Deadline: August 20, 2023
Applications are open for the GIST APEC Catalyst Pitch Competition 2023. This is an opportunity through the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) and the United States’ GIST Initiative, for top women climate entrepreneurs to receive expert pitch and business training, with the opportunity to present their solutions on a global stage for the chance to win generous prizes.
Catalyst has given more than 80 entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their innovation to high-impact investors, policy makers, and leaders in the U.S. private sector, while competing for generous startup resources. Launched during the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 in Hyderabad, India, the competition has been repeated in 2019 (at the GES in The Hague, Netherlands), the 2019 APEC Forum in La Serena, Chile, in 2021 at the GIST Catalyst Virtual Pitch Competition, and in Thailand in 2022 with the specific goal of uplifting and advancing women in innovation throughout the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s competition promises to continue in the footsteps of past events, offering valuable learning and networking opportunities to the participants and showcasing solutions that the world needs now.
Benefits
Up to 29 Quarterfinalist entrepreneurs will be accepted for in-person training in San Francisco, California as part of this program. Travel and accommodations will be provided. From the Quarterfinalists, 12 Semifinalists will be selected. 6 Finalists will be selected to participate in the Finals event.
Participants will receive:
- Intensive training in startup methodology & acceleration support.
- Access to business mentors.
- Opportunity to win startup resources.
- Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, government representatives, and other entrepreneurship ecosystem members.
Eligibility
The applicant must:
- Be a citizen of one of the countries below;
- Be the founder of a science/technology startup with operations in that same economy;
- Be between the age of 18-40 years old;
- Have not previously participated in in-person GIST activities such as Catalyst pitch competitions, Business Incubation, Tech-I, or Startup Trainings;
- Startups led by women, and startups that directly advance the interests of women in the economies where they operate are particularly encouraged to apply;
- This program’s location and dates are subject to change. GIST staff will inform applicants at the earliest opportunity if such changes do occur.
Eligible Countries
- Australia
- Brunei Darussalam
- Canada
- Chile
- People’s Republic of China
- Hong Kong, China
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- The Philippines
- Russia
- Singapore
- Chinese Taipei
- Thailand
- The United States
- Viet Nam
Application
For more information, visit APEC Catalyst Pitch Competition.
