Overview


The "BOCHK Challenge" has been held for 9 consecutive years. It continuously provides a platform for students from universities and startups to showcase their talents on technology and ignite innovative ideas, while bringing new momentum into the field of technological innovation.

Bank of China (Hong Kong) has been committed to building a comprehensive digital banking, actively developing financial technology, and moving towards whole-scene intelligent digitalization to improve the customer experience and operational efficiency of the bank.

The competition is divided into student and startup streams, focusing on generative AI, digital assets and Web 3 as technologies themes. It integrates five designated scenario themes to drive innovation in fintech applications.

ELIGIBILITY

Divided into student and startup stream
Each entry must be in team of 2 - 5 people
Each team must complete the registration form and submit a proposal

Student Stream

Current full-time students from any universities in Hong Kong

Startup Stream

Working professionals from startups that have been registered in Hong Kong for no more than 10 years

THEMES

Technology Themes (Choose at least one) + Scene Themes (Choose at least one)

Attractive Prizes

Student Stream

Gold Award for Innovative Design

HK$120,000

Silver Award for Innovative Design

HK$100,000

Bronze Award for Innovative Design

HK$80,000

Startup Stream

Gold Award for Innovative Design

HK$120,000

Silver Award for Innovative Design

HK$100,000

Bronze Award for Innovative Design

HK$80,000

Greatest Team Presentation

HK$10,000

Greatest Tech Solution

HK$10,000

Opportunities

Collaboration Opportunities with BOCHK

Internship Opportunities at BOCHK

2025 SCHEDULE

Bank of China Hong Kong Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025: Unleash Your Vision, Shape the Future Imagine this: you’re sipping coffee in a cramped Hong Kong café, the hum of the city buzzing through the window, when a wild idea hits you—something so clever it could unravel a knot in the world around you. Maybe it’s a way to make banking effortless for the grandma next door, or a gadget to snatch trash from the harbor before it drifts away. Or perhaps it’s quieter—a fleeting thought scribbled on a train ticket during a sweaty commute, a “what if” that won’t let go. That’s where the Bank of China Hong Kong Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025 steps in—not just to catch those sparks, but to fan them into a roaring fire that lights up the future. Hosted by Bank of China (Hong Kong), this isn’t some dusty, check-the-box event tucked away in a corporate calendar. It’s a full-on innovation challenge, a pulse-pounding innovation competition, and a mind-bending innovation challenge competition that dares you to stop dreaming and start doing. This isn’t a sideline gig—it’s a main-stage showdown, a call to arms for anyone who’s ever felt the itch to fix, tweak, or reinvent the way we live. Picture yourself on a rooftop overlooking Victoria Harbour, the skyline glittering like a promise, and ask: could my idea be the next big thing? This innovation tech challenge isn’t reserved for the tech bros in sleek offices or the coders hunched over glowing screens—it’s for you, the restless soul who sees possibility where others see routine. Whether you’re a student doodling concepts between lectures, a 9-to-5 warrior plotting a breakout, or an entrepreneur hammering away at a prototype in a cluttered flat, this innovation technology competition throws the doors wide open. It’s your shot to take that nagging “maybe” and turn it into a thunderous “yes.” But let’s zoom out—this is bigger than you, bigger than one bright bulb flickering in your head. Hong Kong itself is at a crossroads, a city of relentless hustle now hungry to lead the world not just in finance but in ingenuity. The Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025 isn’t a standalone stunt; it’s a heartbeat in a larger rhythm, a piece of a puzzle where Bank of China (Hong Kong) is betting on bold minds to redefine what this city can be. Think of it as an innotech challenge—a crucible where raw, unpolished ideas get forged into solutions with teeth, solutions that don’t just sit pretty but hit the ground running. And as an innotech competition, it’s your arena to strut your stuff, to prove that your vision isn’t just noise—it’s power. Rewind to last year: a scrappy trio of university friends entered a similar contest with a half-baked pitch—a drone that sniffs out air pollution. They had no budget, a shaky demo, and a pitch that stumbled—but the judges saw the guts behind it. That rough gem didn’t win, but it landed them a mentor, a grant, and a prototype now humming over industrial zones. That’s