JUMPSTARTER 2025 Crowns Pharus Diagnostics as Champion in Pioneering Sustainable AI-Driven Medical Diagnostics
Representing the future of AI and sustainability, the Grand Finale event attracted
over 5,000 participants to the Asia-World Expo.
 

Ms. Christina Ong, Managing Director, Head of Business Banking, Commercial Banking, HSBC Hong Kong, Ms. Lillian Cheong, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Dr. Allen Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group presenting the winner prize to Pharus Diagnostics (from left to right)
 
Hong Kong, China, March 28, 2025 – The Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund / HSBC JUMPSTARTER 2025 for One Earth (“JUMPSTARTER for One Earth”) culminated in a thrilling conclusion at the AsiaWorld-Expo on March 26-27, where Pharus Diagnostic emerged as the champion. Over the past decade, AEF has invested in and supported numerous startups, driving innovation across the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Asia. This year, HSBC once again served as the lead sponsor, marking its sixth consecutive year of support. While this 7^th edition of JUMPSTARTER focused on two of the latest tech trends, AI and sustainability, it has brought together a dynamic gathering of over 5,000 participants worldwide, including leading AI innovators, sustainability experts, and industry pioneers, who explored the intersection of technology and environmental solutions.
 
Closing the event on a high note, Ms. Lillian Cheong, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong SAR Government, said she was impressed by the finalists for their remarkable performances and innovation behind the solutions. She underscored Hong Kong’s role as a global innovation hub and super-connector, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering a dynamic AI ecosystem.
 
Ms. Cindy Chow, Executive Director and CEO of AEF, shared, “AEF has been committed to the technology start-up scene for a decade. We are thrilled to be a conduit for producing meaningful impact in the AI and sustainability space for champion innovators like Pharus Diagnostics, whose AI-driven disease detection platform epitomizes the power of innovation. Their solution demonstrates how AI can address critical global challenges while advancing equitable access to care through a combination of cutting-edge diagnostics and resource efficiency. As Pharus steps onto a larger stage, from the Asia-Pacific to global markets, we’re proud to support their growth through the Alibaba ecosystem and inspire future innovators to build solutions that transform lives and safeguard our planet.”


Ms. Cindy Chow, Executive Director and CEO of AEF
 
A new page for the JUMPSTARTER for One Earth winners
Pharus Diagnostics, a global diagnostic innovator with operations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the US, was crowned the champion from the top 5 finalists of the year’s competition. Their solution uses microRNA signatures and machine learning to offer non-invasive and accurate solutions that make early cancer detection more accessible. By replacing traditional, resource-heavy lab processes with precision AI models, Pharus is redefining diagnostics as a tool for both patient care and planetary impact, demonstrating how intelligent algorithms can streamline medical testing, reduce unnecessary resource consumption, and improve global health outcomes, exemplify innovative integration of AI and sustainability.


Near Brain, Optimuse, Pharus Diagnostics, Rapidata, and Tether as the JUMPSTARTER 2025 Grand Finale Top 5 (from left to right)
 
The competition’s finalists showcased AI’s transformative potential across industries. Rapidata redefines enterprise data annotation by mobilizing its global network of 24 million users to deliver human intelligence at unprecedented speed. Optimuse demonstrated sustainable real estate using cloud-based digital twins and simulations to turn static buildings into dynamic, emission-slashing assets. Tether is transforming millions of electric vehicles into AI-coordinated “virtual power plants,” stabilizing grids by optimizing clean energy distribution. Near Brain leverages AI-driven blood flow prediction in the brain to help patients with cerebrovascular disease. Together, these innovators spanning data, sustainability, and energy are proof that JUMPSTARTER for One Earth isn’t just a competition, but a platform built for accelerating ideas that will redefine how we work, live, and power the planet.
 
The winner of JUMPSTARTER for One Earth will have access to AEF’s extensive ecosystem, mentorship programs, and potential investment opportunities. AEF will also provide tailored support to help the startup scale and commercialize its solution and maximize its impact on sustainability efforts worldwide.
 
Three AI disruptors selected by Alibaba Cloud as Top AI Application Award winners
E3A Healthcare, Belli, and FizzDragon were selected as recipients of the Top AI Application Award and USD 10,000 in cloud credits presented by Alibaba Cloud.
 
E3A Healthcare is a Singapore-based startup revolutionizing women’s healthcare through AI and biosensor technology, triumphed with their winning solutions: Modoo, Bilimonitor, and Nora. Belli, an AI-powered logistics startup emerged victorious with their winning software solution that tackles the $18B challenge of underutilized cargo space in commercial flights. FizzDragon, the world’s first AI-generated content (AIGC) film company, claimed their award with their winning project, Madam Zheng—a 90-minute film crafted by 117 global creators across 13 countries using generative AI.
 
These winners embody JUMPSTARTER 2025’s mission to harness AI for scalable, purpose-driven impact, proving that innovation and sustainability are not just ideals—they’re achievable realities.


Mr. Joe Tsai, Co-Founder & Chairman of Alibaba Group delivering a keynote speech at the JUMPSTARTER 2025 Grand Finale
 
The event also featured a renowned panel of over 100 AI visionaries and industry leaders who initiated thought-provoking discussions, exploring the next phase of AI applications and implications to our economy and society. Highlights included Joe Tsai's philosophical remarks on AI and robotics that sparked discussions around the quest towards artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the push for humanoids in today's robotics industry.
"I am encouraged to witness entrepreneurialism taking root in Hong Kong, and I am excited for the future of innovation in this vibrant international city," said Mr. Joe Tsai, Co-Founder & Chairman of Alibaba Group.
 
A decade of impact and the decade beyond

The art installation Virtual Butterfly by DABEIYUZHOU (大悲宇宙)
 
This year's JUMPSTARTER has underscored the immense potential of AI, reinforcing AEF’s commitment to nurturing innovation.
 
Building on this success, AEF is poised to further accelerate the growth of AI-driven innovation in this decade and the next. With the support of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITP),  international delegates will be invited to explore the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, providing a unique opportunity for visionaries to envision a collaborative future where startups from Hong Kong and Shenzhen flourish together, cultivating a thriving ecosystem of technological advancement.
 

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About Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund
Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund ("AEF") is a mission-driven initiative launched by Alibaba Group in 2015. To vitalize the development of innovation and technology, AEF's mission is to help Hong Kong entrepreneurs and young people realize their dreams and visions for a Hong Kong that is vibrant and engaged regionally and globally. As part of its investment program, AEF provides entrepreneurs with investment capital and strategic guidance to help them grow their businesses and penetrate the mainland Chinese and global markets, by utilizing Alibaba's Ecosystem. For more information, please visit the website: https://www.ent-fund.org/en/
 
About JUMPSTARTER
JUMPSTARTER is a start-up empowerment initiative created by Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund that provides a platform for all entrepreneurs and young people to jump start their dreams in Hong Kong. It is a first-of-its-kind tech and start-up event focused exclusively on showcasing quality start-ups and providing high-impact networking opportunities. Its goal is to build, empower and boost Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem and entrepreneurship by bringing entrepreneurs, corporations, investors and the public together, helping to transform Hong Kong into a leading hub for global innovation and technology. For more information, please visit the website: https://www.jumpstarter.hk/en/