The 929 Challenge is an international startup competition that connects entrepreneurs from Portuguese-speaking countries with China's innovation ecosystem through Macau. The name represents 9 cities in the Greater Bay Area, 2 Special Administrative Regions (Macau and Hong Kong), and 9 Portuguese-speaking countries. Established in 2021, it is managed by the Association for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Macau — China and Portuguese Speaking Countries (AEIMCP) and co-organised by the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macau and the Sino Lusophone Association for Sustainability. The programme includes an online Bootcamp, a pitch competition, a 929 Acceleration Program, and a fully sponsored 10-day Soft Landing Program in Macau and the Greater Bay Area for 16 finalists.
The 929 Challenge pursues three core objectives. First, it disseminates knowledge about the business environment in the Greater Bay Area and Portuguese-speaking countries. Second, it develops networking and collaboration between entrepreneurship ecosystems including incubators, accelerators, universities, public institutions, private companies, investors, and mentors. Third, it identifies startup projects with the potential to be implemented and supported by investors in Macau, the GBA, or Portuguese-speaking countries. The program directly supports Macau's role as a platform for business cooperation between China and the Lusophone world.
The programme is managed by AEIMCP (Association for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Macau — China and Portuguese Speaking Countries). Financial support comes from the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) of the Macao SAR Government through the Industrial and Commercial Development Fund.
The 929 Challenge covers the 9 cities of China's Greater Bay Area (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing), the 2 Special Administrative Regions (Macau and Hong Kong), and the 9 Portuguese-speaking countries (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste). Chinese teams from other regions can also participate.
No. Participation in the Bootcamp and competition is completely free. If selected as a finalist, the organisation covers international flights, accommodation, local transportation, and all programme activities in Macau and the Greater Bay Area.
The program operates in English. Bootcamp sessions, mentoring, and communications can be available in English, Portuguese, and Chinese.
The competition is open to entrepreneurs and teams from Portuguese-speaking countries, Macau, Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area. We welcome startups at early to growth stage as well as university students and researchers. There is no restriction on nationality, what matters is that the startup makes the bridge between the Lusophone world or the China GBA, and a genuine interest in cross-border market expansion.
Yes. The 929 Challenge operates across two categories. The Startups category enables companies to connect with investors and explore international expansion through Macau. This accommodates both Portuguese-speaking startups seeking entry into China and Chinese startups looking to access Lusophone markets. The Universities category functions as an educational platform for entrepreneurship, equipping students and researchers with essential skills in creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, pitching, and calculated risk-taking.
Teams must have a defined business idea, early-stage venture or scael up venture. There is no requirement for revenue, incorporation, or minimum viable product. However, teams should be able to articulate their value proposition, target market, and a basic go-to-market strategy. Teams can be composed of one or more members. Both individual founders and teams are welcome.
No. The 929 Challenge is sector-agnostic. We welcome startups from all industries including but not limited to technology, biotechnology, health, fintech, agri-tech, AI, cleantech, education, entertainment, e-commerce, sustainability, and manufacturing. Previous finalists have covered areas such as circular bio-economy, sustainable aquaculture, AI compliance, content technology, communication platforms, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Applications are now open. The deadline to apply is October 10, 2026 at 23:59 PM in your local time zone. Teams register through the official 929 Challenge website. If you have any queries please contact us info@929challenge.org
You will need to provide basic information about your team, your business idea, and your country of origin.
Applications Open: Now
Application Deadline: October 10, 2026 (23:59 PM your local time zone)
Bootcamp Week 1 — Hands-On Workshops: October 12–16, 2026
Bootcamp Week 2 — Mentoring Sessions: October 19–24, 2026
Pitch Submission Deadline: To be confirmed after Bootcamp
Evaluation Period: October–November 2026
Announcement of 16 Finalists: November 2026
Soft Landing Program (10 days): Late November–December 2026
Finals & 929 Summit at AIE Expo, Cotai Expo: December 3–4, 2026
The Bootcamp is a comprehensive two-week online training programme running from October 12 to 24, 2026. It is divided into two distinct phases. Week 1 (October 12–16) is the Hands-On phase, featuring intensive workshops on core business topics such as business planning, customer segmentation, go-to-market strategies, pitching, and market insights across China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Week 2 (October 19–24) is dedicated to one-on-one Mentoring Sessions, where teams receive personalised guidance from experienced mentors matched to their sector and specific needs.
The Bootcamp curriculum covers core entrepreneurship competencies including startup formation and team building, ideation and opportunity validation, customer development and market research, value proposition design, go-to-market strategy, product-market fit assessment, pitching techniques and storytelling, marketing fundamentals for early-stage ventures, and financial planning and unit economics. Participants also receive market-specific insights about the business environments in China, Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste, including regulatory considerations for cross-border expansion and cultural factors affecting market entry.
The Bootcamp is delivered online. Access details and links will be shared with registered participants via email before the programme begins. No special software purchase is required.
The organisation uses Tencent Meeting / VooV Meeting for live sessions. Communication with participants happens through email, WhatsApp groups, and WeChat groups. You will be added to the relevant communication channels upon registration.
