KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator in China

We want to recognize today’s leading tech innovators on a local and global scale

The third annual KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator competition will recognize leading tech Innovators and future tech titans.

At KPMG Private Enterprise we understand the impact that technology trailblazers like you are having on the world. Whether yours is a pure technology company or you're tech-enabled, tech-led or tech-driven, we want to hear from you.

Following the tremendous success of the second annual competition in 2022, KPMG Private Enterprise is delighted to be back to crown the 2023 Global Tech Innovator.

You'll pitch your innovations and present your growth ambitions to a panel of industry experts.

Wherever you are in your business lifecycle — from early-stage growth to getting ready to accelerate your expansion — our aim is to help you achieve your ambition and take your business to the next level.

To get started, tell us about you, your business and your ambitions.

Do you have what it takes to win the global crown?

KPMG China, the renowned global professional services firm, has always taken a front role in supporting China’s innovative tech ecosystem. We understand the value of thriving tech trailblazers as the impetus for China's economic growth, as they help realise the great potential of China's economic development, and impress the world with premium tech solutions that carry Chinese wisdom at their heart.

Michael Jiang

Head of Clients and Markets

KPMG China

The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition is a global platform for tech trailblazers to get themselves noticed; a showcase for those with unique scientific breakthroughs, innovative ideas, and a towering ambition. Their fresh thinking breaks through boundaries, empowering them to becoming the tech moguls of the future.

Daniel Chan

Daniel Chan Head of Technology, Media and Telecommunications

KPMG China

Explore the competition and hear from past winners

Last year, KPMG Private Enterprise held the China Tech Innovator competition, which was honoured to bring together top innovative entrepreneurs. We granted awards to leading China tech start-ups in recognition of their tremendous inputs to innovation, their enormous growth potential, and their contributions to an exciting innovation environment. KPMG Private Enterprise is delighted to be back this July to crown the 2023 China Tech Innovator. We can’t wait to hear your stories, and can’t wait to work together with you to forge a vibrant innovative tech ecosystem that pushes forwards China’s high-quality economic development.

Karmen Yeung

National Head of Private Enterprise

KPMG China

Winner will represent China against the fierce competition of rivals from over 20 countries and regions. This is your chance to speak to the world, meet local and global peers and industry experts, and expand your network.

Travis Lee

Tax Partner, Private Enterprise

KPMG China

Compete on the global stage

The countries/regions/jurisdictions participating in the 2023 competition include: Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.

The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition showcases entrepreneurs across industries who are innovating to become the tech leaders of tomorrow.

Showcase yourselves

Worldwide Exposure

Feature in KPMG’s “Winners Report”, media profiles and at Web Summit roadshow and able to contact with investors and potential partners. In business and social media posts that reach your country’s tech and business influencers.

Gain Recognition

Profile your business & leverage KPMG channels locally and globally.

Building a global peer network

Connect with like-minded peers, key industry experts and influencers. Global finalists will become an alumnus/a of a growing, Global Tech Innovator Fellows’ network for high-achieving entrepreneurs to share ideas and challenges and build important connections.

Going Global

As a country winner at the final event to crown the Global Tech Innovator 2023 winner during Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

What makes a Global Tech Innovator?

Applicants are typically technology entrepreneurs who are successfully making the transition from the startup phase to the next stage in the growth of their businesses. They have developed innovative, proven technologies, established robust business models, demonstrated traction and have the potential to scale up globally.

To be eligible for the competition, you must:

Be a registered company in the country/region where the country/region final is being held
Have been actively operating for 5 years or less (in the current form)
Generate revenue between US $1 million and $15 million; or have raised at least US $500,000 in equity
Be either a pure technology or a tech-enabled, tech-driven or tech-led business
Not be majority owned by a large corporate
Be able to conduct all pitches in English
Be available to pitch at a country/region semi-final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin (if applicable)
Available to pitch virtually at a country/region final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin
If selected as a finalist, be available to pitch at the global final in November 2023

What are we looking for?

