The AI International Pioneer Awards Launches at Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2026, Opening Worldwide Recruitment
HONG KONG — The AI International Pioneer Awards officially launched today during the Web3 Festival 2026 Hong Kong, marking the start of global registration for what is poised to become Asia’s largest AI innovation competition. The launch ceremony was attended by Mr. Kenneth Lau, Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, who expressed strong support for the initiative.
Organized by HK.AI Capital Limited (01140.HK), GoFin-tech Quantum Innovation Limited (00290.HK), the competition is initiated by a consortium of leading academic institutions and industry bodies. These include the Hong Kong General AI Association, the Chance Foundation, the Innovation Research Institute of National Super computing Center in Changsha, and the Metaverse 30 & AI Forum.
A Platform for “Gathering Intelligence, Gathering Power”
With the core theme “Gather Intelligence, Gather Power,” the competition adopts a strategy of “Hong Kong Home, Global Linkage, Finance Focus, and AI for All.” Leveraging the Greater Bay Area, the event aims to establish a high-efficiency “Industrial Capital Expressway”—connecting global AI projects directly with international capital markets, global business networks, and the Web3 ecosystem.
In his address, Mr. Steve Hoffman, Honorary Chairman of the competition and founder of Silicon Valley’s Founder Space, described the event as “a platform where fresh thinking and growth potential collide.” He emphasized that AI serves as the fuel to build a more efficient, humane, and creative world, urging entrepreneurs, developers, and research teams worldwide to participate.
Mr. Xu Jinghong, Honorary Chairman of the competition, Director of Tsinghua University’s Unigroup Investment, and Professor at Tsinghua University, highlighted that AI represents not just technological evolution but a major societal opportunity. He encouraged participants to advocate for “Tech for Good,” ensuring technology contributes to a more civilized society and human well-being.
Three Core Tracks and Global Reach
The competition features three distinct tracks designed to follow global AI hotspots:
1. AI + Industrial Upgrading: Focusing on the deep integration of AI with key real-world industries to solve core pain points and drive intelligent transformation.
2. AI + Finance / Web3: Targeting intelligent financial services, precision risk control, and automation, alongside innovative cases within the Web3 paradigm.
3. AIGC + OPC (One-Person Company): Aimed at discovering solo entrepreneurs or small teams leveraging AIGC to create value and scale the new individual economy.
The competition will span 10 global hubs, such as Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Silicon Valley, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore.. Registration is open from April 20 to June 30, 2026, via the official platform: HK.ai.
Substantial Incentives and Capital Access
Winners will receive comprehensive support ranging from cash prizes to deep capital matching:
•TOP 3 Teams: Direct access to a hundred-million-level dedicated AI fund, with strategic investments ranging from millions to tens of millions.
•TOP 10 Teams: Share a million-yuan cash pool and receive official trophies and certificates.
•TOP 100 Projects: Receive official certification and a Panoramic Empowerment Package, covering industrial matchmaking, policy support, media exposure, and talent services.
The ceremony concluded with a joint launch by distinguished guests, including Mr. Kenneth Lau, Dr. Liu Zhiwei (Chairman), Mr. Sun Qing (Chairman of GoFin-tech Quantum Innovation Limited), Prof. Lin Jing (Vice Chairman, Council Member of the Hong Kong Society for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and Adjunct Professor at City University of Hong Kong), Mr. Wang Qin (Chairman of HK.AI Capital Limited), Mr. Tian Guangli (Vice Chairman, Chairman of the Chance Foundation), and Mr. Luo Fei (Vice Chairman, Dean of AI Investment Research Institute at HK.AI Capital Limited).
Bridging global wisdom through Hong Kong and unlocking the future with AI, the AI International Pioneer Awards aims to propel the Greater Bay Area toward becoming a global AI innovation hub.
About the Organizers:
The AI International Pioneer Awards is co-hosted by an alliance of industry leaders including the China Open Intelligent Computing(COIA), AiCloudEdu, the Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance Hong Kong and Macau Alumni Association, the Zhejiang University Hong Kong Alumni Association, the Peking University Entrepreneurship Alumni Association, Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) MBA Program Team, Open Resource University, RIVIERA, Sieger Technology, ISoftStone Education, AMENA 2BAYS, WEA JAPAN, B NEWS, Top Technology, and other key partners.
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