China Calling

Khan Tengri Innovation Hub has launched an ongoing series of online pitching sessions for startups from Central Eurasia seeking to expand into the Chinese market. The initiative is delivered in partnership with venture capital funds from Hong Kong and mainland China and is designed to give founders practical exposure to one of the world’s most capital-intensive and competitive startup ecosystems. The online pitchings will take place throughout 2026 in a series of sessions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with startups invited to pitch after completing a preliminary selection process. According to Lyazzat Borankulova, Founder of Khan Tengri Innovation Hub, the program focuses on providing founders with direct access to investors and a realistic understanding of market expectations in China. Key benefits include: direct access to venture capital investors from Hong Kong and mainland China, including the Greater Bay Area (GBA); expert feedback on product readiness, business model, and scaling potential in China; insights into investor expectations regarding team structure, IP, deal terms, and localization; opportunities for networking, pilot projects, and strategic partnerships; preparation for participation in accelerator programs and business missions in Hong Kong and mainland China. How it works: Startups apply with a pitch deck and a brief project overview. Khan Tengri Innovation Hub, together with partner venture funds, conducts an initial screening. Selected teams are invited to an online pitching session followed by a live Q&A with investors. Promising projects may advance to deeper discussions, pilots, or accelerator programs. Who should apply: The program is best suited for B2B startups, FinTech, AI, healthcare, logistics, green tech, robotics, and industrial IT solutions with strong potential for expansion into China.