Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund announced on Tuesday it has kicked off its annual signature startup event, JUMPSTARTER 2021 Global Pitch Competition, with an online focus to ensure safe participation for all contestants during the COVID-19 pandemic. JUMPSTARTER 2021 is now open for applications, with three separate deadlines between August 31 and October 19, 2020, covering three rounds of applications.
“Up to 200 startups will be selected for a preliminary round of one-on-one online pitches between September and November. The best 20 startups selected from the preliminary round will advance to a semifinal pitch from which 10 startups will be shortlisted. The Grand Finale will be held in March 2021, when the finalists will compete for up to $1 million in investment.”
The Fund further noted that JUMPSTARTER 2021 will offer startups the platform to network and share knowledge with global peers and the opportunity to plug into the Alibaba Digital Economy to obtain valuable insights, experience, and resources. Cindy Chow, Executive Director of Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, further explained:
“Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund is committed to bringing together global startups, entrepreneurs and investors through JUMPSTARTER 2021, attracting talented individuals with innovative ideas to develop them further in Hong Kong, and strengthening the city as a world-leading hub of entrepreneurship.”
The top five startups from the contest will be eligible to take part in the eFounders Fellowship program.