Each pitching competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts. All applications will be scored based on six, equally-weighted criteria:

Disruption and innovation
Market potential
Customer adoption
Market traction and marketing
Long-term potential
Pitch quality

The decisions of the panel will be final.

Q: How can I participate in the competition?

A: To enter the competition, you must fill out the online application form for your company before the application deadline of 11:59 PM, June 30th, China Standard Time.
Q: Who can apply?

A: Any technology entrepreneur that has operated for less than 5 years and is registered and based in China can apply. Applicants must have innovative, proven technologies, robust business models, the ability to demonstrate traction in their activities and the potential to scale up. All entrants entering the competition on behalf of the company must be residents in China and aged 18 years or over. KPMG employees and contractors are prohibited from entering the competition.
Q: When can I apply?

A: Applications are open from March 29, 2023 and close on June 30, 2023. All applications must be received by 11:59 PM, June 30th, China Standard Time.
A: Is there a limit to the number of entries?

A: During the application period, there is no limit to the number of companies that can apply, however we request that no more than one application per company is submitted.
Q: What information do I need to provide?
A: If you’d like to apply, here’s what we’ll need:
- Company details (name, address, company registration number, contact details)
- CEO, founder and management team details
- A brief description of the company, business model, any media coverage and proprietary technology (maximum of 200 words)
- Details on funding raised to date, 2022 revenue figures and projections for 2023
- A high-resolution image of your company logo

Q: How do I know if my company qualifies?

A: We aim to be as inclusive as possible; whether you’re a pure technology company or tech-enabled, tech-led, or tech-driven, we want to hear about your growth ambitions.
Q: What stage should my company be at to be considered?

A: We are looking for companies that have been operating for 5 years or less, and must have a viable product or service.

Q: What is the pitching format?

A: Each company will be given a total of approximately 5 minutes to both pitch and answer questions from a judging panel. All presentations must be in Microsoft PowerPoint or PDF file format. A detailed pack outlining requirements will be shared with shortlisted businesses when appropriate.
Q: What is the judging criteria?

A: Each pitching competition will be judged by a panel of industry and KPMG experts. All applications will be scored based on six, equally-weighted criteria. The criteria are disruption and innovation, market potential, customer adoption, market traction and marketing, long-term potential and pitch quality. The decisions of the panel will be final.

Q: What do winners get?

A: China winners will receive exposure and recognition through local media coverage and KPMG corporate channels. China winners will also be put forward as finalists in the Global Tech Innovator competition, which will take place in November 2023.
The finalists will be provided with standard class flights/travel, hotel accommodation to the final.
The prizes cannot be substituted for cash or any other alternatives.
Q: How and when will the winners be notified?

A: China winners will be notified on the day of the final. Winners will also be profiled in the KPMG “Winners Report”. The Global Tech Innovator winner will be announced on stage in person and virtually in November 2023.

Q: What are the costs involved in participation?

A: There is no charge for entering into the competition, although all costs related to attendance at the semi-final and country finals must be covered by the participants themselves, where they are being held in person. KPMG will cover the cost of standard class flights/travel, accommodation for the one member from the finalist companies who are invited to present in November.
Q: Is there any publicity involved?

A: KPMG Private Enterprise will be promoting the pitch heats alongside various partners throughout the course of the competition. By entering the competition, you agree that any personal information provided by you with your entry may be held and used by KPMG to administer the competition.

If you are a winner of the competition, you agree that KPMG may use your name, image and company branding to announce the winner of the competition and for any other reasonable and related promotional and marketing purposes.
Q: Will I receive feedback on my application?

A: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified. Due to the volume of entries received, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to each unsuccessful applicant.

We value the time and effort put into each submission and thank you for your participation.
Q: Who do I get in touch with for further information?

A: For any further information please email gti.china@kpmg.com

Global Tech Innovator winners’ report 2022

Download

About KPMG Private Enterprise

KPMG Private Enterprise advisers understand what is important to you and can help you navigate your challenges.

KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator in China

We want to recognize today’s leading tech innovators on a local and global scale

Explore the competition and hear from past winners

Compete on the global stage