The 45th HKTDC Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) 2025, held from October 13 to 16 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), once again proved to be a dynamic convergence of innovation, entrepreneurship, and global collaboration. The four-day concurrent events attracted some 60,000 industry buyers from 142 countries and regions. The number of buyers from Spain, Japan, Brazil and Australia increased last year, reflecting the status of the fairs as important sourcing platforms for the industry, helping exhibitors expand their international markets and yielding positive business results.
In last month’s Policy Address, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region proposed promoting artificial intelligence (AI) as a core industry for the city’s development. Aligning with this direction, this year’s Autumn Electronics Fair focused on three major areas: AI and Robotics Technology, Digital Entertainment, and the Silver Economy. The fair featured multiple themed zones and professional forums, allowing industry players to showcase innovations and exchange ideas on technology applications, and leveraging Hong Kong’s role as an international business platform to help enterprises seize emerging global opportunities.
Among the fair’s many highlights, the Startup Zone stood out as a buzzing centre of creativity and inspiration. This dedicated area brought together emerging ventures from diverse technology sectors, offering them a platform to showcase innovations, connect with investors, and engage in insightful conversations about the future of entrepreneurship. The zone’s energetic atmosphere reflected the evolving spirit of the global startup ecosystem—where bold ideas meet real-world impact.
Jumpstart Pavilion: A Hub for Emerging Founders
This year, Jumpstart, a leading ecosystem builder and startup media platform, played a significant role in spotlighting entrepreneurial talent through its Jumpstart Pavilion. The pavilion featured several promising startups that exemplified Hong Kong’s growing potential as a launchpad for technology-driven ventures:
- E2 – FireAlert
- E4 – Synergy (HomeDash)
- E6 – Cresento Limited
- E8 – ConnectAR
- E10 – Apsara Digital (Hermessi)
Each team showcased unique innovations ranging from smart safety technologies to immersive AR experiences, reflecting the diversity and ingenuity of the city’s tech community.
Adding to the excitement, Jumpstart hosted an engaging panel discussion titled “Grit, Gut, or Genius? Cracking the Code of Founder Success,” moderated by James Kwan, a well-known figure in the Hong Kong startup community. The session delved deep into the psychology and human traits behind entrepreneurial success—posing a timeless question: What does it really take to succeed as a founder—relentless grit, sharp instinct, or raw intelligence?
Grit, Gut, or Genius? Cracking the Code of Founder Success
The panel brought together leading founders who shared their firsthand experiences of navigating uncertainty, scaling fast, and making tough decisions under pressure. Panelists included Mr Eddie Lee, Founder and CEO of HomeDash, Mr Struan Gerard Dsouza, Founder of Cresento Limited, and Mr Ho Yin, Founder of Hermessi—three entrepreneurs representing the diversity and resilience of Hong Kong’s startup scene.
Through thought-provoking dialogue, the panel explored whether success in entrepreneurship is born from resilience, intuition, or brilliance. The conversation examined critical questions such as: Are successful founders born or made? Can grit be learned? Should data always trump gut instinct? And is genius about IQ, creativity, or pattern recognition?
The discussion sparked lively debate and candid storytelling, with founders sharing moments when their instincts led to breakthroughs—and when overconfidence or hesitation set them back. Eddie Lee reflected on the importance of perseverance during HomeDash’s early product development stages, emphasizing that “grit is the fuel that keeps you moving when logic tells you to stop.” Struan Dsouza discussed the balance between vision and adaptability, while Ho Yin highlighted creativity as the lifeblood of sustained innovation.
The audience left inspired by the authenticity and vulnerability of the conversation. Whether attendees were first-time founders or seasoned investors, the panel offered valuable takeaways about the personal growth journey behind every successful startup.
Startup Smart Launch: A Platform for Pitching Potential
Another major attraction within the Startup Zone was the Startup Smart Launch, where innovative startups pitched their ventures live to a panel of investors and an engaged audience. The event provided an excellent opportunity for founders to test their ideas, receive real-time feedback, and build relationships with potential backers.
The pitching sessions captured the excitement and ambition that define Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial community. Startups from diverse sectors—ranging from consumer tech and sustainability to AI and smart living—showcased how technology can solve pressing problems and create meaningful change.
Jumpstart Pavilion Teams Make Their Mark
The Jumpstart Pavilion saw several of its resident startups make significant strides at the fair. Among them, HomeDash, led by Eddie Lee, achieved a notable milestone by advancing to the finals of “The 10th Hong Kong Value Creation for Technology Pitching Competition.” The recognition underscored HomeDash’s innovative approach to home solutions and its growing influence in the local startup ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Cresento Limited, founded by Struan Dsouza, participated in the Hong Kong Tech Showcase held in the Tech Hall, HKCEC Convention Hall Foyer (Booth CH-E06). The company displayed its AI-enabled smart wearable shin guard, combining advanced wearable technology with artificial intelligence for safety and performance optimization—an innovation that drew significant attention from visitors and investors alike.
A Year of Momentum and Meaning
The 2025 edition of the HKTDC Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) showcased more than just technological advancements—it celebrated the resilience, adaptability, and creativity of today’s entrepreneurs. The Startup Zone emerged as a testament to how collaboration between organizations like HKTDC and Jumpstart continues to drive Hong Kong’s innovation narrative forward.
