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International start-ups interested in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) have until the end of June to apply for Global-to-GBA, a six-month initiative designed to accelerate the market entry of high-quality companies in the fields of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
The programme, co-organised by venture capital firm Gobi Partners, its independent platform GUIDE, and Cyberport – Hong Kong’s digital hub and AI accelerator – will run from mid-July to December, offering targeted workshops, access to investors and institutional support.
“We want to bring high-quality start-ups from all over the world to the GBA, leveraging resources such as the advanced manufacturing capabilities of Dongguan, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, and the competitive infrastructure that Hong Kong offers,” says Kennith So, programme director of GUIDE, to Startupbusiness.
A gateway to Asia’s innovation hub
Global-to-GBA is designed as a neutral, non-equity accelerator that will help up to 20 start-ups enter the Greater Bay Area – an ecosystem that links Asia’s leading financial hub with Macao and nine cities in the Chinese province of Guangdong.
Unlike traditional programmes, it does not require equity stakes, but offers networks, expertise and resources to open up new opportunities. Selected start-ups will have at least five bespoke business meetings with industry partners, five workshops on market dynamics and regulation, and two mentoring sessions with investors.
The programme also includes a week-long immersive trip to Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, as well as support with company registration and access to Cyberport’s CCMF or CIP funding schemes.
Who can apply
Around 20 start-ups will be accepted, with priority given to those working in AI and deep tech. The programme is open to companies from all over the world, provided they are not already based in Hong Kong or the GBA. Companies in the pre-Series A or Series A stage with clear growth plans will be given priority, but projects at the minimum viable product (MVP) stage may also apply.
Ideas in the very early stages of development, which have not yet been tested in the market, are less likely to be selected, although exceptions may be made for artificial intelligence or health tech projects with exceptional potential.
Global network of partners
GUIDE and Gobi Partners have built a network of partner organisations that includes Hub71 in the Middle East, VentureLab and YSpace in North America, Cross Capital in Japan, Dcamp in Korea, Cradle Fund, Antler VC and Endeavor in Southeast Asia, as well as Astana Hub and IT Park Uzbekistan in Central Asia, with whom Gobi signed a Memorandum of Understanding during an official visit.
Cyberport, Hong Kong’s leading digital community, is the key partner and will host the start-ups at the Venture Capital Forum in November. GUIDE, launched three years ago as an independent division, coordinates pro bono initiatives and collaborates with governments and public institutions, ensuring neutrality with regard to Gobi’s investment activities.
Why Hong Kong and the GBA
The Greater Bay Area has a population of over 70 million and a GDP exceeding $1.9 trillion. Shenzhen and Guangzhou are hubs for advanced manufacturing and innovation, whilst Hong Kong offers international connectivity, financial infrastructure and government support. For AI and deep tech start-ups, the region offers a unique combination of supply chains, venture capital and public incentives.
The deadline for applications is the end of June. The programme will run for six months, from mid-July to December, featuring two ‘fly-in’ events (in July and November) and an immersive trip to the GBA. Applications can be submitted via the form available at this link in the programme presentation.
Global-to-GBA reflects Hong Kong’s ambition to position itself as a gateway for international start-ups into China’s innovation ecosystem, offering a structured pathway for growth in one of the world’s most dynamic markets (photo by the author).
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