OPPO’s 2023 Inspiration Challenge is in full swing, with 15 promising tech start-ups emerging as finalists following regional demo events in Boston, Shenzhen, and Bangkok. These innovative contenders are set to converge in Singapore this October, vying for a coveted spot in the global top 5.

The challenge garnered a remarkable 687 proposals from 66 countries, all centered around the categories of “Inspiration for People” and “Inspiration for the Planet.” From this pool, the top 15 solutions from each region were meticulously selected for the regional demo events.

In Boston, hosted by the OPPO Research Institute in collaboration with the Harvard GSAS Entrepreneur Community, 15 start-ups presented their solutions to a panel of judges, followed by comprehensive discussions with Jason Liao, Head of OPPO Research Institute, and executives from prestigious institutions.

The Shenzhen event, supported by the China University-Enterprise Collaboration Innovation Alliance (CUEC), featured OPPO Vice President Bobee Liu and other industry experts as judges. Attendees also participated in selecting winners for the “Media Choice” and “Virtuous Innovation” awards.

The last regional event occurred in Bangkok, with OPPO partnering with Chulalongkorn University. Experts from Amazon Web Services and Deloitte joined the judging process. Professor Kaywalee Chatdarong from Chulalongkorn University emphasized the shared vision for innovation and possibilities.

The finalists were determined based on four criteria: feasibility, innovation and originality, long-term potential, and social value. These criteria guided the judging panels at the regional events in selecting the top 5 proposals from each region. These 15 finalists will proceed to the global final of the challenge.

OPPO is set to further boost the development of these proposals through the Acceleration Camp in collaboration with KPMG, where senior executives and industry experts will provide guidance. The grand finale will see the top 5 solutions selected, each earning a prize of US$50,000, along with opportunities for productization, partnerships, investments, and exposure at global tech events.

The Inspiration Challenge underscores OPPO’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting global entrepreneurs. It’s a platform that not only celebrates groundbreaking ideas but also translates them into real-world solutions, aligning with OPPO’s mission to empower the tech community and drive positive change. 

To know more about the finalists and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, visit the official site here.

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