HKTDC Showcases Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at WAIC 2026, Highlighting AI Innovations and Global Collaboration

The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance concluded in Shanghai on July 20, marking another milestone for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which participated for the fourth consecutive year. Together with Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITP), the HKTDC mounted the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, showcasing 18 leading Hong Kong AI enterprises and institutions. The pavilion highlighted innovative solutions in intelligent robotics, smart city technologies, cybersecurity, and enterprise intelligence, demonstrating Hong Kong's strengths as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre and its unique advantage as a bridge connecting China with global innovation resources.

Silas Chu, HKTDC Associate Executive Director (Technology and Digital Innovation), emphasized the council's commitment to fostering Hong Kong's I&T and start-up ecosystem. 'Through various platforms, we actively help start-ups enhance their market visibility, expand into the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets, and further promote Hong Kong's I&T strengths,' Chu said. The HKTDC facilitates participation in major international technology exhibitions, enabling deeper exchange and collaboration with global corporations, investors, research institutions, and business partners. These efforts help the sector stay abreast of developments in AI and other frontier technologies while exploring new application scenarios and market opportunities.

On the first day of the conference, the HKTDC organized the Seminar on Fostering Economic Innovation and Global Collaboration through AI, bringing together representatives from government, research institutions, the financial sector, and I&T enterprises. The seminar discussed AI industrialization, real-world applications, governance and standards alignment, financial empowerment, and global expansion of Greater Bay Area AI enterprises. Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, delivered opening remarks, stating that the Hong Kong SAR Government is transforming Hong Kong into an international I&T centre while building a robust, trustworthy, and sustainable AI ecosystem. 'Leveraging the unique advantages of 'One Country, Two Systems,' Hong Kong will continue to deepen collaboration among the government, industry, academia, research, and investment sectors,' Sun said.

Jacky Chung, HKTDC Associate Executive Director (Global Network and Supply Chain) and Director of Chinese Mainland, referenced President Xi Jinping's keynote speech on building a fair and equitable global AI governance framework. 'As AI shifts from R&D breakthroughs towards large-scale industrial application, Hong Kong will leverage its unique strengths to contribute to the national 15th Five-Year Plan,' Chung said. The HKTDC will continue to support Mainland AI enterprises in expanding into international markets, accelerate AI adoption across diverse application scenarios, and foster cross-border collaboration.

The HKTDC also organized business matching and networking activities, including a visit to a Shanghai-based business incubator on July 16, a roundtable, and a networking dinner with enterprises from Shanghai's Xuhui District. These activities facilitated connections between Hong Kong enterprises and Mainland I&T companies, investors, and industry representatives. Additionally, the My Favourite Start-up Award was presented to HSITP start-up AI SEMI Limited, which focuses on AI-empowered semiconductor manufacturing innovation. The HKTDC has been actively bringing Hong Kong enterprises to major international tech shows, including CES 2026, MWC and 4YFN in Barcelona, and Viva Technology in Paris.

The WAIC 2026, themed 'AI Partnership for a Brighter Future,' brought together more than 1,100 companies and featured over 3,000 innovative products. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion underscored the region's commitment to AI innovation and global collaboration, providing a platform for start-ups to showcase their solutions and connect with international investors. For more information about the HKTDC and its initiatives, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus.