According to a recent press release, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) worked with the organiser to bring a one-day conference to Hong Kong and recently hosted the GBA conference cum regional final at Hong Kong Science Park.
The conference attracted innovation and technology (I&T) players, investors, academic professionals, corporate and industry representatives, and technopreneurs from the Greater Bay Area (the GBA). At the conference, speakers and participants shared their views on how the nine mainland cities and two special administrative regions in the GBA can work together to facilitate I&T development in the region.
As a joint effort between HKSTP and the parent company of the news firm tech news firm to bring to Hong Kong for the first time, both organisations hope to combine the international I&T resources available on the news firm’s platform with HKSTP’s advantage as one of the major R&D and incubation bases in Hong Kong to drive the growth of the I&T ecosystem in the GBA.
Riding on the unique position of Hong Kong as an international finance centre and innovation hub, the conference featured in-depth discussions on key areas including smart city development, capital flow and talent exchange.
Another major highlight of the event was the “Start-up Competition” which attracted 60 applications from high potential start-ups in the GBA. The Top 10 finalists presented their innovative business ideas to the judging panel at the conference.
Following an intense session of competition, a company in Hong Kong Science Park with its artificial intelligence-based solution for building inspection was declared the champion. The company also stands a chance of winning the upcoming 2018 Startup Competition in Shenzhen.
First, runner-up went to a start-up with its two-wheel motorcycle using new energy and a start-up that specialises in a therapeutic wearable device that reduces snoring received the second runner-up prize.
Both companies received a priority interview opportunity for HKSTP’s Science and Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP), in which they have a chance to receive HK$100,000 financial support.
All three companies were also awarded an HK$20 million investment guaranteed buy-back pool offered by a foundation for angel investments and a company for co-working spaces.
The Chief Commercial Officer of HKSTP stated that the theme for the conference was convergence and exchange, noting that Hong Kong is the perfect place for the convergence and exchange of new ideas in the Greater Bay Area.
She also noted that HKSTP is committed to turning great ideas into reality and growing the start-up community in different stages, subsequently helping the GBA be known as a vibrant innovation hub.
She added that with resources provided by the HKSAR Government, HKSTP recently launched various new initiatives, enhanced programmes and value-added services for start-ups, providing them with the support they need for their growth. Together with opportunities offered by international platforms, the group hopes to see even more high potential start-ups gain new ground and shine in the future.
The parent company of the news agency introduced TechCrunch, a global technology media and information platform, to China in 2013. As a signature event for the technology start-up community, the platform’s annual event has attracted more than 80,000 participants to date.
This year, HKSTP led a delegation of around 10 start-ups to showcase their innovative products and solutions at the Main Conference in Shenzhen. Through participating in regional events like this, it is hoped that more cross-border exchange and sharing opportunities in the I&T ecosystem can be achieved and more new business opportunities can be created for start-ups in Hong Kong.
