Global start-ups eye Bengaluru as innovation hub at Hong Kong’s EPIC 2025

HONG KONG: India’s booming vehicle population and strong innovation ecosystem have caught the attention of global start-ups at the Elevator Pitch International Competition (EPIC) 2025, hosted by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP).

The competition, which drew 1,200 applications from over 70 economies, showcased how international entrepreneurs are increasingly viewing Bengaluru and India as vital destinations for technology partnerships, market expansion, and research collaborations. Out of 100 shortlisted start-ups across three categories—Digital Health Tech, FinTech, and GreenTech—two were from India. The overall champion title went to Bryan Oh, Founder and CEO of NEU Battery Materials from Canada, who bagged a cash prize of US$80,000 for his company’s innovative battery recycling technology.

Two runners-up, Jayden Lu, Product Engineer at Singapore-based Belli, and Amol S Karnick, President and CEO of Canada-based KA Imaging, received US$20,000 each.

The remaining 12 finalists were awarded US$10,000 each.

Speaking to The Times of India after the event, the three winners unanimously pointed to India—particularly Bengaluru—as a promising destination for start-up collaboration and expansion. Battery Recycling: Bengaluru’s Sustainable Opportunity For Bryan Oh, whose company focuses on sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling, India represents a major opportunity driven by the country’s rapid electrification and expanding EV market.

“Battery recycling is not just a Singapore or Hong Kong problem—it’s a global problem,” Oh said. “Our priority is to grow beyond Singapore using our process and technology. India, with its massive vehicle population—especially two- and three-wheelers—and increasing electrification, is definitely on our radar. It’s a market where we can make a real difference.” Oh also highlighted India’s dynamic start-up ecosystem, citing the presence of emerging players in the battery recycling segment. Air Cargo Tech Eyes India’s Expanding Logistics MarketRunner-up Jayden Lu from Singapore-based Belli, which develops software solutions for the air cargo industry, echoed similar optimism about India’s role in the global innovation network. “India stands as a great opportunity for any investor to build their customer base,” Lu said and added: “We understand what is needed in the air cargo industry. India’s growing export-import volumes and e-commerce expansion make it an exciting market to explore.”HealthTech Innovators Drawn by India’s Medical Push For Amol S Karnick, President and CEO of KA Imaging, India’s growing healthcare investments make it an ideal environment for adopting advanced imaging technologies. His company specializes in colour X-ray systems capable of producing real-time, high-definition images of organs—potentially transforming cardiac and lung diagnostics. Karnick praised India’s recent government efforts to boost funding in medical and science-based innovation.

Bengaluru: A Magnet for Global Collaboration While EPIC 2025 celebrated global innovation, India—and Bengaluru in particular—emerged as a recurring theme among participants and organizers. Speaking exclusively to TOI, Terry Wong, CEO of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, emphasized Bengaluru’s growing importance. “We are definitely looking for opportunities in places like Bengaluru, Asian countries and the Middle East,” Wong said.

“It’s one of the cities where start-ups are growing fast, and we see potential for deeper collaboration.” he said. The recognition of Bengaluru’s innovation strength by global players such as HKSTP underscores the city’s position as a hub for R&D, venture capital, and cross-border partnerships. The event also spotlighted Hong Kong’s ambition to cement its place as an international innovation hub. Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted the growth of the city’s innovation ecosystem during his address.

“We now have over 4,700 start-ups—500 more than last year. EPIC has become an iconic global innovation contest, with participants from 70 economies,” he said. He noted that Hong Kong’s “Northern Metropolis” project will act as a launchpad for international technology collaboration with cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou—forming what the World Intellectual Property Organization ranks as the world’s most innovative cluster. Since its inception in 2001, HKSTP has nurtured 13 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals, and over 2,400 tech companies across 26 countries. Its focus areas—healthtech, AI, robotics, fintech, and smart city solutions—resonate strongly with India’s own innovation priorities. (The correspondent was in Hong Kong at the invitation of Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation)