Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that applications are now open for the ninth edition of the Global Fast Track (GFT) 2026 until September 25.
For the first time, the flagship initiative will cover eight major verticals and introduce a new Online Market Readiness Programme, alongside an upgraded pitching competition.
These enhancements provide a platform for innovative technology companies to showcase their solutions, while offering more diverse and flexible pathways to leverage Hong Kong as a launchpad for expansion into Asian and international markets.
Anchored around Hong Kong Fintech Week x StartmeupHK 2026, the programme offers participating companies tailored business matching, one-on-one meetings with corporates, investors and community partners, live pitching opportunities, mentorship and market-entry support to scale their innovations.
The Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech and Sustainability at InvestHK, King Leung, shared,
“Every year, the Global Fast Track continues to impress with the quality and diversity in innovative global solutions spanning fintech and a wide spectrum of cutting-edge technologies. As Hong Kong continues to strengthen its role as an international financial and technology hub, GFT 2026 reflects our long-standing commitment to facilitating cross-border collaboration and sustainable growth.”
“By bringing together global, Chinese Mainland and local innovators with investors, corporates, and service and community partners, GFT has proven to be a powerful platform for validating solutions, forging commercial partnerships and supporting companies as they expand into Asia and beyond.”
The Head of Startups at InvestHK, Jayne Chan, added,
“We are excited to see innovations from a wider spectrum of technology sectors, and to provide founders with a clear and comprehensive pathway to market readiness, visibility and meaningful engagement with decision-makers. Hong Kong offers a unique environment for ambitious companies to test, refine and scale their innovation for international growth.”
“With the expansion into more verticals and the introduction of new programme features, GFT 2026 opens up even more opportunities for startups and scaleups to bring bold ideas to life.”
Eight Verticals Powering the Next Wave of Cross-Industry Innovation
GFT 2026 features its largest and most diverse lineup of verticals to date, reflecting the growing convergence of innovation across industries:
- Fintech & Insurtech
- Applied AI for Financial Services
- Green Fintech, Sustainability & Greentech
- Blockchain & Digital Assets
- Healthtech & Life Sciences
- AI & Robotics
- Proptech & Transport
- Consumer, Hospitalitytech & Creative Industries
New Features Strengthen Market Readiness and Global Exposure
GFT 2026 introduces several new programmes designed to enhance market readiness and maximise exposure for participating companies:
Online Market Readiness Programme
New to Global Fast Track 2026, the Online Market Readiness Programme is a virtual initiative designed to better prepare participants for market entry and engagement through Hong Kong.
Conducted ahead of the in-person programme in Hong Kong, it equips startups and scaleups with practical insights on investor engagement, corporate collaboration, the Hong Kong market landscape, regulatory and licensing considerations, and pitch refinement.
Delivered through closed-door discovery sessions, roundtable discussion, and expert-led coaching, and supported by experienced ecosystem partners including Accenture Fintech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific, Felix Strategic Investments, Orange Juice Ventures, AFG Partners, Forms Syntron Information (HK) Limited and MilestoneThree, the programme provides participants with early exposure to Hong Kong’s innovation, investment and corporate landscape, and the commercial readiness needed to maximise opportunities during the programme and beyond.
Enhanced Pitching Competition Platform
The GFT Pitching Competition 2026 has been further enhanced to offer more pitching opportunities and more flexible pathways to the grand finale.
The new virtual qualifier rounds, held between April and September, allow companies to pitch online to potential investors and customers in Hong Kong without the need to travel, expanding their early visibility and access to the ecosystem.
In addition, companies securing a start-up exhibition booth at Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 will be eligible to take part in quick-fire pitches in the main conference, providing another route to reach the semi-finals.
From these quick-fire sessions, the top-scoring companies will advance to a mixed-vertical semi-final, and participate in live semi-finals and grand finale during the main conference, offering innovators high-visibility exposure to senior decision-makers.
Beyond the pitching competition itself, all shortlisted companies will have the opportunity to run live product demonstrations on site in front of global audiences, corporates and investors during Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026.
Through these enhancements, GFT 2026 provides a more flexible and accessible pathway for companies at different stages of international growth to engage with Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Since its inception, GFT has supported over 1 000 companies from more than 70 economies, providing meaningful exposure to a regional network of corporates, investors, professional service providers and community partners.
Leveraging Hong Kong’s strong connectivity with the Chinese Mainland and global markets, the programme further reinforces the city’s role as a two-way hub for investment and innovation, helping global startups enter Asian markets via Hong Kong, while supporting Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland companies in expanding internationally.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by InvestHK
