Thousands of investors, startups, and industry enthusiasts gathered in Shenzhen, China as the 2023 PHBS-CJBS Global Pitch Competition concluded with the announcement of its winners. The event, initiated by Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) and Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) in 2020, showcased nearly 200 high-quality startups from around the world. These startups presented their innovations in diverse fields such as new energy and green economy, artificial intelligence, biotech and medtech, and smart manufacturing.
After a series of intense pitching rounds throughout 2023, ten domestic and international finalists emerged to present their business plans to a distinguished panel of judges comprised of scholars, investors, and entrepreneurs. E3A Healthcare, a startup founded in 2019 at the National University of Singapore, claimed the top prize with its groundbreaking medical devices and tailored health management solutions for newborns and women’s healthcare.
The PHBS-CJBS Global Pitch Competition has gained significant support from organizations such as the Shenzhen Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Science and Technology Innovation Committee, and numerous prominent venture capital institutions, incubators, scientific research institutes, and industry leaders. This support underscores the competition’s growth over the past four years and highlights the global influence of PHBS and CJBS in the venture capital landscape.
In addition to announcing the winners, the event also marked the launch of two new institutes sponsored by PHBS. The first, the Qianhai Institute of China-Britain International Innovation Space, aims to provide comprehensive support to startups. Located at the Qianhai International Talent Hub, this institute will play a crucial role in nurturing and empowering entrepreneurial ventures. The second institute, known as the Innovation Engine, is operated by PHBS’ Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. It will collaborate with experienced mentors to offer guidance and incubation for science and engineering students, as well as scholars with entrepreneurial aspirations.
As the grand final concluded, the 2024 PHBS-CJBS Global Pitch Competition was officially launched. This year’s competition will continue to focus on early-stage technology teams that have yet to secure Series B funding. The roadshow for the competition will kick off in January, with the finals scheduled for October. Those interested in participating can contact competition@phbs.pku.edu.cn or register their programs at https://jinshuju.net/f/bYTXNs.
The 2023 PHBS-CJBS Global Pitch Competition showcased the brightest minds in the startup world, with E3A Healthcare emerging as the deserving winner. The event not only celebrated innovation and entrepreneurship but also served as a platform for the establishment of the Qianhai Institute of China-Britain International Innovation Space and the Innovation Engine. With each passing year, this competition solidifies its position as a significant catalyst for startup growth in China’s Greater Bay Area and beyond.
