The Federation of Hong Kong Industries’ (FHKI) Hong Kong Startup Council hosted a “Meet Our STARS” Media Briefing today (21 November). Attended startups of the new cohort of STARS Programme shared their ideas and experience in starting their own business and collaborating with customers, as well as showcased their innovative and green products.

Hong Kong Startup Council Chairman and FHKI Deputy Chairman Dr Jack Yeung said, “In support of the Government’s plan to develop Hong Kong into a smart city, this cohort of STARS Programme is themed ‘Smart Energy and Eco-home’ and attracted startups from around the world. Riding on the success of last cohort, we will continue to provide substantial support and mentorship for startups so that their innovative and green products with great potential can attract investment, which is all for creating a more favourable startup atmosphere in Hong Kong.”

This year, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) is invited to be the Programme Collaborator. CLP Power Chief Corporate Development Officer Ms Quince Chong said, “The advanced smart technology is making it easier for businesses to improve energy efficiency. We are fully supportive of the Programme, with our colleagues acting as startups’ mentors offering advice on marketing skills, and introducing them to the business sectors and their innovative solutions into the market.”

This cohort of STARS Programme was launched in August this year with 12 selected startups hailed from Hong Kong, Singapore, Sweden and the US. Leveraging on the mentorship from FHKI and CLP Power, some of the startups have already launched their products in the market for pilot or trial scheme. This cohort will run for a period of six months and to be concluded at the StartmeupHK Festival in January 2019, an annual startup event organised by InvestHK. At that time, they will showcase and pitch their innovation products to venture capitals and angel fund investors for investment opportunities.

Rolled out early last year, the STARS Programme is designed to provide up-and-coming startups a helping hand in developing operational skills and practical experience necessary to accelerate business growth. It aims at enhancing the connections between startups, traditional enterprises and investors, in a bid to creating a synergistic effect between the parties.