Columbia University Alumni Association Hong Kong takes home the ATEC2022 Grand Prize with their nominee Augmentus
PolyU DBA and Chicago Booth Angels Network put some points on the board by claiming 1st and 2nd runner up with Grand Rise Technology and Good Food Tech
Harvard Club of Philippines Global wins the Audience Award with Matchmo
Booth and Columbia move to within striking distance of overall league champion, MIT Hong Kong
PolyU DBA and Chicago Booth Angels Network put some points on the board by claiming 1st and 2nd runner up with Grand Rise Technology and Good Food Tech
Harvard Club of Philippines Global wins the Audience Award with Matchmo
Booth and Columbia move to within striking distance of overall league champion, MIT Hong Kong
Congratulations to ATEC 2022 Winners!
Augmentus - Winner
Grand Rise Technology - Runner up
Good Food Technology - 2nd Runner up
Matchmo - Crowd Favourite
What is the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
ATEC is the largest alumni-led technology conference in Asia, and the annual Startup Competition attracts the most innovative and entrepreneurial companies in the region and beyond.
The ATEC2022 Startup Competition finalists will compete by pitching before an audience and VC judging panel at the ATEC2022 conference in December 2022. The top 3 winning startups, as determined by audience and judges votes, will be awarded cash prizes. As a reference, the winning ATEC2021 finalists shared a total cash pool of $200,000.
What is unique about the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
A key differentiator of the ATEC competition format is that regional University Alumni Clubs are encouraged to participate by selecting and nominating high-quality Startup teams to compete and represent their alumni association in the annual Startup Competition.
Participating Alumni Clubs may nominate up to 3 Startups from their extensive professional networks to represent their club in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition, and are expected to mentor and shepherd their companies through the selection process. Each qualified startup selected for later competition rounds may also have the opportunity to engage in mentorship and networking opportunities with alumni of our Founding Member universities as preparation for the ATEC2022 Startup Competition Finals.
Eligible non-club affiliated startups are also welcome to directly apply to enter into the ATEC2022 Startup Competition.
ATEC is the largest alumni-led technology conference in Asia, and the annual Startup Competition attracts the most innovative and entrepreneurial companies in the region and beyond.
The ATEC2022 Startup Competition finalists will compete by pitching before an audience and VC judging panel at the ATEC2022 conference in December 2022. The top 3 winning startups, as determined by audience and judges votes, will be awarded cash prizes. As a reference, the winning ATEC2021 finalists shared a total cash pool of $200,000.
What is unique about the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
A key differentiator of the ATEC competition format is that regional University Alumni Clubs are encouraged to participate by selecting and nominating high-quality Startup teams to compete and represent their alumni association in the annual Startup Competition.
Participating Alumni Clubs may nominate up to 3 Startups from their extensive professional networks to represent their club in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition, and are expected to mentor and shepherd their companies through the selection process. Each qualified startup selected for later competition rounds may also have the opportunity to engage in mentorship and networking opportunities with alumni of our Founding Member universities as preparation for the ATEC2022 Startup Competition Finals.
Eligible non-club affiliated startups are also welcome to directly apply to enter into the ATEC2022 Startup Competition.
ATEC 2022 Main Event
ATEC 2022 Live Finalist Selection Event
ATEC2022 Semi-Finalists (Final Confirmed)
Semi-Finalists were chosen from the 82 successful nominees by four Selection Committee teams. Each team independently scored a portion of the startup PitchTape platform submissions. PitchTape scores from all the teams were collated and discussed to arrive at this list of 23 Semi-Finalists which will advance to the next round of live judging.
The next round of judging will take place on October 12th, 15th, and 20th. During this phase each startup will pitch to professional VC judges and be given an opportunity to answer questions from the judges. After the last round of pitches on the 20th, judges will pick which Semi-Finalists can move on to the Finals and present at ATEC2022 in Cyberport, Hong Kong on December 3rd, 2022.
The next round of judging will take place on October 12th, 15th, and 20th. During this phase each startup will pitch to professional VC judges and be given an opportunity to answer questions from the judges. After the last round of pitches on the 20th, judges will pick which Semi-Finalists can move on to the Finals and present at ATEC2022 in Cyberport, Hong Kong on December 3rd, 2022.
ATEC2022 Nominated Startups (Final Confirmed)
Each Lead Organiser and Organiser Club is allowed to put forward up to three nominations for the startup they think deserves to be crowned the winner of ATEC2022. Each startup can be nominated by only one Club.
If a startup accepts a Club's nomination, the team is invited to complete a short video presentation via the ATEC2022 PitchTape platform. The contents of the video application along with a 10 page slide deck are used to decide which nominees can move on to become Semi-Finalists.
If a startup accepts a Club's nomination, the team is invited to complete a short video presentation via the ATEC2022 PitchTape platform. The contents of the video application along with a 10 page slide deck are used to decide which nominees can move on to become Semi-Finalists.
2022 Lead Organizers (Final Confirmed)
Lead Organizers support ATEC2022 by assigning at least one contact person to represent the club on the event steering committee and at working group meetings.
Like Organizers, they are also committed to nominate at least one and up to three startups into the ATEC2022 Startup Competition.
Like Organizers, they are also committed to nominate at least one and up to three startups into the ATEC2022 Startup Competition.
2022 Organizers (Final Confirmed)
Organizers commit to nominate at least one and up to three startups into the ATEC2022 Startup Competition.
