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Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund Reveals JUMPSTARTER 2026 Top 30 Finalists Driving Progress Through AI and Sustainability

February 4, 2026 | AEF | Press Release
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Global Pitch Finale in Hong Kong to Showcase Breakthrough Solutions in AI and Sustainable Innovation across Multiple Sectors, with Entrepreneurs Competing for US$5 Million 
Hong Kong, China, February 4 2026 – Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund’s JUMPSTARTER 2026 returns with even greater momentum, anchored by three core pillars that define the event experience: The Experience, The Insights and The Connectors. Attendees will engage in immersive physical and visual encounters with the future, gain access to frontier knowledge and thought leadership, while connecting with global opportunities through business matching and deal-making. From a pool of 700+ submissions spanning over 60+ regions and countries, the Top 30 startups have been selected to pitch live at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on March 12–13. These visionary entrepreneurs will compete for up to US$5 million in investment and the opportunity to connect with the Alibaba ecosystem, facilitate mentorship relationships and strategic partnerships to accelerate their growth. JUMPSTARTER for One Earth Global Pitch Competition 2026 is centered around the dual changemaking catalysts of AI and sustainability, reinforcing AEF’s ongoing mission to grow the global entrepreneurship ecosystem by empowering startups that harness AI for sustainable progress. This year’s finalists have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to solving real-world problems across diverse sectors including healthcare technology, creative content creation, fintech, robotics and even physical and mental wellness. Most companies are at the Seed Stage, with a notable number already advancing to Series A, reflecting trailblazing innovation at speed within this year’s cohort. Demonstrating true international reach, over half (50%) of the Top 30 finalists hail from outside Hong Kong, underscoring the competition’s global mandate and its role as a bridge connecting startups with the right markets, ecosystems and investors worldwide. Notably, all 30 finalists (100%) are harnessing AI to drive innovation across a diverse range of industries. Their innovation aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with four finalists specifically focused on advancing sustainability solutions. This dynamic cohort reflects the growing influence of AI as a core driver of productivity and innovation, and the critical importance of sustainability in reshaping the future of business. Reflecting a truly global spirit, the event welcomes a diverse mix of startups and scaleups. From transformational consumer experiences and advanced healthcare analysis, to AI-powered sensory technology, the Top 30 finalists were chosen for their innovative solutions across industries such as Creative Industries Construction and Property Tech, Consumer Retail, Fintech, Green Tech, and Healthcare.