To be considered, applicants must have:

• At least 18 months of active business operations (and not more than 7 years).
• A revenue-generating business with a clear motivation to export its products or services and demonstrate fundraising potential in HK or GBA.
• A product(s) or service(s) that uses deep-tech and/or science-based technology.
• The business must be registered or have other forms of presence in HK or GBA.
• Commitment from one founder per company to attend the 3-day BootCamp and able to engage in all key activities during the programme period.
• Able to communicate either in English, Cantonese or Mandarin.

Our evaluation focuses on key areas that balance the entrepreneur’s potential with their development needs—aiming to enhance their chances of securing synergistic funding and achieving market expansion that aligns with their products and services.

Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects

• Readiness to Scale: Assessment of the scalability of the product or solution, including the presence of proprietary technologies or innovations with export potential.
• Financial Stability and Growth Potential: Evaluation of revenue size in relation to long-term sustainability and growth prospects.
• Need and Potential for Growth Capital: Consideration of the likelihood of accessing equity or debt financing, based on the current funding landscape in HK and GBA.

Additional Factors Influencing Final Selection

• The Selection Committee’s collective judgment on the applicant’s personal motivation, commitment to growth, and openness to learning.
• Quality of supporting documentation that strengthens the screening process.
• Strength and relevance of recommendations or nominations from partners included in the application.

Key Criteria

Stage Classification
Businesses are categorised into stages before applying the Venture Ready Bootcamp scoring:

Weightage System
‍Weights are assigned based on business stage to prioritise what matters most for scaling readiness:

Only admitted startups are required to pay a program fee. The application process, including document submission and interviews, is completely free and does not involve any charges or application fees.

The program fees are structured as follows:

• Standard Participants: USD 4,000 per company for the full program.
• Startups from Partner Communities (without nomination): USD 2,800 per company for startups affiliated with program partners but not formally nominated.
• Nominated Startups: Program fees are fully waived for startups admitted through the Nomination Mechanism.
  
  (*Remarks: The nomination mechanism for the program is designed to encourage our partners’ investment teams or investment partners to recommend their high-potential portfolio companies to join. It functions as an internal process for our investment partners or their in-house teams to facilitate targeted deal sourcing.)

This fee covers access to workshops, masterclasses, one-on-one mentoring sessions, curated investor engagements, and all necessary program materials such as lecture notes, templates, and case studies. Additionally, it includes all logistical costs, administrative costs, venue arrangements, food and beverage, and other associated expenses for the 3-day bootcamp and Graduation & Pitching Day.

Each cohort will admit 20-30 startups into this program, each company can have two representatives joining the activities.

• All interested and eligible entrepreneurs are welcome to apply to the Venture Ready Bootcamp. Applicants are required to submit all necessary information and supporting documents, members, or employees).
• The Programme Admission Team will notify you upon receiving a complete application, including both nominations. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted for an online/ face-to-face interview. Successful applicants will then receive an official offer to join the bootcamp.
• Please note that incomplete applications, those lacking nominations, or those with poor-quality supporting documents will not be considered.

The programme organizers reserve the right to modify or adjust the programme and the programme terms if necessary to fit to the profile of the selected companies with their representing entrepreneur.

All submitted information and requested materials will be handled in accordance with the relevant privacy policies and will only be used for programme-related purposes.