Neo has introduced the Web3.0 Global Acceleration Program in collaboration with Web3Labs, a prominent gateway for Web3 startups in Hong Kong. This strategic initiative, initiated in October 2023 with a substantial $10 million fund, underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to emerging as a global hub for Web3 innovation. Neo, contributing $1 million to the program, aims to foster industry growth by financially supporting and nurturing innovative projects in areas such as DeFi, AI, and gaming.
Funding Structure and Growth Potential for Selected Projects
The program provides selected projects with an initial funding injection of $20,000, coupled with the potential for subsequent investments totaling up to $100,000. This financial backing is designed to accelerate the growth of the chosen projects, positioning them as contributors to the dynamic landscape of Web3 innovation.
Comprehensive Support and Mentorship for Accelerated Growth
Participants in the Web3.0 Global Acceleration Program will benefit from a multifaceted support system. This includes mentorship, investment incubation, technical and marketing assistance, resource integration, and legal consultation. The program goes beyond financial support, aiming to provide a holistic environment that nurtures the success of emerging entrepreneurs and developers.
Educational Initiatives – Seoul Acceleration Tour and Hong Kong Elite Mentorship Program
A distinctive feature of the program is the inclusion of educational components such as the 5-day Seoul Acceleration Tour and the 3-day Hong Kong Elite Mentorship Program. These components offer participants valuable insights into the latest industry trends and provide access to guidance from influential figures in the Web3 space. The goal is to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving Web3 landscape.
Commitment to Project Success and Industry Competitiveness
John Wang, Head of Neo Ecosystem Growth and Managing Director of Neo EcoFund, expressed the program’s dedication to empowering projects for success in the highly competitive Web3 industry. The collaboration between Neo, Web3Labs, and other industry professionals is positioned as a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovative developers.
Global Expansion and Hong Kong’s Unique Advantages
Caspar Wong, CEO of Web3Labs, highlighted the program’s strategic objectives, emphasizing its role in uniting global public chains and institutions to provide ecosystem resources for incubating early-stage projects. Simultaneously, the program seeks to showcase Hong Kong’s Web3 policies and distinctive advantages on the global stage.
Rigorous Evaluation Criteria and Diverse Project Selection
The selection of the first eight projects for the program underwent a meticulous evaluation process based on three key criteria. These criteria include the quality and experience of the team, their execution capabilities, the estimated market value, and the project’s potential to acquire users. Additionally, a focus on innovation assessed the creativity and novelty of the proposed solutions.
Diverse Project Portfolios Encompassing AI, Tokenization, and Gaming
The projects selected for the Web3.0 Global Acceleration Program showcase diversity and innovation. Examples include TrendX, an AI-driven trading platform; EVMs, a multi-chain inscription exchange; PlayEstates, democratizing real estate investment through tokenization; and Blade of God X (BOG X), an action role-playing game. Other notable projects like N2FT, OwlSync, Zest, and CHIPCHIP represent advancements in NFT marketplaces, media aggregation, sustainable lifestyle, and gaming platforms, respectively.