ATEC2022 Key Event Deadlines
(Tentative)
(Tentative)
June 1st - 30th 2022
Business Plan Submission and Alumni Club Nominations See business plan submission guidelines below.
Alumni Clubs can nominate up to 3 startups to represent their organization in the Startup Competition. |
Mid-September 2022
Semi-Finalists Announced ATEC Competition Selection Committee will review all submissions and select a group of 20 Semi-Finalists. Semi-Finalists will be given the opportunity to pitch live to the ATEC Steering Committee.
|
October 12 & 15, 2022
Semi-Finalists Present to ATEC Semi-Finalists will pitch live (virtual) to the ATEC Judges. ATEC Judges will narrow 25 Semi-Finalists to 13.
|
October 20, 2022
Judges Panel + Live Voting 
A virtual panel will be held for ATEC Judges to discuss their thoughts on selected 13 Semi-Finalists. From the selected 13 Semi-Finalists, audience vote will select 8 Finalists for ATEC 2022.
|
December 3, 2022
ATEC2022 Startup Competition
ATEC2022 Startup Competition
ATEC 2022 Finalist Presentation. Winners will be selected based on a combination of ATEC Advisory Council, VC judges and audience voting. We will name first, second and third place winners.
A prize money pool will be shared between the 3 winners of the competition.
A prize money pool will be shared between the 3 winners of the competition.
How to Apply
|
Submission Guidelines
|
ATEC2022 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
CONTENTS
1. ATEC
1.1 What is ATEC?
The Asia Technology Entrepreneurship Conference (ATEC) is the largest university alumni-club led technology conference and startup competition in Asia. Founded by the Hong Kong and South China university and business school alumni clubs of Harvard, Columbia, MIT and Stanford, ATEC's events are designed to foster active engagement of our alumni with the broader startup ecosystem in Asia, as either founders, mentors or investors.
ATEC believes that technology and entrepreneurship are key pillars in creating long-term value, with these principles being deeply rooted in the reputations of the universities represented by our founding alumni clubs. ATEC's goal is to spur innovation across Asia by delivering events that highlight the most creative minds and promising startups, including those affiliated with our alumni club organizers, that are successfully executing on their regional and global ambitions.
ATEC was created as a merger of two highly successful startup ecosystem events: the Harvard Business School Association of Hong Kong (HBSAHK) Annual Startup Competition series (started in 2015) and the Columbia University Asia Technology Conference (started in 2018). The inaugural ATEC2019 was a landmark event and drew well over 400 attendees.
ATEC is a non-profit organization and all net proceeds from the event go towards the annual prize money for the Startup Competition.
1.2 What is ATEC’s mission?
ATEC's mission is to be the pre-eminent university alumni-club sponsored technology conference and startup competition in Asia, with a focus on highlighting next-generation technology as well as innovative startups with regional and global ambitions, including those affiliated with our alumni club organizers.
1.3 Who are the organizers of ATEC2022?
ATEC2022 the 2nd annual ATEC event, is organized and hosted by:
2. EVENT
2.1 When is ATEC2022 and where will it be held?
ATEC2022 will be held both virtually and in-person on Saturday, September 25, 2022 at Cyberport, Hong Kong. Due to ongoing pandemic considerations, there is a possibility the organizers will need to make adjustments to the date and format of the conference.
2.2 What is the agenda of ATEC2022?
ATEC2022 will be a full-day event with the Morning Session comprising the finals of the annual Startup Competition, and the Afternoon Session involving both high-profile keynote addresses, industry speaker panels with domain experts and seasoned investors. There will be ample opportunities to network with innovative startups and venture capitalists from across Asia. Please follow ATEC’s social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for updates in the lead-up to the event.
2.3 What is the format of the event?
At present, ATEC2022 is targeting a hybrid event with both on-site and online elements. The state-of-the-art facilities at Cyberport will enable us to organize a highly interactive hybrid event. We will continue to adjust according to the latest government regulations concerning COVID-19 restrictions.
2.4 How large will the audience be?
Subject to venue restrictions, ATEC2022 is expecting up to several hundred attendees in-person and more participants online, comprising entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, industry experts and professionals, media as well as alumni from Harvard, Columbia, MIT and Stanford universities. For reference, the previous ATEC2019 event attracted over 400 attendees in-person.
2.5 Will investors be there?
There has been strong participation from the Asian venture capital, private equity, family office and investment community in both the inaugural ATEC2019 event, as well as the prior Harvard Business School Association of Hong Kong and Columbia University Alumni Association of Hong Kong startup competition events dating back to 2015.
2.6 What networking opportunities will there be?
There will be ample break periods during the ATEC event designed to encourage and facilitate networking between startup teams and potential investors and interested attendees. After the conference official schedule concludes, presenting startup teams, venture capitalists and ATEC organizers will have a private dinner together to facilitate further networking opportunities and connections.
2.7 Will there be food and drink provided?
There will be beverages provided during the event. Attendees are also encouraged to take advantage of the numerous high-quality food and beverage facilities in the adjoining Cyberport Arcade mall.
3. COMPETITION
3.1 What is the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
ATEC is the largest alumni-led technology conference in Asia, and the Startup Competition historically attracts the most innovative and entrepreneurial companies in the region and beyond. The ATEC2022 Startup Competition finalists will compete and present their pitches before a live audience and judging panel at the ATEC2022 conference on September 25, 2022. The top 3 winning startups, as determined by audience and judges votes, will be awarded prizes, sharing a total cash pool of up to HK$200,000 (~US$25,000).
