Hong Kong’s Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) made a strong debut at the Techsauce Global Summit 2024 in Bangkok, marking a significant stride in connecting with Thailand’s innovation ecosystem. Leading a delegation of 14 pioneering startups, HKSTP showcased a range of market-ready innovations in artificial intelligence, advanced electronics, digital transformation, and sustainable technology. This initiative not only underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to nurturing startups but also highlighted the region’s growing influence as a global hub for innovation and technology.
The Techsauce Global Summit, held from 7-9 August, serves as Southeast Asia’s premier platform for tech and innovation, making it an ideal stage for startups aiming to expand their reach and scale their operations. HKSTP’s participation in this event demonstrated the corporation’s dedication to supporting startups from their early stages through to commercialization, offering them a pathway to global markets. The summit placed a spotlight on the pivotal role of AI and related technologies, reinforcing their importance in shaping the future of industries worldwide.
One of the standout moments of the summit was when On-us, one of the startups under the HKSTP umbrella, received the prestigious “Techsauce Innovation Award 2024.” On-us has developed an innovative global B2B2C personalized e-voucher incentive platform that empowers businesses to enhance customer engagement through flexible fintech solutions and advanced AI analytics. This recognition not only affirmed On-us’s potential but also shone a light on the caliber of startups emerging from Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem.
Derek Chim, Head of Incubation and Acceleration Programmes at HKSTP, led the delegation to the summit. He expressed enthusiasm about presenting Hong Kong’s dynamic innovations to the Southeast Asian market, emphasizing the importance of such platforms in making a significant impact. HKSTP, as the largest innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong, offers a comprehensive incubation program with a “go global” ethos, ensuring startups receive robust support from conception to commercialization. The program includes access to a wide network of alumni, mentors, and investors, providing startups with the resources they need to bring their innovative ideas to life.
The Hong Kong Pavilion at the summit featured an array of groundbreaking technologies, including AI-driven tools for digital marketing, e-commerce, and personal care, as well as blockchain and AI integrations designed to enhance the efficiency of professional services such as legal and human resources management. These innovations not only reflect Hong Kong’s research prowess but also its potential to drive global change. The technologies presented at the summit garnered significant attention, opening doors for potential business opportunities and collaborations.
The event also provided a platform for HKSTP to collaborate with key players in the local and regional innovation ecosystems. Leading up to the summit, HKSTP organized a series of strategic pre-event activities aimed at enhancing interactions and deepening connections. These activities included meetings with the National Innovation Agency (NIA), Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), True Digital Park, and various investors. These exchanges were part of HKSTP’s broader mission to collaborate with enterprises and talent from around the world, fostering a thriving innovation and technology ecosystem.
HKSTP’s engagement with the Southeast Asian I&T ecosystem is further strengthened by its strategic location in Hong Kong, which serves as a gateway to Mainland China and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This positioning allows HKSTP to attract tech companies from across the region, offering them access to vast regional and international markets. The success of the HKSTP’s “HK Sandbox Programme” Cohort 1, launched in 2023, is a testament to this. The program enabled eight Thai startups to join HKSTP’s Ideation program and establish a presence in Hong Kong, expanding their market coverage and growth potential.
Building on the success of the first cohort, applications for a new cohort of Thai startups are now open. This initiative is part of HKSTP’s broader strategy to position Hong Kong as a pivotal gateway for tech companies looking to tap into the opportunities offered by the GBA and beyond. The Techsauce Global Summit 2024 served as an excellent platform for HKSTP to showcase these opportunities, further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as a leading international innovation and technology hub.
The participation of 14 diverse startups under the HKSTP banner at the summit highlighted the depth and breadth of innovation emerging from Hong Kong. These startups are at the forefront of various technological advancements, from generative AI for legal services to AI-powered tools for talent matching, and from cutting-edge metro Ethernet connectivity for smart cities to groundbreaking mobile gimbal stabilization technology. Each of these innovations reflects the forward-thinking nature of Hong Kong’s tech ecosystem and its potential to drive significant advancements in multiple industries.
HKSTP’s debut at the Techsauce Global Summit 2024 was more than just an exhibition of technological prowess—it was a demonstration of Hong Kong’s growing influence in the global innovation landscape. The connections established with Thailand’s innovation ecosystem, the recognition of On-us at the summit, and the strategic partnerships formed through pre-event activities all point to a bright future for Hong Kong’s tech startups. As HKSTP continues to support and nurture these startups, the region’s role as a global innovation and technology hub is set to grow even stronger.
