The Hong Kong Startup Council (“HKSC”) under the auspices of Federation of Hong Kong Industries (“FHKI”) organised the Demo Day of its 4^th STARS Programme today (20 April 2021). Sponsored by Citi Hong Kong, the event marks the successful conclusion of the nine-month programme targeting local startups from food technology sector. Under the theme of “Unleashing the Power of Food Technology”, 11 local startups were selected for the 4^th STARS Programme to receive mentorship from industrialists across food, environmental and advanced manufacturing verticals. Throughout the period, the participating startups have strengthened their industrial capability by exchanging knowledge on product development, manufacturing and marketing with experienced industrialists, as well as making continuous enhancement to their products prototypes. On the Demo Day, the startups presented the latest developments of their food tech innovations to investors and industrialists to pitch for investment and business collaboration opportunities. Through online and onsite voting, Farmacy HK Limited and Carewells Limited won “The Most Popular STARS” and “Investors Choice STARS” awards respectively.

Mr Paul Chu, Vice-Chairman of HKSC and the Cohort Lead of the 4^th STARS Programme said, “The food technology sector has gained tremendous momentum globally in recent years where only the most outstanding startups can capture opportunities in this very competitive industry. The 4^th STARS Programme envisions to bolster development in various part of the food industry value chain by matching innovative food tech startups with mentors from the industry to ramp up the cycles of R&D commercialisation. Riding on FHKI’s intensive business network, participating startups are exposed to a diverse array of potential partners that can help expand and scale up their businesses. We are delighted to see our STARS presenting their innovations comprised of sound social and economic values, injecting fresh impetus to transform the traditional food industry.”

Mr Jason Chiu, Chairman of HKSC gave his heartfelt congratulations to all participating startups in the 4^th STARS Programme. He remarked, “The startup community is a key engine powering the re-industrialisation in Hong Kong, bringing trailblazing and disruptive ideas into traditional industries. FHKI and HKSC will continue our unwavering commitment to serving as a platform for startups, industrialists and potential investors, empowering the fledgling startup ecosystem in Hong Kong with our extensive business network and professional services support. By turning ground-breaking ideas and advanced technologies into industrial applications, we are spurring the development of high value-added manufacturing and new economy to higher echelons.”

Mr Anson Kwok, Head of Commercial Bank, Citi Hong Kong said, “Citi believes that ESG is a business imperative, so we are committed to driving positive social and environmental impact by supporting entrepreneurship with a social cause, such as the STARS Program. The

program has created an important platform that enables the unique offerings and innovative food-tech solutions developed by the startups to flourish, and connects them with prospective networks on the ‘Demo Day’. By standing firm in our commitment to enabling growth and economic progress in communities we serve, we hope to facilitate a successful and sustainable future for all.”

Photo 1

“The 4^th STARS Programme”, organised by HKSC under the auspices of FHKI and sponsored by Citi Hong Kong, was concluded successfully today. A total of 11 food technology startups participated in the programme. From left to right:

Mr Anthony Lam, Deputy Chairman of FHKI

Mr Jason Chiu, Chairman of HKSC

Dr Daniel Yip, Chairman of FHKI

Mr Anson Kwok, Head of Commercial Bank, Citi Hong Kong

Mr Paul Chu, Vice Chairman of HKSC

Mr Mingles Tsoi, Principal Mentor of the Cohort

Photo 2

On the “Demo Day”, representatives from the industry, startup, R&D and investment sectors shared the latest technological advancement and investment trends in food industry.

Photo 3

Farmacy HK Limited and Carewells Limited won “The Most Popular STARS” and “Investors Choice STARS” awards respectively through online and onsite voting.