the alchemy this challenge offers—not just a pat on the back, but a shove into the spotlight. It’s not about perfection; it’s about potential. Maybe you’re sitting on a fintech fix that could untangle loan woes for small shops, or a green hack that turns rooftops into energy farms. Whatever it is, this isn’t the place to let it gather dust. So, what’s the vibe? It’s electric—a mix of nerves and adrenaline, like the moment before a big leap. This isn’t about playing it safe or recycling yesterday’s answers. It’s about staring down the chaos of today—digital upheaval, urban strain, climate ticking clocks—and saying, “I’ve got this.” The Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025 doesn’t care where you’re from, what’s in your bank account, or how many followers you’ve got. It’s a meritocracy of imagination, a proving ground where the kid with a sketchbook can outshine the suit with a PowerPoint. Bank of China (Hong Kong) isn’t hosting this to fill a quota—they’re here to find the next wave of pioneers, the ones who’ll look back in 2035 and say, “I started that.” Let’s be real: the world’s messy right now—money’s tight for some, air’s thick for others, and cities like Hong Kong are bursting at the seams. But mess is where magic happens. This innovation challenge isn’t asking for polished pros—it’s begging for hungry hearts, for the ones who’ll wrestle an idea from midnight scribbles to a stage pitch that stops the room. It’s an innovation competition that doesn’t just reward winners—it builds them. An innovation challenge competition that doesn’t gatekeep—it amplifies. An innovation tech challenge that doesn’t demand tech—it demands you. So, are you in? Picture yourself a year from now—maybe holding a prize check, maybe shaking hands with a mentor who gets it, or maybe just grinning because you tried something huge. This innovation technology competition isn’t a “someday” thing—it’s 2025, your year, your move. It’s an innotech challenge that dares you to leap, an innotech competition that catches you when you do. Hit the site (https://www.bochk.com/dam/more/bochkchallenge/2025/en.html), dig in, sign up—don’t let that idea fester in your head another day. The future’s knocking. Answer it. 1. The Vision Behind the Challenge: Powering Hong Kong’s Future with Bold Ideas Hong Kong isn’t just a city—it’s a heartbeat. Its streets hum with ambition, its skyline a testament to human ingenuity stretching toward the sky. Once a titan of trade and finance, it’s now sprinting toward a new identity: a global hub where innovation reigns supreme. The Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025, launched by Bank of China (Hong Kong), stands as a blazing torch in this evolution—a flagship innovation challenge designed to fan the flames of creativity and propel the city into a tech-driven future. Why this moment? The world’s clock is ticking faster than ever. Digital currencies are rewriting money, climate crises are knocking louder, and urban sprawl demands smarter answers. This innovation competition isn’t here for half-measures—it’s a clarion call for radical ideas that don’t just adapt to change but dictate it. Bank of China (Hong Kong) isn’t playing it safe; they’re betting on the next generation—students poring over textbooks, coders burning midnight oil, dreamers staring out windows—to redefine what’s possible. Imagine a fintech app that puts banking power in every hand, from a Kowloon shopkeeper to a retiree in Tuen Mun, or a green gadget that scrubs pollution from our air. That’s the audacity this innovation challenge competition seeks. But it’s bigger than prizes or headlines. This is about building something lasting—a network where ideas collide and grow, a legacy where Hong Kong doesn’t just follow trends but sets them. Picture last year’s ripple: a scrappy team pitched a solar-powered delivery bot in a similar event. It was clunky, barely functional, but a local firm saw its gutsy potential, funded it, and now it’s zipping through Mong Kok. That’s the magic this innovation tech challenge unlocks—raw ideas meeting real opportunity. Bank of China (Hong Kong) wants an ecosystem where every participant, win or lose, walks away sharper, bolder, connected. This innovation technology competition isn’t a one-off—it’s a spark for a movement. The innotech challenge dares you to see beyond today, and the innotech competition hands you the torch to light tomorrow. 