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Where deep-tech meets impact: bridging the gap from lab to market

The 2026 EQT Impact Challenge is calling early-stage founders within climate and health working on building breakthrough solutions. Win a €500,000 (HK$4,500,000) investment and gain access to EQT’s global network.

Key Stages

What is EQT Impact Challenge?

The EQT Impact Challenge is a start-up competition designed to identify and support ambitious entrepreneurs addressing some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. Backed by global private markets firm, EQT and their philanthropic arm, EQT Foundation, the initiative provides funding, mentorship, and access to EQT’s global network to help founders turn promising ideas into scalable businesses.

Purpose

Innovation and strong company building are key drivers of long-term economic growth. The EQT Impact Challenge aims to create a platform that supports and amplifies high-potential ideas with the potential for a clear positive impact. The initiative brings together a diverse group of founders and early-stage companies united by a shared ambition to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive society. By combining EQT’s operational expertise with access to capital and networks, the challenge seeks to help close early-stage funding gaps and accelerate the development of impactful solutions.

What We Mean by Deep-tech

Physical systems at prototype stage with demonstrable hardware
Novel scientific principles with high R&D intensity
Patented or patent-pending materials science innovations
Innovative biotechnology platforms
University spin-outs with peer-reviewed scientific foundations

Software-enabled hardware systems with physical device components
Digital health platforms incorporating medical hardware
AI systems specifically designed to drive outcomes in the physical world

Pure software applications or SaaS models
Digital marketplaces with no hardware integration
Platforms lacking significant core scientific innovation

Investment Criteria

We are currently searching for candidates that fall into the categories below. You are a strong candidate if you are:

Focus areas:
Climate and Nature, Health and Well-being

We focus on start-ups operating within climate and health, particularly those developing deep-tech or novel solutions. We are looking for founders building differentiated technologies with the potential to drive meaningful, lasting impact for both society and the environment.

Stage:
Pre-seed to Seed, with selective Series A consideration

Companies should be at an early stage of their funding journey, typically raising pre-seed or seed rounds. Select Series A companies may also be considered where there is strong alignment.

Researchers, University Founders and academic spin-out teams

We understand the university pipeline and the journey from research to impact. We believe that strong science matters most, which is why you do not need prior commercial or start-up experience to apply.

Key Benefits

Through the EQT Impact Challenge, EQT reinforces its commitment to supporting innovative, scalable businesses with the potential to create lasting impact.

Access to Impactful Investment

The winning start-up receives a €500,000 investment from the EQT Foundation to support its next stage of growth.

Operational Expertise & Network

The winner gains access to EQT’s global network, including more than 600 Industrial Advisors and 300+ portfolio companies, providing valuable mentorship, insights, and connections.

Media Exposure in SCMP

The winner, along with the top five finalists, will be featured in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), one of Hong Kong’s leading news publications.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

I am a solopreneur – is it okay to apply?
Yes it is possible to apply if you are a solopreneur. The main criteria for applying is that your start-up has a breakthrough idea within the thematic areas of climate and health (in any sectors).

Is it possible for in-house ventures to apply?
Yes, it is possible for in-house ventures to apply. Please note if chosen to proceed, that your start-up will not be judged by the venture house it belongs to.

I haven’t gotten any investments from VC’s, but I have gotten multiple grants and cash awards from government and organizations. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, you are still eligible to apply.

I am scheduled to receive funding from another VC in the coming months – is it okay for me to apply?
Yes, you can still apply.

Where can I reach out if I have more questions related to EQT Impact Challenge?
Please feel free to reach out to foundation@eqtpartners.com

When is the exact deadline for the application?
The final application deadline is on Friday June 26.

If I make it to the top ten, I see that applicants are requested to record and submit an elevator pitch. When is this expected to take place?
Applicants will record and submit their elevator pitch during July.

How can I know that my application has been correctly registered?
You will receive an email confirmation.

Can I submit additional resources (links, pdf files, pictures, videos, etc) to provide more information on my start-up?
Yes, you can submit additional material if you believe that it is of assistance to your application.

How are you planning to control potential unfair advantage of the participants who have acquired funding / previously bonded with the judges of the competition?
If a participant has previously received funding or bonded with a judge at the competition, they will not be awarded points by that particular judge. The remaining judges will vote and the average will be calculated against other competitors to allow for fairness in the judging process.

Does the founder/CEO have to be the one to pitch & participate at all times?
No, the founder/CEO does not have to be the one to pitch and participate at all times during the pitch competition.

Do I have to pitch in English?
Yes, the entire process will be conducted in English.

Start-ups seeking funding, visibility, and strategic guidance can apply for a chance to be part of this exclusive program. The jury panel, including members of EQT, the EQT Foundation, and media partner, the South China Morning Post, as well as esteemed business leaders and entrepreneurs, will evaluate submissions, narrowing the pool to five standout start-ups.

The top five finalists will receive hands-on coaching from EQT’s seasoned investment professionals, equipping them with the skills to deliver compelling investor pitches. They will also gain high-profile media exposure, including elevator pitch videos featured in the SCMP and related microsite and social media platforms

The top five finalists will compete in an exhilarating public voting showdown on this microsite, the one with the highest number of votes will be awarded extra scores at the Grand Finale.

The competition culminates in a high-profile event where the Final Five start-ups will present their pitches to a jury of prominent figures from Hong Kong’s investment and entrepreneurial community. A final vote will determine a single winner.