929 Challenge expands into AIE Expo, deepening China–Lusophone startup links

On the Agenda

The 929 Challenge will hold its sixth edition finals inside a major regional technology exhibition for the first time, organizers said.

The startup competition, which connects China and Portuguese-speaking countries, will take place Dec. 3-4 at the Cotai Expo in The Venetian Macao as part of AIE Expo 2026.

AIE Expo 2026 will run as a dual-venue event across Macau and Zhuhai, focusing on artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and electronics.

Organizers said hosting the finals within the expo is expected to give startups direct exposure to more than 900 exhibitors and 50,000 professional visitors across sectors including robotics, digital health, and consumer electronics.

“This edition marks a strategic leap forward,” said Alexandre Leitão, Portugal’s consul general in Macau and Hong Kong, speaking at a recent press conference.

Leitão also described the initiative as a concrete expression of Macau’s role as a commercial platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

He said it aligns with broader policy priorities under the Forum for Economic and Commercial Cooperation.

Marco Duarte Rizzolio, co-founder of the 929 Challenge, said the program addresses challenges startups face when entering the Chinese market.

Rizzolio said the goal is to move from pitch to real business, real partners, and real customers, emphasizing that the initiative differs from a traditional incubator and focuses on execution and measurable outcomes. He added that the four-month program is expected to begin with its first cohort in early 2027 and will provide mentorship, market strategy support, and targeted business matching in the Greater Bay Area.

Organizers said that since its launch in 2021, the 929 Challenge has attracted 1,420 teams and more than 6,000 participants. Finalists have come from seven countries, including Angola, Brazil, and Portugal.

They also reported that more than 600 mentoring sessions have been delivered. Rizzolio said 57 startups received offers from Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, with several entering ideation programs and securing initial funding.

This year’s integration with AIE Expo is intended to address a common gap in startup competitions, namely limited traction after events conclude. By placing finalists within a large industry exhibition, organizers aim to facilitate direct engagement with corporate partners, investors, and supply chains.

Cai Bingcan, a representative from AIE Expo, said the partnership will connect innovation with industry by combining exhibition platforms with entrepreneurship programs. The event will include two exhibition zones, with Zhuhai focusing on trade and procurement and Macau hosting forums and product launches.

Local academic institutions support entrepreneurship

During the press conference, Elaine Leung, head of the University of Macau’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said a new Big Health Accelerator Program has received 39 applications this year, reflecting a strengthening startup ecosystem.

Fernando Lourenço, an associate professor at the Macao University of Tourism, said entrepreneurship education is placing greater emphasis on problem-solving and sustainability rather than purely commercial outcomes. He said the goal is “not only to generate profit” but also to address “real-world challenges” through business development.

Applications for the 2026 edition open June 6 and close Oct. 9, followed by a boot camp in mid-October.

The program includes separate tracks for startups and universities and will conclude with a final competition offering USD40,000 in awards, along with access to a soft-landing program in cities across the Greater Bay Area.

Leitão said the challenge reflects growing alignment between policy and entrepreneurship, particularly following recent engagements between Macau and Portugal. He said continued collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector is essential to turn initiatives into measurable outcomes.

The 2025 edition drew more than 400 participants and was described by organizers as the strongest to date. Several startups entered investment discussions and formed partnerships following the event.