Yes. All Bootcamp materials, including presentations and session recordings, are made available to registered participants through a shared drive. Access details are provided during the programme.
During the second week (October 19–24), participants have one-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced professionals from the 929 Challenge mentor network of more than 100 mentors. These include successful entrepreneurs, investors, corporate executives, and academics from Macau, the Greater Bay Area, and Portuguese-speaking countries. Sessions are matched based on your sector, stage, and specific needs. The organising team coordinates more than 200 mentoring sessions during this week.
Mentoring sessions are available during the designated mentoring days (October 19–24). You should book your preferred time and indicate your language preference (English or Portuguese) in advance. Appointments can be made through the Tencent/VooV chat function, by email at info@929challenge.org, or via WeChat or WhatsApp message to the organising team.
Yes. Participation in the Bootcamp is a requirement for being considered for the finals. Teams must engage with the programme and complete the required milestones before submitting their final pitch materials.
After completing the Bootcamp, teams must submit two items by email to info@929challenge.org or via the designated shared drive:
1. A pitch deck (presentation slides in PDF or PowerPoint format).
2. A video pitch presenting the pitch deck (maximum 10 minutes) uploaded to Google Drive, Baidu Drive, or the shared drive provided by the 929 Challenge.
The exact submission deadline will be communicated to participants during the Bootcamp.
A pitch deck is a visual presentation (typically 10–15 slides) that summarises your business idea, the problem you solve, your solution, target market, business model, competitive advantage, team, traction (if any), financial projections, and what you are asking for (investment, partnership, market access). It should tell a clear, compelling story about your venture.
The pitch deck and video presentation must be in English. You may include Portuguese subtitles or notes, but the primary language of evaluation is English.
The video pitch must not exceed 10 minutes. We recommend using the full time to explain your venture clearly and demonstrate your presentation skills. The video should show the presenter(s) and the pitch deck slides.
At least one team member must present. You may have multiple presenters if you wish, but this is not required.
The video should be in a standard format (MP4, MOV, or similar). It must be uploaded to a cloud service (Google Drive, Baidu Drive, or a link provided by the organisation) with sharing permissions enabled. Do not send the video file directly by email. We will provide a drive for submission.
After the submission deadline, all entries are reviewed and scored by the 929 Challenge organising committee and judging panel using standardised evaluation criteria. The evaluation considers both the pitch deck content and the video presentation delivery. The top 16 teams (across both Startups and Universities categories) are selected as finalists and invited to Macau for the 10-day Soft Landing Program and Grand Finals at the AIE Expo.
Teams are evaluated on the cross-border link between China and one of Portuguese Portuguese-speaking countries, on all the following criteria:
Problem and Solution (20%): Is the problem clearly identified and significant? Is the proposed solution compelling, feasible, and differentiated from existing alternatives?
Market Opportunity (20%): Is the target market well defined? Is the market large enough to support a scalable business? Does the team demonstrate understanding of their customer segments?
Business Model and Go-to-Market Strategy (20%): Is the revenue model clear and viable? Does the team have a realistic plan to acquire customers and enter the market? Is there a clear path to sustainability?
Team (15%): Does the team have the relevant skills, experience, and commitment to execute the idea? Is the team composition balanced and complementary?
Innovation and Differentiation (10%): Does the idea introduce a novel approach, technology, or business model? What is the competitive advantage over existing solutions?
Traction and Validation (5%): Has the team achieved any milestones such as customer validation, revenue, pilots, partnerships, or letters of intent? Early-stage ventures without traction are not penalised, but evidence of validation is valued.
Cross-Border Potential (5%): Does the startup demonstrate potential for expansion between Portuguese-speaking markets and China/GBA? Is there a clear reason why Macau and the GBA are relevant for this venture?
Pitch Quality (5%): Is the presentation clear, structured, and persuasive? Does the presenter communicate with confidence and clarity?
The 16 finalists are announced on the 15 th November 2026 after the evaluation period is complete. All applicants are notified by email and in group chats. Finalists receive detailed instructions about the Soft Landing Program, travel logistics, and finals preparation.
The top 6 winners (3 in the Startups category and 3 in the Universities category) share a total prize pool of USD 40,000 in seed funding. In addition to monetary prizes, winners receive mentorship support, media coverage, and ecosystem recognition. The exact distribution per place will be announced before the Finals.
Yes. Special awards may be given for specific achievements such as Best Business Model, Best Innovation, or Best Social Impact. These additional recognitions are announced during the Grand Finals ceremony at the AIE Expo.
Yes. The 929 Challenge has relationships with several strategic partners that will offer opportunities to finalists. The 929 Challenge has several formal partnerships with different science parks and incubators in China. Additionally, the top 16 finalists will be invited to a fast-track pathway into the programs in the Greater Bay Area of China. Scale-up startups may qualify for several acceleration programs in Macau, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, which includes potential investment from Venture Capital investment firms. To be eligible, startups must create a company in Macau, Hong Kong or China — though residency is not required.
The 929 Acceleration Program is a new initiative in 2026 that supports startups beyond the pitch stage. It provides clear market entry strategies and investor readiness training specifically tailored for China. This programme helps founders understand the Chinese investment landscape, prepare for due diligence, structure their approach to GBA entry, and build the commercial relationships needed to succeed in the region.