3.2 What is unique about the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
For ATEC2022, a key differentiator of this year’s format is that Alumni Clubs are encouraged to participate in the Startup Competition by competing to see which organization can select and nominate high-quality Startup teams to win the overall event itself. Participating Alumni Clubs will act as “Captains”, nominating up to 3 startups from their extensive professional networks to represent their club in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition, and to shepherd their companies through the selection process. Each selected startup will also have the opportunity to engage in mentorship and networking opportunities with alumni of our Founding member universities as preparation for the ATEC2022 Startup Competition finals.
Eligible non-club affiliated startups are also welcome to directly apply to enter into the ATEC2022 Startup Competition.
3.3 How does one apply for the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
Eligible startups can apply to participate by either:
3.4 What are the key dates of the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
The key Startup Competition dates are:
3.5 What is the process for selecting ATEC2022 finalists?
Following initial submissions, the ATEC Selection Committee will conduct subsequent preliminary screening rounds, first narrowing the field to 25 Semi-Finalist candidates for re-evaluation. These Semi-Finalists will have an opportunity to pitch live to the ATEC Judges, who will then narrow to 13 Select Semi-Finalists. A virtual panel and live audience voting will choose the 8 Finalists who will compete and present their pitches before a live audience and judging panel at the ATEC2022 conference on September 25, 2022.
3.6 Who is on the ATEC Selection Committee and Judging Panel?
Both ATEC Selection Committee members and Startup Competition judges will be selected from an alumni pool of professional venture capital investors and startup ecosystem participants from some of the most successful funds and companies in the region. All Judges and the members of the ATEC Selection Committee will be required to sign Code of Ethics Declaration in order to perform their selection duties.
3.7 What criteria will be used to judge winning startups?
Selection in the ATEC Startup Competition will be based on the following criteria:
Market Potential and Industry Disruption (30%)
Business Model and Traction to Date (30%)
Strength of Management Team (30%)
Social Impact and Connection to Asia (10%)
3.8 How many winners will there be?
The ATEC2022 event will see 3 winning startups chosen and awarded Grand Prize, 1st Runner Up, 2nd Runner Up.
The Alumni Clubs associated with the winning startup teams will also be awarded the distinction of being the “ATEC2022 Startup Competition Alumni Club Winner”.
3.9 What prizes will be awarded to winning startup teams?
There is an anticipated total cash prize pool for winning teams of up to HK$200,000 (~US$25,000).
3.10 Will there be opportunities for venture capital equity investments into winning teams?
There will be no formal or structured opportunities for direct equity investment into startup teams. However, based on anecdotal experience from prior startup competitions organized by the HBS and Columbia alumni associations, introductions and networking opportunities both during and after these events have resulted in tangible investments made into entrepreneurial startups.
4. ALUMNI CLUBS
4.1 How can university Alumni Clubs get involved?
Interested university Alumni Clubs can participate in ATEC2022 by:
Each participating Alumni Club who commits to the above requirements will be listed as a Co-Lead Organizer of ATEC2022.
Please contact info@atecstartup.org should your Alumni Club be interested in participating in ATEC2022.
4.2 How much do participating alumni clubs need to pay for sponsorship?
Nothing. Co-organizers and startups do not need to pay anything to compete in ATEC. That said, we welcome any organizations interested in sponsoring ATEC2022. Please contact info@atecstartup.org should you be interested in sponsorship opportunities.
4.3 What is the responsibility of an Alumni Club Captain?
The main role of a Captain is to serve as the primary point of contact with the ATEC Startup Competition Committee. The name of all captains will be published on the ATEC website.
Upon confirmation to join as a Co-Lead Organizer, the Alumni Club should send the name and contact info of the captain along with the official club logo for inclusion in marketing materials.
4.4 Who is the point of contact for Alumni Clubs and Captains?
Each alumni club / captain is assigned an ATEC organizing committee member as a point of contact within ATEC. Please also refer to this FAQ or email info@atecstartup.org for any further questions.
4.5 No one from my Alumni Club wants to be a Captain. What other ways can my school participate?
The University Alumni Clubs can only join formally as Co-Lead Organizers with the commitment to identify a Captain and nominate up to 3 startups. If this is not possible, University Alumni Clubs can also participate informally by promoting ATEC conference and startup competition among its alumni network, but will not be profiled as a Co-Lead Organizer on our website or other marketing materials.
4.6 How many startups can an Alumni Club nominate?
Each University Alumni Club can nominate up to 3 startups to participate in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition.
4.7 Do the nominated startups have to be affiliated with our university?
No. You are free to decide whether the startups that you nominate should be affiliated to your university or not.
4.8 How do I nominate a startup?
University Alumni Club Captains should confirm directly with identified startups their willingness to participate in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition (e.g. written confirmation with CEO/senior management of the startup accepting the Alumni Club nomination).
Each startup can only be nominated by one universityalumni club team and startup nominations will be confirmed by ATEC on a “first come first served” basis. You can submit your list of nominated startups, together with their application material at info@atecstartup.org.
4.9 When do I need to submit my list of startups?
See above answer to: [3.4: “What are the key dates of the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?”]
4.10 What are captain’s responsibilities once startups are nominated?
Once startups are nominated, the captains will not be involved in any further judging decision of the startup competition. That will allow the captains to play a key role in guiding their nominated startups throughout the competition. The level of mentoring and coaching engagement may vary depending on the startup’s needs and the captain’s professional experience, which may include application review, pitch preparation, refining the business case and/or operating model, etc.
