![[ Macau Business ] Hopefully 928 Challenge startup university competition could become annual fixture – Founders](https://929challenge.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screen-Shot-2021-08-23-at-3.32.17-PM-696x261-1.png)
The organisers of the 928 Challenge startup university competition have indicated to Macau New Agency that they hope the event can become an annual fixture after its first edition scheduled for this year.
The first competition between university students from China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, the 928 Challenge is jointly organized by the City University of Macau, Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macao), United Nations University Institute of Macau, Shenzhen University.
“The pandemic accelerated digital communication, and we leveraged this opportunity to strengthen the network of universities in China and Portuguese-speaking countries with different time zones,” the founder indicated to MNA.
“The event’s theme is sustainability, and the teams will have the opportunity to interact with experts from various countries during the two-week online Bootcamp.”
The competition expects to include a minimum of 100 students with around 16 teams to qualify for the final, with selected student teams with about 4 to 6 members will take part in a two-week online boot camp and be asked to create business plans that promote sustainability and cooperation between China and Lusophone countries.
Third, second and first prizes will go from MOP5,000, MOP7,000, MOP10,000.
The registration deadline will end on September 30, 2021, with the online boot camp held between October 4 to 14, the business plan submission deadline on October 18 and the final pitch session between October 21 and 23.
The University competition Business Startup Pitching will take place at the 26nd Macau International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), Convention and Exhibition Center at The Venetian- Resort- Macau.
According to José Alves and Marco Duarte Rizzolio, co-founders of the 928 Challenge, the goals of the event include disseminating knowledge about the business environment in the Greater Bay Area and Portuguese Speaking Countries”, deepen academic collaborations between universities and identify startup projects with the potential to be implemented and supported by investors
The founder underlined that universities are particularly attracted by the entrepreneurship potential in the Greater Bay Area and the opportunity to learn about Lusophone markets, with considerable support provided by the Macau Forum and business sponsors since the first day.
This competition is supported by BNU Banco National Ultramarino, Fidelidade Macau, CESL Asia, CEM Companhia de Eletricidade de Macau, Millenium BCP, MdME Lawyers, Luso International Bank, and Bank of China.
“They all share the same vision that Macau has a unique position to bridge China and Portuguese-speaking markets. […] They see the 928 competition as a strategic opportunity to expose students to international experiences and establish formal agreements,” the founders added.