Global technology innovation continues to break boundaries, giving 2025 an electrifying start. At the recent MWC Barcelona event, entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world showcased how their unique connectivity technologies contribute to advancing the smart city mission.
Among the many international pioneers, Hong Kong—renowned as a global financial centre—demonstrated that it is on an unstoppable trajectory as a leading Innovation & Technology (I&T) powerhouse. Telecompaper spoke with Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), located at the world’s third emerging startup ecosystem, about how HKSTP empowers startups to reach international markets and elevate their businesses to new heights.
Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, shared why Hong Kong is a powerhouse for global innovation and technology and how HKSTP accelerates its advancement.
What strategic initiatives is HKSTP implementing to help local startups scale internationally while also attracting global startups to establish themselves in Hong Kong?
It’s not global if you stay local. This principle applies not only to tech companies from Hong Kong and Asia, but also to those from Europe and North America.
We understand that going global starts with the right exposure, connections, and market access, this is why we proactively bring our startups to the world’s most influential tech events such as CES & MWC. International outreach provides them opportunities to showcase their innovations and connect with investors, partners, and customers globally.
At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, we spotlighted groundbreaking connectivity technology solutions from 24 Hong Kong companies in the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, and greeted 7,500 visitors and generated 1,000 business leads. And at CES 2025 in Las Vegas earlier this year, we led our largest-ever delegation of 47 tech companies, with three innovations being recognized by the prestigious CES Innovation Awards: AI wearable Seekr by Vidi Labs, smart irrigation system Rocket 2.0 by Full Nature Farms, and a 3-axis micro gimbal lens stabilizer by Vista InnoTech. Our excursions overseas are famous among startups that’re keen to extend market coverage of their solutions
Apart from joining international events, HKSTP provides an environment and opportunities for innovation to scale through collaborations. At MWC, eSIX and AIqua co-launched OcéanoX in Europe, a maritime communication project for diverse coastal applications. We also partnered with 22@Network Barcelona, where 20+ startups will be expected to join our Global Connect programme, accelerating their international expansion. With the traditional model of globalisaition evolving—Hong Kong enables businesses to expand in both directions, bridging Asia and the world.
Our Global Booster Programme prepare high-potential startups with extensive training at Silicon Valley, securing investment and business partners; the Innovation Mixer series, reaching international markets connecting startups with tech giants such as NVIDIA, Google, LinkedIn, and top universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley.
Meanwhile, our annual flagship event, Elevator Pitch International Competition (EPIC), attracts global startups looking to expand in Hong Kong. This year, apart from FinTech and tech track additions Digital Health Tech and GreenTech, we are doubling the investment amount—winners will be looking at a targeted funding pool of US$100M.
Through these initiatives, HKSTP continues to empower startups, paving for their success speeding towards global markets.
HKSTP led a total of 24 Hong Kong tech companies and spotlighted their groundbreaking connectivity technology solutions at MWC Barcelona 2025.
Why is Hong Kong the preferred gateway to Asia?
We’re thriving with nearly 4,700 startups calling Hong Kong home to their development in I&T, including international founders—nearly 20% from Europe—show increasing numbers in choosing Hong Kong as their base. Proven to be a powerhouse at the forefront of innovation, the momentum we’re building today—through strategic investments, R&D commercialisation capabilities, and international collaborations due to geographical advantages—will define the next five years.
Hong Kong also offers one of the world’s most competitive tax regimes, with super tax deductions of up to 300% on R&D costs. Businesses also benefit from zero sales tax, VAT, withholding tax, capital gains tax, estate tax, or tax on dividends, creating a highly attractive environment for innovation and investment, fuelling a raise in initial public offerings (IPOs) towards HK$83 billion.
Additionally, Hong Kong is a trusted hub for intellectual property protection, ranking 8th globally in intellectual property rights according to the 2024 World Competitiveness Yearbook (CEDB). This ensures a secure environment for the development and commercialisation of innovations with confidence.
The significant success we are achieving confirms that Hong Kong is more than just a bridge between economies—it is a launchpad for innovation on a global scale. While we take initiative in leading delegations to major trade shows in Europe, North America, Saudi Arabia, and Southeast Asia, securing billions in deals and leads, we welcome European tech companies to leverage our dynamic ecosystem, unlock new market potential, and establish a strong foothold in Asia.
