Technology is evolving faster than ever. Trends such as advanced robotics, cloud computing, big data, smart grids, and Artificial Intelligence are radically changing the business and social landscape, reshaping the nature of our cities and economies, and changing the boundaries of what is possible and what is not. Such technologies bring enormous challenges to society, in terms of job-creation, security and sustainability, but at the same time provide the potential to help solve social challenges including the quality of healthcare and education, resource allocation, energy conservation and reduction of waste.

With the aim of facilitating that process, IE School of Human Sciences & Technology (HST) and the CUHK, Shenzhen CIDE are launching the first Social Challenge Tech Venture Day in Shenzhen, China. The Challenge will provide a cutting-edge, highly competitive program designed to identify and support start-ups that have the ability to use AI, Robotics or other advanced technology to solve current social issues and challenges.

In the coming months, we will select 10 from up to 100 start-ups based on their originality, financial viability, and ability to have a positive impact on major Social Challenges, education, healthcare, resource allocation, smart cities, resource allocation, energy conservation, waste reduction, social issues and other challenges.

Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their projects to a selected audience in Shenzhen composed of investors, government officials, business pioneers, and representatives of key industries. They will also have the chance to meet world-leading experts in their field and receive advice, insights and best practices.

Our goal is to create real networking and investment opportunities for those entrepreneurs that have ideas that can truly address these needs and social challenges.