Details on eligibility and selection for the Acceleration Program will be communicated to participants during the competition cycle. The programme is designed for startups that demonstrate strong cross-border potential and readiness to take concrete steps toward market entry in China through Macau.
The Soft Landing Program is a fully sponsored 10-day immersion experience in Macau and the Greater Bay Area for the 16 finalist teams that come from the Portuguese Sepaking Countries. It is designed to go far beyond a traditional pitch competition. Finalists experience the regional business ecosystem firsthand, build meaningful connections, and gain practical pathways to R&D centres, prototyping facilities, business matching, and local investment.
The programme includes:
Multi-city ecosystem tours: Visits to strategic innovation locations across the Greater Bay Area including Hong Kong Science, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and other innovation centres.
Corporate visits: Behind-the-scenes access to leading technology companies (past visits have included Tencent, DJI, BYD, Ehang, and Minotech — companies visited may vary each edition).
Curated business meetings: Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with potential customers, strategic partners, distributors, manufacturers, prototyping facilities, and investors, matched to each startup's sector and needs.
Direct routes to R&D and prototyping: Introductions to research and development centres and manufacturing partners for startups seeking to source components, develop prototypes, or establish supply chain relationships.
Mentoring sessions: Personalised guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry veterans on market positioning, go-to-market strategies, and cultural considerations.
Government engagement: Introductions to relevant government departments responsible for trade, innovation, and foreign investment.
929 Summit at AIE Expo (December 3–4, 2026): This year the finals move inside the AIE Expo at Cotai Expo. Startups will pitch alongside 900 Chinese and global tech exhibitors and 50,000 professional buyers, providing unprecedented market exposure.
Grand Finals: The pitch competition before a panel of investors, industry experts, and business leaders, held within the AIE Expo environment.
Networking events: Both formal and informal opportunities to connect with the broader innovation community, exhibitors, and professional buyers at the AIE Expo.
The 929 Challenge will pay for international flights, hotel accommodation in Macau and local transportation throughout the finals. Finalists are responsible for their own personal expenses, travel insurance, and visa fees (if applicable).
To be confirmed by the organising team.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Macau grants visa-free access to passport holders from many countries including Portugal, Brazil, and most EU nations (typically 30–90 days). Citizens of some countries may require a visa-on-arrival or pre-arranged visa. The organising team will provide guidance and support letters for visa applications where needed. Finalists should verify their specific visa requirements well in advance. Note that visits to mainland China (Shenzhen, Guangzhou) may require an additional visa — the team will assist with this process.
We recommend finalists prepare the following before arrival: download and set up WeChat (essential for communication in China), set up WeChat Pay or Alipay (for cashless payments, which are standard across China), bring a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, carry some local currency (MOP/HKD/RMB) for small expenses, and familiarise yourself with basic cultural norms for business interactions in China. The organising team will share a practical travel guide with finalists before departure.
The Grand Finals and 929 Summit take place on December 3–4, 2026 at the AIE Expo, Cotai Expo in Macao SAR, China. Finalists pitch inside one of Asia's largest technology exhibitions alongside 900 Chinese and global tech exhibitors and 50,000 professional buyers.
Each finalist presents their pitch to a live panel of judges. The presentation format includes a set time for pitching followed by Q&A from the judges. Detailed briefing on format, timing, and logistics is provided to finalists well in advance.
The judging panel comprises investors and corporate leaders, from Macau, the Greater Bay Area. The full panel is announced before the event.
The AIE Expo at Cotai Expo is a major international technology exhibition. It brings together 900 Chinese and global tech exhibitors and attracts 50,000 professional buyers. 929 Challenge finalists gain direct access to potential partners, distributors, investors, and customers who are actively looking for innovative solutions. This is a unique opportunity for visibility and deal-making that goes far beyond a traditional startup competition.
The event takes place within the AIE Expo, which is a professional trade exhibition. The event receives coverage from local and international media.
As the finals are held within the AIE Expo, attendance is subject to expo registration policies. Details will be shared closer to the event date. Interested parties should contact info@929challenge.org for more information.
After the Finals, the organising team continues to support finalists and winners through the 929 Acceleration Program, follow-up introductions, connections to science parks (HKSTP, Qianhai), investor matching, and ecosystem referrals. The 929 Challenge is developing a formal alumni network and post-programme mentorship structure to sustain momentum between editions.
Certificates of participation are awarded to the Top 50 teams selected by the evaluation committee. Not all applicants receive a certificate — only those who rank in the top 50 after the evaluation process. Finalists and winners receive additional certificates recognising their achievement.
Yes. The 929 Challenge has established partnerships several Science and Technology Parks. Selected finalists receive direct introductions and, where eligible, fast-track access to incubation and ideation programmes. Eligibility criteria vary by partner.
You can reach the organising team through:
- Email: info@929challenge.org
- WeChat: 929 Challenge
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/929-challenge
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/929.startup.competition/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/929challenge
Follow us on our official social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, WeChat) and visit our website for the latest announcements, deadlines, and programme updates.