A mix of nervous excitement and ambition filled the room last night as four startup teams took the stage at the Mentorship Pitching Skill Training Part I event. Each founder stood in front of an audience of experienced mentors, ready to present their vision—not just as a business, but as a dream they were determined to bring to life.

For many, pitching is more than just presenting slides—it’s about making others believe in their ideas as much as they do. And that’s exactly where the Mentorship Network stepped in.

Throughout the evening, mentors provided real-time, candid feedback—not just on the technical aspects of the pitch but on how to tell a compelling story, engage an audience, and leave a lasting impression. Some teams struggled with clarity, others needed to refine their message, but every single one left with actionable insights and renewed confidence.

"I realized that pitching isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about making people feel why it matters," shared one participant after the session.

The event wasn’t just a training—it was a transformational experience. Founders walked in with ideas, and they left with a stronger voice, a sharper message, and a deeper understanding of how to connect with their audience.

This training session is just one of the many ways the IPIC Incubation—Ideation, Prototyping, Implementation, and Commercialization—run by EC supports HKUST entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into real ventures. Through structured mentorship, hands-on training, and access to industry expertise, IPIC incubation plays a critical role in bridging the gap between ideation and market success.

By refining their pitching skills, startups are not only improving their ability to attract investors and partners but also strengthening their overall business strategy, a crucial step in the IPIC incubation journey. These mentorship-driven experiences ensure that founders are well-equipped to communicate their vision effectively and navigate the challenges of commercialization.

The Mentorship Network continues to be a guiding force in the startup journey, offering not just advice but a community that supports, challenges, and uplifts entrepreneurs as they navigate the highs and lows of building a startup. And this was just the beginning—more sessions will follow, ensuring that every founder gets the mentorship they need to turn their vision into reality.