Hong Kong start-ups shine at China’s largest AI show amid city’s drive for Asian tech hub status
- Hong Kong’s leader has committed to establishing a cross-boundary science and tech hub by 2035, emphasising the city’s role as a bridge between the mainland and the rest of the world
Artificial intelligence (AI) start-ups from Hong Kong grabbed some of the spotlight at the three-day World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai this week, as they showcased an array of products and services to underscore the city’s ambitions to become an innovation hub.
Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP), and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, brought 15 companies to the AI conference this year, compared to only eight last year, amid the city’s efforts to transform into a tech hub.
The displays included large language models, Internet-of-Things systems, AI image generation, industrial quality-control solutions, and AI-powered rescue drones. The Hong Kong Industrial Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Centre, known as FLAIR and established by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, presenting its R&D achievements and user cases.
“Despite its small geographical size, Hong Kong is an international city that can attract talent and access global markets,” said HKSTP CEO Albert Wong Hak-keung at WAIC. “Additionally, Hong Kong has strong fundamental research capabilities, underpinned by its top universities.”
In August 2023, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu committed to establishing a cross-boundary science and technology hub by 2035, emphasising Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between the mainland and the rest of the world. As part of the efforts, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced a series of innovation and technology initiatives backed by HK$24 billion (US$3.07 billion) in the 2024-2025 budget.