4.11 Does every participating alumni club have a guaranteed startup in the final?
After an evaluation process, the ATEC Selection Committee will narrow the competition field down to the 8 Startup Finalists who will present at ATEC2022. Selection will depend solely on the individual merits of the Startup team and pitch and there will be no guaranteed spots based on alumni affiliation.
5. STARTUP TEAMS
5.1 Who can apply as a startup?
Minimum requirements for eligibility for the ATEC2022 Startup Competition include:
5.2 How does one apply for the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
Eligible startups can apply to participate by either:
5.3 When do I need to submit my application?
See above answer to: [3.4: “What are the key dates of the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?”]
5.4 What documents do I need to submit in my application?
All startups will need to submit by the relevant deadline:
5.5 What if my submitted presentation deck is longer than 10 slides?
Only the first 10 content slides will be considered (front/back cover pages excluded). Additional slides will be considered as blank for evaluation purposes
5.6 What languages are accepted for submitted pitches?
English is the preferred language for presentation materials. Live pitches during the Semi-final and Final rounds can be conducted in either English or Chinese. Startup teams should note that simultaneous translation will NOT be provided for judges or audience during their pitches, so non-English presentations may impact their final voting scores.
5.7 What will be the format of the pitch competition?
Each selected startup team will present a 5-minute pitch to a panel of judges consisting of established venture capitalists. Following each presentation, startup teams will have a 10-minute follow-on Q&A session with the judges.
5.8 My startup has already been selected by an Alumni Club Captain. Do I still need to submit an application to ATEC?
No need. Your sponsoring Captain will forward your application material to the ATEC2022 Startup Competition Committee.
5.9 Can my startup be nominated by more than one Alumni Club Captain?
Each startup can only be nominated by one University Alumni Club team and startup nominations will be confirmed by ATEC on a “first come first served” basis. Alumni Club Captains will submit their list of nominated startups, together with application materials to info@atecstartup.org.
Startups should confirm directly with University Alumni Club Captains their willingness to participate in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition (e.g. written confirmation by CEO/senior management of the startup accepting the University Alumni Club nomination).
5.10 I have submitted a Direct Application to ATEC, and have later found a captain willing to sponsor me. Is that a problem?
It is not a problem. Once we will have received the confirmation from your sponsoring captain, you will simply be removed from the pool of applications from which captains can select from.
5.11 Do selected startup Finalists need to travel to Hong Kong to participate?
While we would prefer to have all startup teams participate at the ATEC2022 event on-site, we recognize the logistical challenges posed by such a requirement. Startup teams will have the option to perform their live pitch and Q&A through an online channel.
6. SPONSORS
6.1 How can I become a Sponsor of ATEC2022?
Please contact us at info@atecstartup.org for further information about opportunities to be involved with ATEC2022 including involving your company as a Sponsor, acting as a volunteer for this and future events, as well as media and PR opportunities.
7. GLOSSARY
Glossary of Important Terms:
CONTENTS
- ATEC
- EVENT
- COMPETITION
- ALUMNI CLUBS
- STARTUP TEAMS
- SPONSORS
- GLOSSARY
1. ATEC
1.1 What is ATEC?
The Asia Technology Entrepreneurship Conference (ATEC) is the largest university alumni-club led technology conference and startup competition in Asia. Founded by the Hong Kong and South China university and business school alumni clubs of Harvard, Columbia, MIT and Stanford, ATEC's events are designed to foster active engagement of our alumni with the broader startup ecosystem in Asia, as either founders, mentors or investors.
ATEC believes that technology and entrepreneurship are key pillars in creating long-term value, with these principles being deeply rooted in the reputations of the universities represented by our founding alumni clubs. ATEC's goal is to spur innovation across Asia by delivering events that highlight the most creative minds and promising startups, including those affiliated with our alumni club organizers, that are successfully executing on their regional and global ambitions.
ATEC was created as a merger of two highly successful startup ecosystem events: the Harvard Business School Association of Hong Kong (HBSAHK) Annual Startup Competition series (started in 2015) and the Columbia University Asia Technology Conference (started in 2018). The inaugural ATEC2019 was a landmark event and drew well over 400 attendees.
ATEC is a non-profit organization and all net proceeds from the event go towards the annual prize money for the Startup Competition.
1.2 What is ATEC’s mission?
ATEC's mission is to be the pre-eminent university alumni-club sponsored technology conference and startup competition in Asia, with a focus on highlighting next-generation technology as well as innovative startups with regional and global ambitions, including those affiliated with our alumni club organizers.
1.3 Who are the organizers of ATEC2022?
ATEC2022 the 2nd annual ATEC event, is organized and hosted by:
- Harvard Business School Association of Hong Kong
- Harvard Club of Hong Kong
- Columbia University Alumni Association of Hong Kong
- Columbia Business School Alumni Network of Hong Kong
- MIT Club of Hong Kong
- MIT Sloan School of Management Alumni Representatives of Hong Kong
- Stanford Club of South China
2. EVENT
2.1 When is ATEC2022 and where will it be held?
ATEC2022 will be held both virtually and in-person on Saturday, September 25, 2022 at Cyberport, Hong Kong. Due to ongoing pandemic considerations, there is a possibility the organizers will need to make adjustments to the date and format of the conference.
