Digital and innovation has become an important pillar of our economy. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong connects Mainland China with global markets, making it ideal for start-ups that want to develop and apply fintech solutions. We believe the SPRINTER programme can attract talented and ambitious people and thus enhance the city’s competitiveness. HSBC is committed to connecting businesses to more opportunities in a changing world. We will continue to support start-ups to achieve their ambitions.”
The Entrepreneur Track has two cohorts and will equip at least 120 technology companies with the knowhow for the development of an innovative business model legal and financial affairs, business expansion as well as pitching through a series of structured training provided by professionals including academia, bankers, venture capitalists, accountants and lawyers from Hong Kong and overseas. Ten selected companies from each cohort will enter the second stage, which focuses on supporting companies for business expansion and fund-raising over a seven-month period. The companies entering the second stage will receive one-on-one professional support on business consultation as well as investment and business matching. They will also have the opportunity to participate in overseas exhibitions, pitching events and roadshows in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
The Business Angel Track targets to enhance the capabilities and practical knowledge of forty angel investors and individuals who aspire to become angel investors through knowledge exchange activities including seminars and meetings. Participants will not only receive knowledge of the venture investment environment in Hong Kong, and how best to navigate it and make the correct investment decisions, but will also be connected with various stakeholders who can help establish quality deal flow.
SPRINTER will spur the vibrant development of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem. The programme will open for application at the end of November this year.