2. What’s It All About? Themes That Spark Real Change The Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025 isn’t some vague brainstorming session—it’s a mission with teeth, anchored by the rallying cry: “Innovation for a Better Future.” This isn’t fluffy jargon; it’s a challenge to get your hands dirty, dive into the mess of today’s problems, and emerge with solutions that stick. This innovation challenge isn’t about pondering—it’s about doing, about crafting answers to the questions that keep society awake: How do we make life fairer? Cleaner? Smarter? Here’s the lineup—four themes to ignite your fire (final tweaks on the website): Financial Technology (FinTech) Close your eyes and see it: a single mom in Sham Shui Po tapping her phone to save for school fees, or a street vendor in Causeway Bay securing a loan without drowning in forms. This innovation competition hungers for fintech that breaks barriers—tools that turn finance from a maze into a lifeline. Maybe it’s an AI chatbot that decodes budgets for teens, or a blockchain ledger that tracks every cent for small businesses. Think beyond banks—think people. A past entry imagined a “pay-as-you-go” savings plan for gig workers—simple, but it turned heads. Sustainable Solutions (GreenTech) Hong Kong’s neon glow is mesmerizing, but its waste piles and hazy skies tell a tougher story. Could you invent a solar panel that doubles as a rooftop cooler? Or a bin that zaps trash into reusable blocks? The innovation challenge competition craves green tech that’s gritty and real—ideas that don’t just nod at sustainability but wrestle it into action. One team once pitched a plastic-munching bot that spat out park benches—messy prototype, but it sparked a city pilot. Your turn to make green mean business. Smart City Innovations Ever stood sardined on a rush-hour MTR, dreaming of a fix? This innovation tech challenge wants a Hong Kong that hums—where traffic untangles itself, where services find you first. Picture a drone network that drops meds to remote flats, or sensors that reroute buses before jams hit. It’s tech that feels alive, not sterile. A wild card once floated “floating bus stops” for harbor routes—nuts, but it got judges buzzing. This is about cities that think, not just grow. Open Innovation Here’s the wildcard—no fences, just freedom. Maybe it’s a headset that soothes panic attacks with sound waves, or a game that tricks kids into loving algebra. This innovation technology competition thrives on the unexpected—ideas so fresh they dodge every pigeonhole. No theme too weird, no dream too big. A past gem? A wearable that taught sign language through vibrations—didn’t win, but it’s now in schools. If it’s bold, it belongs. These aren’t checklists—they’re launchpads. The innotech challenge begs you to stretch your brain, and the innotech competition promises your wildest shot a fair fight. What’s your move? 3. Who Can Join? A Platform for Every Dreamer and Doer Think the Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025 is a tech-only club with a secret handshake? Nope—it’s a wide-open arena, a innovation challenge that says “come as you are.” Forget the stereotypes of lab coats and algorithms—this innovation competition is for the restless, the curious, the ones who see a problem and can’t let it go. It’s not about your title—it’s about your tenacity. Who’s In? • Participants: Go it alone or rally a crew—5 max keeps it lean and mean, perfect for dividing and conquering. • Age: 16 and up, no cap—high schoolers with notebooks, grads with grit, pros with experience, all welcome (check the site for the fine print). • Location: Hong Kong’s the heart, but global players can jump in with a few eligibility hoops—details online. • Skills: Zero tech cred? No sweat. This innovation challenge competition runs on ideas, not resumes—bring a hunch, and you’re gold. Real people prove it works. Take Lily, a 17-year-old art kid who crashed a past innovation tech challenge with a doodle for a solar charger—no code, just vibes. She paired with a tech pal, hit the top 20, and now interns at a green firm. Or meet Raj, a 42-year-old teacher who’d never touched a circuit but pitched a classroom app in an innovation technology competition. He didn’t win, but a judge mentored him into a startup gig. Then there’s Mei, a 25-year-old barista who sketched a coffee-waste biofuel idea—rough, but it got her a workshop invite. This innotech challenge doesn’t gatekeep—it amplifies. The innotech competition is your megaphone, no matter where you start. You don’t need a fancy degree or a Silicon Valley zip code—just a pulse and a plan. It’s for the kid who doodles fixes in class, the office worker who dreams past 9-to-5, the parent who sees a better way. If you’ve got a “what if,” you’re already halfway there. 