2.2 What is the agenda of ATEC2022?
ATEC2022 will be a full-day event with the Morning Session comprising the finals of the annual Startup Competition, and the Afternoon Session involving both high-profile keynote addresses, industry speaker panels with domain experts and seasoned investors. There will be ample opportunities to network with innovative startups and venture capitalists from across Asia. Please follow ATEC’s social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for updates in the lead-up to the event.
2.3 What is the format of the event?
At present, ATEC2022 is targeting a hybrid event with both on-site and online elements. The state-of-the-art facilities at Cyberport will enable us to organize a highly interactive hybrid event. We will continue to adjust according to the latest government regulations concerning COVID-19 restrictions.
2.4 How large will the audience be?
Subject to venue restrictions, ATEC2022 is expecting up to several hundred attendees in-person and more participants online, comprising entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, industry experts and professionals, media as well as alumni from Harvard, Columbia, MIT and Stanford universities. For reference, the previous ATEC2019 event attracted over 400 attendees in-person.
2.5 Will investors be there?
There has been strong participation from the Asian venture capital, private equity, family office and investment community in both the inaugural ATEC2019 event, as well as the prior Harvard Business School Association of Hong Kong and Columbia University Alumni Association of Hong Kong startup competition events dating back to 2015.
2.6 What networking opportunities will there be?
There will be ample break periods during the ATEC event designed to encourage and facilitate networking between startup teams and potential investors and interested attendees. After the conference official schedule concludes, presenting startup teams, venture capitalists and ATEC organizers will have a private dinner together to facilitate further networking opportunities and connections.
2.7 Will there be food and drink provided?
There will be beverages provided during the event. Attendees are also encouraged to take advantage of the numerous high-quality food and beverage facilities in the adjoining Cyberport Arcade mall.
3. COMPETITION
3.1 What is the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
ATEC is the largest alumni-led technology conference in Asia, and the Startup Competition historically attracts the most innovative and entrepreneurial companies in the region and beyond. The ATEC2022 Startup Competition finalists will compete and present their pitches before a live audience and judging panel at the ATEC2022 conference on September 25, 2022. The top 3 winning startups, as determined by audience and judges votes, will be awarded prizes, sharing a total cash pool of up to HK$200,000 (~US$25,000).
3.2 What is unique about the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
For ATEC2022, a key differentiator of this year’s format is that Alumni Clubs are encouraged to participate in the Startup Competition by competing to see which organization can select and nominate high-quality Startup teams to win the overall event itself. Participating Alumni Clubs will act as “Captains”, nominating up to 3 startups from their extensive professional networks to represent their club in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition, and to shepherd their companies through the selection process. Each selected startup will also have the opportunity to engage in mentorship and networking opportunities with alumni of our Founding member universities as preparation for the ATEC2022 Startup Competition finals.
Eligible non-club affiliated startups are also welcome to directly apply to enter into the ATEC2022 Startup Competition.
3.3 How does one apply for the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
Eligible startups can apply to participate by either:
- Alumni Club Nomination: University Alumni Clubs can select up to 3 startups to represent their organization in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition
- Direct Application: Non-club affiliated startups can apply directly applying through the ATEC website
3.4 What are the key dates of the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
The key Startup Competition dates are:
- December 20, 2020: Application deadline for Direct Applications
- December 20, 2020: Submission deadline for startup nomination by Captains
- March 2022: 25 semi-finalists announced
- May 2022: 25 semi-finalists present to ATEC Judges
- June 5, 2022: Virtual panel & live voting to select 8 finalists
- September 25, 2022: ATEC2022 Final Pitch and announcement of winners
3.5 What is the process for selecting ATEC2022 finalists?
Following initial submissions, the ATEC Selection Committee will conduct subsequent preliminary screening rounds, first narrowing the field to 25 Semi-Finalist candidates for re-evaluation. These Semi-Finalists will have an opportunity to pitch live to the ATEC Judges, who will then narrow to 13 Select Semi-Finalists. A virtual panel and live audience voting will choose the 8 Finalists who will compete and present their pitches before a live audience and judging panel at the ATEC2022 conference on September 25, 2022.
3.6 Who is on the ATEC Selection Committee and Judging Panel?
Both ATEC Selection Committee members and Startup Competition judges will be selected from an alumni pool of professional venture capital investors and startup ecosystem participants from some of the most successful funds and companies in the region. All Judges and the members of the ATEC Selection Committee will be required to sign Code of Ethics Declaration in order to perform their selection duties.
3.7 What criteria will be used to judge winning startups?
Selection in the ATEC Startup Competition will be based on the following criteria:
Market Potential and Industry Disruption (30%)
- Size of the total addressable market opportunity
- Evidence of disruptive innovation and/or technology
- Competitive landscape and barriers to entry
Business Model and Traction to Date (30%)
- Innovative business model and differentiated value proposition
- Favorable unit economics and basis for sustainable growth
- Proven demand in terms of user growth and overall traction
- Roadmap and momentum for future scale
Strength of Management Team (30%)
- Passion, ambition, vision and values
- Previous experience of founding team and key management
- Fundraising and pitching capabilities
Social Impact and Connection to Asia (10%)
- Contributions to serve the underserved, address the unaddressed, or move society at large in a positive direction.
- Evidence of existing or future operation plans in Asia
3.8 How many winners will there be?
The ATEC2022 event will see 3 winning startups chosen and awarded Grand Prize, 1st Runner Up, 2nd Runner Up.
The Alumni Clubs associated with the winning startup teams will also be awarded the distinction of being the “ATEC2022 Startup Competition Alumni Club Winner”.
