Assessment Process
Stage 1 :
Application
Stage 2 :
Capacity Building
Stage 3 :
Pitching
Stage 4 :
Follow-Up
1.1 Online ApplicationEligible Idea Stage applicants should submit the following documents before the application deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.
1. Online Application Form
- Idea Stage applicants should fill in the application form online by clicking HERE. Only online application is accepted.
- Idea Stage applicants should also upload the below documents in the online application form.
- Each file would be uploaded should be within 10MB.
- Please name all the uploaded files after the team name (e.g. Wofoo_EndorsementForm).
- Idea Stage teams may take a look at the sample application form by clicking HERE
2. Concept Note
- The concept note should be no more than two pages (cover page not included in the count limit).
- The concept note should be written in English, numerated, and saved in a Microsoft Word or PDF file format (with Font Calibri, Style Regular, Size 11 and Single Line Spacing).
- Clicking HERE to download concept note template
(Should the software not allow for automatic downloading, please right click link and save the document manually using the save link as option.)
3. Appendices (if applicable)
- Idea Stage teams may attach appendices not exceeding two pages, if possible.
4. Endorsement Form / Reference Letter
- All applications must secure an endorsement (verified with an official organization chop on the form) from tertiary institutions or youth entrepreneurship organizations.
- Clicking HERE to download the endorsement form.
- A formal reference letter may be submitted in lieu of the verified endorsement form
5. Supporting Documents (if applicable)
- Resumes of all team members (if applicable)
- Intellectual property documents (if applicable)
Please note that applicants will receive an application confirmation email within five working days after submission of their application.
1.2 Admission PanelAn admission panel by CARS & HKSTP will evaluate project feasibility/potential and team capability, in order to see if teams are qualified to be admitted to CARS and/or HKSTP programmes. Applicants will have 5 minutes to present, followed by a 5 minutes Q&A session.
1. Attendance of Capacity Building Activities
- Teams must select 1-2 mentors suggested by Hong Kong SDG Hub and attend consultation sessions.
- Teams must complete designated online training sessions. They shall also complete survey after training, or the training attendance record will not be valid.
2. Detailed Proposal
- Idea Stage teams shall submit detailed proposal no more than eight pages (cover page is not included in the count).
- The detailed proposal should be written in English, numerated, and saved in a Microsoft Word or PDF file format (with Font Calibri, Style Regular, Size 11 and Single Line Spacing). Teams may choose to include infographics in the detailed proposal.
- Please name all the uploaded files after the team name (e.g. Wofoo_DetailedProposal).
- Any other supplementary information and appendices should not exceed five pages, if possible.
- Template of detailed proposal will be provided near the date.
3. Pitch Video
- The video should cover product intro, technology uniqueness, commercial value / prototype. More details will be released closer to the date.
- Teams can use images, graphics, animations, and clips in the video to present the idea.
- The video can be presented in either English or Cantonese; English subtitles are preferred.
Six Idea Stage semi-finalists with outstanding performance will be selected by CARS judging panel to admit to the final round.
Finalists will potentially get an opportunity to present their ideas and or apply their prototype to a set number of real users provided by the organizer to test the effectiveness of the ideas and or product:
- All promotional materials should be prepared by the teams.
- Idea Stage teams may present their ideas only, but are highly encouraged to apply their prototype (if any) to real users.
- Teams may consider using user feedback to fine tune their project ideas and or prototype.
- If physical event is organized, all team members must be present. The whole team will be disqualified if any team member is absent without prior and official approval from the Organizer.
- More details will be released closer to the event date.
Finalists will get an opportunity to showcase their project ideas to the public and green groups at physical or virtual event. Teams could test their ideas and gauge market reaction through the public voting session:
- All promotional materials for the showcase should be prepared by the teams. Teams are encouraged, but not required to prepare the display materials in Traditional Chinese.
- Members of the public will have a chance to cast their votes for their favorite initiative. The popular ideas will be given bonus scores.
- If physical event is organized, all team members must be present at the showcase. The whole team will be disqualified if any team member is absent without prior and official approval from the Organizer.
- More details will be released closer to the event date.
3.3 Grand Final
Finalists will deliver a pitch to industry experts, business representatives and potential investors, who will act as judges at the Grand Final. Judges would offer feedback and insight on how teams may refine their business model and craft a unique business proposition.
Format:
- Finalists will have a designated time to pitch, followed by Q&A session. More details will be released closer to the date.
- Teams can deliver the pitch in either Cantonese or English.
- Finalists should hand in their presentation deck 7 days before the Grand Final. Finalists are also required to submit other presentation materials 2 days before Grand Final. Particulars will be announce closer to the event date.
- All team members must be present at the Grand Final, but not every team member is required to present at the pitch. The whole team will be disqualified if any one member is absent without official prior approval from the Organizer.
Materials should be prepared:
- Finalized presentation deck
- Finalists may choose to prepare and present videos and other multimedia files during their pitch.
- Finalist may also choose to showcase their prototype showcasing (if any) during the pitch.
All finalists will also get an opportunity to showcase their project ideas to the invited guests during the Grand Final. More details will be released closer to the event date.
Stage 4: Winning Teams IncubationAfter the Grand Final, two Idea Stage winning teams will be awarded HK$120,000 in two phases. The first payment will be made after winners submit a budget plan, a document outlining milestones and a signed agreement. The final payment will be issued to winners, subject to the examination and verification of project reports and the delivery of pre-set project targets.
Potential teams will be recommended to apply for HKSTP IDEATION or other HKSTP incubation programmes for further support on their entrepreneurial journey.