4. How It Works? Your Roadmap from Spark to Spotlight The Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025 isn’t a chaotic toss-up—it’s a thrilling, step-by-step ascent that turns your raw idea into a polished force. This innovation challenge isn’t about winging it; it’s a guided climb where every stage sharpens your edge and builds your story. Here’s the full trek, mile by mile: Stage 1: Registration 5. When: Doors swing open early 2025—pinpoint dates on the website, but don’t sleep on it. 6. How: Online, no fuss—drop your name, your crew (if any), and a bite-sized pitch of your brainchild. 7. Hack: Nail the essence fast: “I’ll use drones to spot flood risks in real time.” Short, punchy, unforgettable—judges skim, so make it pop. Stage 2: Preliminary Round • What: Lay out your vision—written plan, a quick sketch, or a 2-minute video you shoot on your phone. • Judging: They’re sniffing for three things in this innovation competition: Is it fresh? Can it work? Will it matter? Show ‘em all three. • Next: The best break through—dozens get the nod to level up, your first taste of “I’ve got this.” Stage 3: Semi-Finals 6. Mission: Flesh it out—detailed blueprints, maybe a prototype like a 3D-printed mockup or an app wireframe you hacked together. 7. Boost: This innovation challenge competition might toss you a lifeline—mentors who’ve been there, workshops on pitching or tech, real hands to lift you. 8. Test: It’s go time—deadlines loom, teamwork clicks (or clashes), and your idea grows legs. A past team built a water-filter jug here—crude, but it poured. Stage 4: Grand Finale • Showdown: Face-to-face pitch—5-10 minutes to sell your soul to a panel of sharp-eyed pros. • Key: Hook ‘em early, keep it tight, let your fire shine—this innovation tech challenge loves a storyteller who believes. • Finish: Curtains up—winners snag cash, glory, and a shot at the big time. Even if you don’t, you’ve got a tale for life. This isn’t a sprint—it’s a crafted journey. Registration’s your handshake, prelims your proving ground, semi-finals your workshop, and the finale your spotlight. Each step in this innovation technology competition molds you—teaching grit, teamwork, how to sell a dream. Picture a team from last year: their shaky pitch about a noise-canceling bus stop grew into a semi-final demo that wowed. The innotech challenge stretches every muscle; the innotech competition crowns your hustle. 5. What’s in It for You? Rewards That Launch Dreams The Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025 isn’t stingy—your sweat earns serious shine. This innovation challenge piles the table with goodies that don’t just pat your back but push you forward (exact haul drops online): • Cash Haul: Top spots could bag tens of thousands of HKD—real money to kickstart your next gig, fund a prototype, or just celebrate the win. • Incubation Boost: Picture this—free office digs, a mentor who’s done it, maybe a handshake with Bank of China (Hong Kong) to build your brainchild. It’s rocket fuel for dreamers. • Fame: This innovation competition isn’t quiet—your idea hits the radar of industry bigwigs, media hounds, even investors sniffing for the next unicorn. • Proof: A slick certificate, win or place—tangible cred that screams “I’m a doer” on your LinkedIn or grad school app. The Deeper Payoff: • Skills: You’ll walk away a pro—pitching to suits, prototyping under fire, skills no textbook cracks. This innovation challenge competition is your crash course. • Ties: Rub elbows with the sharpest—mentors who’ve scaled peaks, peers who spark ideas, maybe a judge who’s your next boss in this innovation tech challenge. • Purpose: Your fix for smog or scams could touch lives—thousands might breathe easier because of you in this innovation technology competition. Last year’s proof? A trio’s flood sensor flopped at a similar innotech challenge—third place—but a judge bankrolled it, and now it’s guarding villages. Another team’s traffic app didn’t podium in the innotech competition, but a startup hired them on the spot. This isn’t about a shiny cup—it’s about doors flying open, paths lighting up, futures taking shape. 6. How to Excel: Your Playbook for Standing Out Winning the Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025 isn’t a dice roll—it’s a science you can master. This innovation challenge rewards the prepared, the polished, the ones who turn “cool idea” into “must have.” Here’s your full playbook to crush it: 1. Hit a NerveZoom in tight—“How do we stop food waste in wet markets?” Pick a fight worth winning, and solve it cold. Vague loses; specific slays. 2. Scope It OutDig a little—what’s out there? A 20-minute scroll through apps or patents can make your innovation competition pitch a cut above. Know your edge—own it. 3. Spin a YarnHook ‘em hard: “Every day, kids skip meals because lunch rots—my box keeps it fresh.” Paint the pain, sell the fix—this innovation challenge competition eats stories alive. 