The finals of the second 928 Challenge was concluded successfully at World Trade Center Macau. The entrepreneurial competition aimed to strengthen business ties and connectivity between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, promote the further development of potential start-ups and nurture business professionals.
This year’s edition was jointly organized by the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), City University of Macau, University of Macau, Macau University of Science and Technology, University of Saint Joseph, United Nations University Institute in Macau, Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, Shenzhen University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).
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At the opening ceremony of the 928 Challenge, Dr Alex Che Weng Keong, head of Technology Department of the MSAR Government Economic and Technological Development Bureau, highlighted the importance of strengthening business cooperation between Macao and the Portuguese-speaking countries. The secretary of state for Digitalization and Administrative Modernization of Portugal, Mr Mário Campolargo, contributed with opening remarks emphasizing the historical traditions between Macao, China, and Portugal and pointed out the opportunities emerging from the use of digital technologies and new forms of collaboration.
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After three weeks of training in the 928 Challenge Bootcamp, the shortlisted teams presented their proposal to the jury panel and audience worldwide at the finals, which involved in-person and virtual elements. In the Start-ups category, the OneDrop start-up from Shenzhen won the first prize with a web platform to reduce food waste. Two more start-ups from Guangzhou got the second and third prizes: Ecomel Ecological & Technology proposed an innovative filtration technology solution, and Reconnect Environmental Institute submitted an educational APP to promote sustainable behaviors. In the University category, the first place went to a team from Shenzhen University that proposed an AI-based solution to enhance oxygen generation in aquaculture. The Eduardo Mondlane University (Mozambique), won second place with a project for biogas generation from waste in poultry farms. The Beijing Foreign Studies University secured third place with a proposal to establish a multi-stakeholders association to encourage coffee culture and production in Timor-Leste.
The 928 Challenge aimed to stimulate the creation of businesses that link China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Over the last four weeks, nearly 1,250 participants representing 256 teams participated in online training to learn about economic development and business opportunities on two sides.
This year’s edition was divided into two stages. First, thirty-five mentors and judges rated the best 16 projects (equal number from the University category and the Start-ups category) for the finals among 180 teams that submitted their business pitches at the end of the Bootcamp. Then, ten judges voted to choose the best teams during the finals.
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The 928 Challenge organizers viewed the contribution of Macao to the development of business between China and Portuguese-speaking countries as a concept that would need further collaboration and action among various stakeholders not only in Macao but also in mainland China and all other countries. The success of the second edition of the 928 Challenge was due to the support of the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao) and the MSAR Government Economic and Technological Development Bureau, as well as the critical generosity of private sector sponsors: Galaxy Entertainment Group, ISA TanTec, Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), Millenium BCP, Luso Bank International, Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM), CESL Asia, MdME lawyers, C&C Lawyers, and Fidelidade Macau.
Source: Faculty of Business
