EQT Impact Challenge 2025 – EQT Impact Challenge is a startup competition that aims to stimulate innovation and the growth of impact entrepreneurship in Hong Kong. The initiative is organized in partnership with South China Morning Post and offers capital, exposure, and mentorship to empower founders to scale their businesses and amplify their impact.

EXCITING
NEWS
FOR
IMPACT
STARTUPS!

Due to overwhelming response and interest in the EQT Impact Challenge Hong Kong 2025, we are thrilled to announce an extension of the application deadline to April 13.

If your startup is focused on Climate & Nature or Health & Well-being, this is your chance to shine. Join us in driving positive change and innovation in Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to take your startup to the next level!

What is EQT Impact Challenge?

EQT Impact Challenge is a startup competition that aims to stimulate innovation and the growth of impact entrepreneurship in Hong Kong. The initiative is organised in partnership with SCMP Live (the events arm of The South China Morning Post) and offers early-stage catalytic capital, exposure, and mentorship to empower founders to scale their businesses and amplify their impact. The winning startup will receive a €100,000 (HK$800,000) investment from the EQT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of global investment firm EQT and early stage impact investor.

Purpose

Thriving economies are fueled by innovation and growing companies. With the EQT Impact Challenge, EQT is creating a platform to support and help amplify innovative business ideas. EQT Impact Challenge aims to bring together a diverse mix of startups and aspiring entrepreneurs driven by their commitment to making a positive impact on society. By joining EQT’s operational expertise and passion for developing companies with venture capital, the competition aims to bridge funding gaps and turn impactful ideas into tangible outcomes.

Investment Criteria

Themes:
Climate and Nature, Health and Well-being

Startups must operate within the themes of climate and health, with a focus on deeptech and novel solutions. We are looking for founders with breakthrough ideas that push the frontiers of impact and have the potential to drive positive change for the planet and society.

Series Funding:
Pre-seed to Seed, Series A

Startups should be in the early stages of their funding journey, ideally raising pre-seed to seed rounds, though Series A will also be considered.

Maximum of USD 10 million raised

This funding cap ensures that all participating startups are at a comparable stage, creating fair competition and a level playing field. It allows startups, regardless of financial backing, to demonstrate their potential for meaningful impact.

Key Benefits

With EQT Impact Challenge, EQT is reinforcing its commitment to empowering innovative, scalable businesses that create lasting impact.

Access to Impactful Investment

The winning startup will receive a €100,000 (HK$800,000) investment from the EQT Foundation to fuel their next stage of growth.

Operational Expertise & Network

The winner will gain access to the global EQT network including over 500 Industrial Advisors and 300+ EQT portfolio companies, offering valuable connections and mentorship.

Media Exposure in SCMP

The winner, plus the top five finalists, will be featured in SCMP, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent and respected news media companies.

Key Stages

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

I am a solopreneur – is it okay to apply?
Yes it is possible to apply if you are a solopreneur. The main criteria for applying is that your startup has a breakthrough idea within the thematic areas of Planet & Humanity (in any sectors).

Is it possible for in-house ventures to apply?
Yes, it is possible for in-house ventures to apply. Please note if chosen to proceed, that your startup will not be judged by the venture house it belongs to.

I haven’t gotten any investments from VC’s, but I have gotten multiple grants and cash awards from government and organizations. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, you are still eligible to apply.

I am scheduled to receive funding from another VC in the coming months – is it okay for me to apply?
Yes, you can still apply.

Where can I reach out if I have more questions related to EQT Impact Challenge?
Please feel free to reach out to foundation@eqtpartners.com

When is the exact deadline for the application?
The final application deadline is on Sunday April 13.

If I make it to the top ten, I see that applicants are requested to record and submit an elevator pitch. When is this expected to take place?
Applicants will record and submit their elevator pitch during the week of April 28.

How can I know that my application has been correctly registered?
You will receive an email confirmation.

Can I submit additional resources (links, pdf files, pictures, videos, etc) to provide more information on my startup?
Yes, you can submit additional material if you believe that it is of assistance to your application.

How are you planning to control potential unfair advantage of the participants who have acquired funding / previously bonded with the judges of the competition?
If a participant has previously received funding or bonded with a judge at the competition, they will not be awarded points by that particular judge. The remaining judges will vote and the average will be calculated against other competitors to allow for fairness in the judging process.

Does the founder/CEO have to be the one to pitch & participate at all times?
No, the founder/CEO does not have to be the one to pitch and participate at all times during the pitch competition.

Do I have to pitch in English?
Yes, the entire process will be conducted in English.

Startups seeking funding, visibility, and strategic guidance can apply for a chance to be part of this exclusive program. The jury panel, including members of EQT, the EQT Foundation, and media partner, the South China Morning Post, as well as esteemed business leaders and entrepreneurs, will evaluate submissions, narrowing the pool to five standout startups.

The top five finalists will receive hands-on coaching from EQT’s seasoned investment professionals, equipping them with the skills to deliver compelling investor pitches. They will also gain high-profile media exposure, including elevator pitch videos featured in the SCMP and related microsite and social media platforms

The top five finalists will compete in an exhilarating public voting showdown on this microsite, where the collective support of the community will help determine who among them will rise to become the Final Three!

The competition culminates in a high-profile event where the Final Three startups will present their pitches to a jury of prominent figures from Hong Kong’s investment and entrepreneurial community. A final vote will determine a single winner.