3.9 What prizes will be awarded to winning startup teams?
There is an anticipated total cash prize pool for winning teams of up to HK$200,000 (~US$25,000).
3.10 Will there be opportunities for venture capital equity investments into winning teams?
There will be no formal or structured opportunities for direct equity investment into startup teams. However, based on anecdotal experience from prior startup competitions organized by the HBS and Columbia alumni associations, introductions and networking opportunities both during and after these events have resulted in tangible investments made into entrepreneurial startups.
4. ALUMNI CLUBS
4.1 How can university Alumni Clubs get involved?
Interested university Alumni Clubs can participate in ATEC2022 by:
- Forming a School Team led by a Captain
- Identifying and nominating up to three startups to compete in the Startup Competition
- Providing mentorship and guidance to their selected startups throughout the competition
- Marketing ATEC2022 to their alumni club members
- Attending ATEC2022 on September 25, 2022 at Cyberport Hong Kong
- Be in the running to be designated as the ATEC2022 Startup Competition Alumni Club Winner!
Each participating Alumni Club who commits to the above requirements will be listed as a Co-Lead Organizer of ATEC2022.
Please contact info@atecstartup.org should your Alumni Club be interested in participating in ATEC2022.
4.2 How much do participating alumni clubs need to pay for sponsorship?
Nothing. Co-organizers and startups do not need to pay anything to compete in ATEC. That said, we welcome any organizations interested in sponsoring ATEC2022. Please contact info@atecstartup.org should you be interested in sponsorship opportunities.
4.3 What is the responsibility of an Alumni Club Captain?
The main role of a Captain is to serve as the primary point of contact with the ATEC Startup Competition Committee. The name of all captains will be published on the ATEC website.
Upon confirmation to join as a Co-Lead Organizer, the Alumni Club should send the name and contact info of the captain along with the official club logo for inclusion in marketing materials.
4.4 Who is the point of contact for Alumni Clubs and Captains?
Each alumni club / captain is assigned an ATEC organizing committee member as a point of contact within ATEC. Please also refer to this FAQ or email info@atecstartup.org for any further questions.
4.5 No one from my Alumni Club wants to be a Captain. What other ways can my school participate?
The University Alumni Clubs can only join formally as Co-Lead Organizers with the commitment to identify a Captain and nominate up to 3 startups. If this is not possible, University Alumni Clubs can also participate informally by promoting ATEC conference and startup competition among its alumni network, but will not be profiled as a Co-Lead Organizer on our website or other marketing materials.
4.6 How many startups can an Alumni Club nominate?
Each University Alumni Club can nominate up to 3 startups to participate in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition.
4.7 Do the nominated startups have to be affiliated with our university?
No. You are free to decide whether the startups that you nominate should be affiliated to your university or not.
4.8 How do I nominate a startup?
University Alumni Club Captains should confirm directly with identified startups their willingness to participate in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition (e.g. written confirmation with CEO/senior management of the startup accepting the Alumni Club nomination).
Each startup can only be nominated by one universityalumni club team and startup nominations will be confirmed by ATEC on a “first come first served” basis. You can submit your list of nominated startups, together with their application material at info@atecstartup.org.
4.9 When do I need to submit my list of startups?
See above answer to: [3.4: “What are the key dates of the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?”]
4.10 What are captain’s responsibilities once startups are nominated?
Once startups are nominated, the captains will not be involved in any further judging decision of the startup competition. That will allow the captains to play a key role in guiding their nominated startups throughout the competition. The level of mentoring and coaching engagement may vary depending on the startup’s needs and the captain’s professional experience, which may include application review, pitch preparation, refining the business case and/or operating model, etc.
4.11 Does every participating alumni club have a guaranteed startup in the final?
After an evaluation process, the ATEC Selection Committee will narrow the competition field down to the 8 Startup Finalists who will present at ATEC2022. Selection will depend solely on the individual merits of the Startup team and pitch and there will be no guaranteed spots based on alumni affiliation.
5. STARTUP TEAMS
5.1 Who can apply as a startup?
Minimum requirements for eligibility for the ATEC2022 Startup Competition include:
- Technology or technology enabled business
- Established for less than 8 years
- Raised less than US$30 million to date
- Currently between the Seed and Series B stages of funding
- All industry sectors welcome
- Company must have an Asia-related element to business, but can be based outside of Asia
5.2 How does one apply for the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?
Eligible startups can apply to participate by either:
- University Alumni Club Nomination: University Alumni Clubs can select up to 3 startups to represent their organization in the ATE2022 Startup Competition
- Direct Application: Non-club affiliated startups can apply directly applying through the ATEC website
5.3 When do I need to submit my application?
See above answer to: [3.4: “What are the key dates of the ATEC2022 Startup Competition?”]
5.4 What documents do I need to submit in my application?
All startups will need to submit by the relevant deadline:
- 10-slide business plan (PowerPoint presentation in PDF format)
- A link to a 3 minute video on company or product (Optional)
5.5 What if my submitted presentation deck is longer than 10 slides?
Only the first 10 content slides will be considered (front/back cover pages excluded). Additional slides will be considered as blank for evaluation purposes
5.6 What languages are accepted for submitted pitches?
English is the preferred language for presentation materials. Live pitches during the Semi-final and Final rounds can be conducted in either English or Chinese. Startup teams should note that simultaneous translation will NOT be provided for judges or audience during their pitches, so non-English presentations may impact their final voting scores.
