Hong Kong reinvents itself as burgeoning global innovation nexus

Journalists look at a drone of Meituan, one of China's leading e-commerce platforms for services, at the launching ceremony of the first batch of low-altitude economy (LAE) regulatory sandbox pilot projects held in Hong Kong, south China, March 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

From wall-climbing robots conducting structural inspections to drones delivering medical supplies to remote locations, Hong Kong stands at the vibrant crossroads of hard and soft technologies, driven by an ambitious policy framework.

This bustling metropolis is taking bold strides to establish itself as a hub for technological advancements, proving that even in a space-constrained city, innovation knows no bounds.

John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), is now in east China's Zhejiang Province with a delegation on a four-day visit to the tech and industrial powerhouse.

His inaugural day in the provincial capital Hangzhou, home to tech giants like Alibaba and innovative firms such as DeepSeek and Unitree, included tours of local technology facilities and discussions with the Hong Kong business community.

Lee's ongoing visit underscores Hong Kong's commitment to bolstering cooperation with the Chinese mainland in technological innovation and transforming research outcomes into viable industrial applications.

This is essential as Hong Kong aims to elevate its position as a global innovation and technology hub, as outlined in the recent policy addresses by the chief executive.

"We want the world to recognize that Hong Kong can produce top-notch service robots. Our mission is to cultivate local talent and contribute to Industry 4.0," asserted Victor Lee, CEO of Rice Robotics, whose creations are already in use in malls and hotels across Japan and Thailand.

Victor Lee's work is emblematic of a broader trend. Since the launch of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint in late 2022, the HKSAR government has been proactive in nurturing new productive forces to revitalize traditional industries and stimulate emerging sectors.

The latest InvestHK Startup Survey reveals a historic 10 percent increase in the number of startups in 2024 compared to 2023, alongside a record 7 percent rise in employment within this sector.

A significant milestone is the inauguration of the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute in 2024, which many see as a crucial step for the semiconductor industry. A local startup's CTO views this as a vital opportunity for talent and innovation to flourish.

February marked another important development with the unveiling of Hong Kong's first generative artificial intelligence model, HKGAI V1, signaling a new era for AI in the city. Also in February, Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government, announced plans to enhance the computing capabilities of the Cyberport's AI Supercomputing Center, further solidifying Hong Kong's technological ambitions.

In March, the Hong Kong Park of Hetao Cooperation Zone marked a key milestone with the completion of essential facilities, one step closer to bridging regulatory gaps with Shenzhen and facilitating a seamless flow of resources, data, talent, and ideas.

Spanning approximately 3.89 square kilometers, the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone is fast becoming a vital innovation hub, already housing over 440 tech companies and more than 15,000 researchers.

Lau, founder of Shenzhen Shanhe Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd. based in the Shenzhen Park of the zone, highlighted the advantages of the geographical proximity, enabling a commute within just 30 minutes by bus between his chip testing lab in Hong Kong and motor application site in Shenzhen.

Q.Y. Ma of Time Medical emphasized Hong Kong's role as a gateway for Chinese manufacturing to the global market, with his specialized MRI equipment assembled in Hong Kong's Tai Po District and shipped worldwide, showcasing the region's strategic importance in international trade.

With accolades from the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva and a steadily rising number of startups, Hong Kong is transforming from a mere transit hub into a "super node" in the global innovation network.

Sun Dong, secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR government, underscored Hong Kong's unique international environment and free port status, positioning it as a launchpad for Chinese mainland companies aiming for global reach.