4. Squad UpBuild a crew that clicks—pair a coder who geeks out with a designer who dreams big, toss in a talker who charms. Balance is your superpower in this innovation tech challenge. 5. Own the StagePitch like it’s your last shot—rehearse ‘til it’s muscle memory, tweak every pause, every grin. The innovation technology competition finale isn’t a chat—it’s theater. 6. Cut the FatSimple wins— “My app tracks buses” beats “a multifaceted transit solution.” Judges in this innotech challenge skim fast; don’t bury the gold. Pro Moves: • Snag every perk—webinars, mentor chats, anything the innotech competition offers. Free wisdom’s your cheat code. • Test-run it—pitch to your roommate, your dog, anyone. Fresh ears catch stumbles. • Time it—5 minutes flies; practice keeps you lean. Last year, a team nailed it with a water-purifier pitch—short, punchy, human. They’d bombed a dry run, rewrote it, and took second. Prep isn’t glamour—it’s victory. This is your shot; make it stick. 7. Why It’s Worth It: A Launchpad, Not Just a Lineup The Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025 isn’t a trophy chase—it’s a life rewrite. This innovation challenge isn’t about a moment; it’s about momentum—yours. Here’s the haul that makes it unmissable: • Mastery: You’ll crack skills that stick—pitching to stone-faced pros, prototyping with duct tape and hope, selling a vision like it’s oxygen. This innovation competition is your dojo—every round hones you sharper. • Crew: You’ll meet your people—coders who geek out with you, mentors who’ve climbed the mountain, judges who might fund your next step. This innovation challenge competition isn’t a solo gig—it’s a tribe. • Ripple: Your idea’s no paper dream— a traffic fix could unclog streets, a green tool could clear skies. Thousands might live better because you dared in this innovation tech challenge. • Fire: The grind lights you up—win or crash, you’ll itch to build more, chase harder. This innovation technology competition doesn’t end—it ignites. Real wins tell it straight. Tara’s asthma wearable flopped in a past innotech challenge—no prize—but a judge saw guts, funded it, and now it’s saving breaths. Ken’s urban farm kit tanked in an innotech competition, but a school adopted it, feeding kids daily. This isn’t about a podium—it’s about who you become, what you start, where you land. You’ll walk out tougher, sharper, unstoppable. 8. Take the Leap: Your Shot at Greatness Awaits The Bank of China Hong Kong Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025 isn’t a footnote—it’s your headline waiting to happen. This innovation challenge doesn’t whisper—it roars, daring you to dream wilder than you ever have. This innovation competition doesn’t wait—it pulls you in, demanding you act now, not later. This innovation challenge competition doesn’t limit—it lifts, giving you the tools, the stage, the shot to soar. Every piece fits— the innovation tech challenge tests your grit, the innovation technology competition sharpens your edge, the innotech challenge stretches your soul, and the innotech competition crowns your hustle. It’s not about “maybe someday”—it’s 2025, your year, your move. Hit the site (https://www.bochk.com/dam/more/bochkchallenge/2025/en.html into details, sign up, lock it in. That idea rattling in your head? It’s not noise—it’s power. Don’t let it sit, don’t let it fade—bring it here, make it real, shake the world. Join the pioneers, and let’s rewrite tomorrow, together, now. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. When’s the deadline to register for the Innovation Pioneer Challenge 2025?The exact cutoff will be posted on the official website (https://www.bochk.com/dam/more/bochkchallenge/2025/en.html), but expect it to land in early 2025—likely January or February based on past trends. Don’t procrastinate—this isn’t one of those “I’ll do it later” moments. Registration is your first step to turning a napkin sketch into a game-changer, and slots can fill fast. Last year, a similar event saw a last-minute rush that crashed the site, leaving some dreamers locked out. Set a reminder, check the site weekly, and jump in early—your idea deserves that head start. 