5.7 What will be the format of the pitch competition?
Each selected startup team will present a 5-minute pitch to a panel of judges consisting of established venture capitalists. Following each presentation, startup teams will have a 10-minute follow-on Q&A session with the judges.
5.8 My startup has already been selected by an Alumni Club Captain. Do I still need to submit an application to ATEC?
No need. Your sponsoring Captain will forward your application material to the ATEC2022 Startup Competition Committee.
5.9 Can my startup be nominated by more than one Alumni Club Captain?
Each startup can only be nominated by one University Alumni Club team and startup nominations will be confirmed by ATEC on a “first come first served” basis. Alumni Club Captains will submit their list of nominated startups, together with application materials to info@atecstartup.org.
Startups should confirm directly with University Alumni Club Captains their willingness to participate in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition (e.g. written confirmation by CEO/senior management of the startup accepting the University Alumni Club nomination).
5.10 I have submitted a Direct Application to ATEC, and have later found a captain willing to sponsor me. Is that a problem?
It is not a problem. Once we will have received the confirmation from your sponsoring captain, you will simply be removed from the pool of applications from which captains can select from.
5.11 Do selected startup Finalists need to travel to Hong Kong to participate?
While we would prefer to have all startup teams participate at the ATEC2022 event on-site, we recognize the logistical challenges posed by such a requirement. Startup teams will have the option to perform their live pitch and Q&A through an online channel.
6. SPONSORS
6.1 How can I become a Sponsor of ATEC2022?
Please contact us at info@atecstartup.org for further information about opportunities to be involved with ATEC2022 including involving your company as a Sponsor, acting as a volunteer for this and future events, as well as media and PR opportunities.
7. GLOSSARY
Glossary of Important Terms:
- Lead Organizers - The seven original alumni clubs which joined together to form ATEC
- Lead Sponsors - Organizations or individuals who donate money or significant value.
- Co-Lead Organizers - Participating Alumni Clubs which agree to nominate up to 3 startups into the ATEC Competition. These clubs will have their logos included on the ATEC website and marketing materials, and also commit to market the event through their respective marketing channels.
- ATEC Organizing Committee - The group of all Sub-committee members and leads listed on the ATEC website
- ATEC Steering Committee - Group of the organizing committee members who lead the key functional areas of organizing ATEC: Programming, Startup Competition, Speaker Selection, Marketing, Venue, Sponsorship, Finance, Impact, VC, Media, Technology Platform.
- ATEC Advisory Council - honorary group of esteemed partner-level leaders who provide the organizing committee with guidance and support.
- ATEC Selection Committee / Startup Competition Judges - selected from an alumni pool of professional venture capital investors and startup ecosystem participants from some of the most successful funds and companies in the region. All Judges and the members of the ATEC Selection Committee will be required to sign Code of Ethics Declaration in order to perform their selection duties.
- Nominated Startup - A startup selected by a Co-Lead Organizer Alumni Club to participate in the ATEC Competition.
- Captain - The person within an Alumni Club who serves as the point of contact with the ATEC Competition.
- School Team - The (optional) team that an Alumni Club has assembled to support the Captain.
ATEC: The Preeminent University Alumni Club-Led
Technology Conference & Startup Competition in Asia.
The Asia Technology Entrepreneurship Conference (ATEC) is the largest university alumni club-led technology conference and startup competition in Asia. Founded by the Hong Kong and South China university and business school alumni clubs of Harvard, Columbia, MIT and Stanford, ATEC's events are designed to foster active engagement of our alumni with the broader startup ecosystem in Asia, as either founders, mentors or investors.
ATEC believes that technology and entrepreneurship are key pillars in creating long-term value, with these principles being deeply rooted in the reputations of the universities represented by our founding alumni clubs. ATEC's goal is to spur innovation across Asia by delivering events that highlight the most creative minds and promising startups, including those affiliated with our alumni club organizers, that are successfully executing on their regional and global ambitions.
ATEC was created as a merger of two highly successful startup ecosystem events: the Harvard Business School Association of Hong Kong (HBSAHK) Annual Startup Competition series (founded in 2015) and the Columbia University Asia Technology Conference (founded in 2018). The inaugural ATEC2019 was a landmark event and drew well over 400 attendees.
ATEC is a non-profit organization and all net proceeds from the event go towards the annual prize money for the Startup Competition.
How can University Alumni Clubs participate in ATEC?
Participating University Alumni Club Teams will each nominate up to three (3) startups sourced through their own networks and relationships. Eligible startups will compete for a prize money pool. The total prize pool for the ATEC2021 Startup Competition was over HK$200,000.
Each competing startup may only be nominated and supported by one participating University Alumni Club Team. Club teams may provide mentoring, feedback on presentation materials, advice on how to improve pitches, and any other assistance to enhance their nominated startups chance of winning the ATEC Startup Competition.
What is the process?
Interested University Alumni Clubs can participate in future ATEC events as either a Lead Organizer or Organizer:
Lead Organizer
Organizer
Please contact info@atecstartup.org if you have any questions and fill out the form here if your Alumni Club is interested in participating in ATEC.
