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Swire Properties Launches ‘blueprint’ Accelerator

24 Sep 2014

Swire Properties Launches ‘blueprint’ Accelerator

Company provides free business platform for B2B tech startups in TaiKoo Place

Swire Properties today launched the official website for ‘blueprint’, a new initiative based in Cornwall House comprising an accelerator programme and co-working space. With a total area of 20,000 square feet, the aim of blueprint is to support entrepreneurship in Hong Kong and nurture a culture of innovation and creativity at the TaiKoo Place business district.

Accelerators, as with incubators, are intended to help startups achieve fast growth within a short period of time. In recent years a variety of models have emerged within startup communities around the world. The blueprint accelerator will provide ten selected B2B tech startups with workspace, mentorship and professional support to help them test product-market fit, acquire customers and attract investment. Swire Properties’ approach is unique in that it will not charge the ten startups a fee to enter the space, nor does it require equity in return.

“We are likely the first accelerator programme in Hong Kong that has no strings attached,” said Don Taylor, Director, Office, Swire Properties. “This project is about injecting a burst of tech-focused creativity and innovation into the already thriving business community at TaiKoo Place. We’re excited to encourage the entrepreneurship culture here in Quarry Bay and to see these startups grow.”

Each accelerator programme lasts for six months, with the first one launching in January 2015. Apart from a B2B focus, there are no other fixed criteria for eligible startups. Applications are available on the website – www.blueprinthk.com – until 20 November 2014.

The blueprint mentor network, which will continue to grow, currently includes over 30 top executives and entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, including senior managers from the Swire group such as Swire Properties Chief Executive Martin Cubbon, Swire Beverages Managing Director Patrick Healy, Managing Director of Swire Resources Janis Tam, Manager of the Cathay Pacific Innovation Centre Bidyut Dumra and John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd Head of Sustainable Development Philippe Lacamp.

In addition to the accelerator, blueprint also contains a co-working space designed in an open configuration to encourage collaboration and to accommodate a wide range of events. It is intended to be a shared workplace specifically for startups and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. As with the accelerator, there will be a competitive application process to select a maximum of 300 members at any one time, who will enjoy the facilities for a monthly fee. Applications for the co-working space will be available online in November.

Interested parties can contact blueprint via email at blueprint@swireproperties.com.