2. Do I need tech experience for this innovation competition?Not at all—zero tech know-how is required to join the party. This competition isn’t about who can code the fastest or debug a server; it’s about who can dream the boldest. If you’ve got a killer concept—like a solar-powered trash sorter or a budget app for teens—you’re in the game. Take Lily from a past event: she was an art student who couldn’t spell “Python,” but her idea for a recycled-material craft kit got her to the semi-finals with a tech-savvy teammate. Bring your vision; the rest can follow. No experience? No problem—your creativity is the VIP pass. 3. What’s the max team size for this innovation challenge competition?The sweet spot is up to 5 members, though you’ll want to double-check the official rules online for any tweaks. Why 5? It’s the magic number—big enough to split tasks (think idea guy, tech whiz, pitch pro), but small enough to avoid chaos. Last year, a team of 4 crushed it with a smart-bike lock—each had a role, and it clicked. Too many cooks can spoil the broth, so pick a tight crew that vibes. Solo’s cool too, but a squad can amplify your shot. Head to the site to lock it in. 4. Is the innovation tech challenge all virtual?Not entirely—it’s a hybrid ride. Early rounds, like registration and prelims, are fully online, so you can submit from your couch in pajamas. Semi-finals might stay digital too, depending on logistics—think Zoom pitches or uploaded prototypes. But the grand finale? That’s likely in-person, a live showdown in Hong Kong where you face the judges, feel the buzz, and soak in the stakes. Picture this: last year’s finale had teams demoing gadgets on a stage—nerve-wracking, but electric. Check the website for the latest—travel might be on you if you’re not local, so plan ahead. 5. How much can I win in this innovation technology competition?Exact numbers are still under wraps—Bank of China (Hong Kong) likes to drop the full prize reveal closer to kickoff—so keep an eye on the site. But history hints at big stakes: past challenges dished out tens of thousands of HKD for top spots, sometimes hitting $50,000 or more for the champ. Beyond cash, you might snag incubation—free office space, mentorship, maybe a partnership deal. A team once walked away with $30,000 and a startup boost that turned their air-filter idea into a business. It’s not chump change—it’s seed money for your future. Stay tuned for the official drop. 6. Can I enter multiple ideas in this innotech challenge?Typically, it’s one idea per participant or team—focus is your friend here—but always peek at the rules online to be sure. Why the limit? Scattering your energy across three pitches risks half-baked results, and judges can smell “meh” a mile away. Pick your strongest horse and ride it hard. A duo last year tried two entries—one flopped, the other shone, but they’d have crushed it with all-in focus. If you’re bursting with concepts, save the extras for next time or tweak them into one killer hybrid. One shot, one goal—make it count. 7. Will there be mentors in the innotech competition?Most likely, yes—especially if you hit the semi-finals—but it’s not guaranteed ‘til the organizers spill the beans online. Past events offered pros who’d been there: tech founders, bank execs, even startup vets who’d pitched to sharks. They’d jump in with feedback— “Ditch the jargon,” “Show the numbers”—or hands-on help, like debugging a prototype. A team once credited a mentor for turning their shaky water-sensor pitch into a finalist. It’s not babysitting—it’s a turbo boost for your idea. Watch the site for confirmation, and prep questions if you get the chance—they’re gold. 8. What language works for my pitch?You’ve got options—English or Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin)—whatever flows best for you. The panel’s usually multilingual, so pick what lets you shine. English might flex your global vibe—handy if you’re eyeing international nods. Chinese could hit home harder with local judges, especially if your idea’s Hong Kong-rooted. A finalist once rocked a bilingual pitch—English slides, Cantonese heart—and owned the room. No pressure to flex both, though—stick to your strength. Clarity’s king, so don’t trip over a language you’re rusty in. Your call, your stage. 9. Are international entries welcome in this innovation challenge?Yes, absolutely—Hong Kong’s the hub, but the door’s cracked for global players, with a catch. You’ll need to meet eligibility rules—maybe a local tie (like a teammate here) or travel readiness for the finale. Check the site for the nitty-gritty. A UK student once joined remotely, teamed with a Hong Kong pal, and pitched via Zoom ‘til the end—made it work. It’s not wide-open borders, but it’s not closed either. If you’re overseas, start early—time zones and shipping prototypes can bite. The world’s invited; just RSVP right. 10. Is there an entry fee for this innovation competition?Usually, it’s free to jump in—no wallet hit to register or submit—but keep your eyes peeled on the website for surprises. The catch? If you’re building a prototype—like a 3D-printed gadget or app beta—that’s on your dime. A team last year spent $500 HKD on a mockup that got them to the finals—worth it, they said. Entry’s your ticket; extras are your hustle. Bank of China (Hong Kong) wants ideas, not cash, so the barrier’s low. Confirm online, budget smart, and you’re good to go.