Steering Committee
Frank Au (Harvard, Columbia), Steering Chair
Michelle Bang (Harvard), Program Co-Chair
Jolie Chow (Harvard), VC Chair
Vicky Chui (Harvard), Program Co-Chair
Olivier Cotard (Harvard), Competition Chair
Chris Fisher (Columbia), Marketing Chair
Shirley Hsu (Columbia), Program Co-Chair
Voon Siang Lee (Harvard), Program Co-Chair
Henry Tan (MIT), Tech Chair
Brian Tsui (Chicago), Program Co-Chair
Dan Wong (Harvard, Stanford), Program Co-Chair
Advisory Council
Daniel Auerbach (Harvard), Eight Roads
Jimmy Chang (MIT), Jeneration Capital
Anna Cheung (Wharton), Hong Kong Stock Exchange
Danny Lee (Columbia), VCA Capital & Blue Pool Capital
Gabriel Li (Stanford), Orchid Asia
Bosun Hau (Wharton), Tybourne Capital
Jessica Huang Pouleur (Columbia), Openspace
Chibo Tang (Harvard), Gobi Partners
Simone Song (Fudan), ORI Capital
Judges
Angela Chiu
Xinxing Chen
Howard Cheng
Anna Cheung
Gautam Chhaocharria
Thomas Chou
Irene Chu
Bosun Hau
Maureen Ho
Vincy Ip
Danny Lee
Fred Li
Gabriel Li
Andrew Sit
Simone Song
Henry Tan
Chibo Tang
Sam Tang
Anthony Woo
Technology Conference & Startup Competition in Asia.
The Asia Technology Entrepreneurship Conference (ATEC) is the largest university alumni club-led technology conference and startup competition in Asia. Founded by the Hong Kong and South China university and business school alumni clubs of Harvard, Columbia, MIT and Stanford, ATEC's events are designed to foster active engagement of our alumni with the broader startup ecosystem in Asia, as either founders, mentors or investors.
ATEC believes that technology and entrepreneurship are key pillars in creating long-term value, with these principles being deeply rooted in the reputations of the universities represented by our founding alumni clubs. ATEC's goal is to spur innovation across Asia by delivering events that highlight the most creative minds and promising startups, including those affiliated with our alumni club organizers, that are successfully executing on their regional and global ambitions.
ATEC was created as a merger of two highly successful startup ecosystem events: the Harvard Business School Association of Hong Kong (HBSAHK) Annual Startup Competition series (founded in 2015) and the Columbia University Asia Technology Conference (founded in 2018). The inaugural ATEC2019 was a landmark event and drew well over 400 attendees.
ATEC is a non-profit organization and all net proceeds from the event go towards the annual prize money for the Startup Competition.
How can University Alumni Clubs participate in ATEC?
Participating University Alumni Club Teams will each nominate up to three (3) startups sourced through their own networks and relationships. Eligible startups will compete for a prize money pool. The total prize pool for the ATEC2021 Startup Competition was over HK$200,000.
Each competing startup may only be nominated and supported by one participating University Alumni Club Team. Club teams may provide mentoring, feedback on presentation materials, advice on how to improve pitches, and any other assistance to enhance their nominated startups chance of winning the ATEC Startup Competition.
What is the process?
Interested University Alumni Clubs can participate in future ATEC events as either a Lead Organizer or Organizer:
Lead Organizer
- Dedicate one alumni club officer to join ATEC Steering Committee (weekly meetings).
- Help define and shape the ATEC2022 Startup Competition and events.
- Actively promote the ATEC2022 Startup Competition and conference to their alumni base.
- Participate in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition by nominating/sponsoring 3 startups.
- Providing mentorship and guidance to their selected startups throughout the competition.
Organizer
- Actively promote the ATEC2022 Startup Competition and conference to alumni base.
- Participate in the ATEC2022 Startup Competition by nominating/sponsoring 3 startups.
- Providing mentorship and guidance to their selected startups throughout the competition.
Please contact info@atecstartup.org if you have any questions and fill out the form here if your Alumni Club is interested in participating in ATEC.
Steering Committee
Frank Au (Harvard, Columbia), Steering Chair
Michelle Bang (Harvard), Program Co-Chair
Jolie Chow (Harvard), VC Chair
Vicky Chui (Harvard), Program Co-Chair
Olivier Cotard (Harvard), Competition Chair
Chris Fisher (Columbia), Marketing Chair
Shirley Hsu (Columbia), Program Co-Chair
Voon Siang Lee (Harvard), Program Co-Chair
Henry Tan (MIT), Tech Chair
Brian Tsui (Chicago), Program Co-Chair
Dan Wong (Harvard, Stanford), Program Co-Chair
Advisory Council
Daniel Auerbach (Harvard), Eight Roads
Jimmy Chang (MIT), Jeneration Capital
Anna Cheung (Wharton), Hong Kong Stock Exchange
Danny Lee (Columbia), VCA Capital & Blue Pool Capital
Gabriel Li (Stanford), Orchid Asia
Bosun Hau (Wharton), Tybourne Capital
Jessica Huang Pouleur (Columbia), Openspace
Chibo Tang (Harvard), Gobi Partners
Simone Song (Fudan), ORI Capital
Judges
Angela Chiu
Xinxing Chen
Howard Cheng
Anna Cheung
Gautam Chhaocharria
Thomas Chou
Irene Chu
Bosun Hau
Maureen Ho
Vincy Ip
Danny Lee
Fred Li
Gabriel Li
Andrew Sit
Simone Song
Henry Tan
Chibo Tang
Sam Tang
Anthony Woo
About ATEC
The Asia Technology Entrepreneurship Conference (ATEC) is the largest university alumni-club led technology conference and startup competition in Asia. Founded by the Hong Kong and South China university and business school alumni clubs of Harvard, Columbia, MIT and Stanford, ATEC's events are designed to foster active engagement of our alumni with the broader startup ecosystem in Asia, as either founders, mentors or investors.
