Applications for 2025 cohort with be open in June 2025. Six finalists will be invited to Hong Kong to compete in front of a panel of judges and the shipping community. Finalists will have an opportunity to showcase their innovations, grow their business and compete for a cash prize.
The competition will take place during the Hong Kong Maritime Week this November.
Stay tuned for updates and announcements.
How our challenge works
Step 1
Application Opens
Application Opens
Step 2
Selection Phase
All applications are reviewed by the Technical Board and after the deadlines, eligible companies are selected
Step 3
Finalist Selection
Top 10 Startups are shortlisted
Step 4
Enrichment Phase
Top 6 Finalists are announced and virtual bootcamp and mentorship program begins
Step 5
Live Finals
Top 6 pitches are showcased in front of live audience and the winner is selected
Prizes from past events
$30,000
for the winner
£25,000
worth of legal advice courtesy of HFW
Business Opportunities
Leveraging our industry connections, we’ll connect you with industry leaders and decision makers, facilitate POC opportunities, and partnerships with leading maritime playersMarketing & Support
Mentorships, Fund Raising & Investor readiness
Pitch Stage & Global Exposure
Technical Sessions
Interview & Features
Access to The Captain’s Table Marketplace
FAQ
Find answers to common queries in our communityTimeline
- June 10: Applications for CT2025 open.
- August 31: Deadline for entries.
- September 1 – September 30: Due diligence process and selection round.
- October 1: Notifications sent to applicants; finalists are announced.
- October 15 – November 15: Bootcamp (online sessions).
- November 15 – November 20: Bootcamp (in-person sessions).
- November 20: Live Final Pitch Competition during the Hong Kong Maritime Week
How to apply
Submit online application here “Apply Now”
Your deck shall include information about:
- Business model
- Entry Barriers and Competitive Analysis
- Timeline (work-to-date, funding, historical milestones)d
- Team
- Traction and Future Development Plan – 5-year projection
- Scalability, Growth and Risk Factors
Which costs are covered
We will cover accommodation for 5 nights in Hong Kong.
What is included in the Bootcamp
The bootcamps sessions are an invaluable intensive two day course that focuses heavily on pitching skills and presentation.
In addition you will receive advice on IP and legal matters in Hong Kong and China for startups, presentations by VCs on what they look for in startups and other tailor-made sessions depending on the problem category that the startup is focusing on.
We also have one-on-one sessions with mentors, introductions to CEOs of large shipping corporations and other networking opportunities.
Why should I enter
The Captain’s Table is unique. We are not an accelerator program, we do not ask for equity we are purely a pitch platform for you to showcase you company to the wider industry.
The Captain’s Table is independent and led by industry professionals with access to an extensive network across Asia. Our competition offers maximum exposure but with limited time required for busy startups.
What media coverage is involved
The event will be live-streamed via our media sponsors, Splash247 and World Merchants Maritime Forum, allowing our startups to showcase their pitches to a global audience.
In the lead-up to the competition, we will release regular vlogs and interviews, with updates and announcements shared through our social media channels, Splash247 and Xinde Marine.