HKSTP Champions Global Innovation At LEAP 2024, Forges Key Partnerships In The Middle East

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has embarked on a significant journey to the Middle East, marking the beginning of a landmark delegation in collaboration with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) and Hong Kong Cyberport (Cyberport). This initiative aims to foster innovation across ecosystems, keeping pace with the global advancements in disruptive innovation and technology (I&T). The delegation's first stop is at LEAP 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where HKSTP has introduced the first-ever Hong Kong Pavilion.

The Pavilion, inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic I&T landmark known as the "Golden Egg", showcases a variety of innovations from biotech, healthtech, logistics, AI, robotics, to new energy. These are presented by eight forward-looking companies from the Park. The inauguration of the Pavilion was graced by notable figures including Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry (SITI) of the HKSAR Government, Mr. Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, and Mr. Peter Yan, CEO of Cyberport.

In a significant move to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia's I&T ecosystems, HKSTP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). This strategic partnership aims to provide reciprocal soft-landing opportunities for companies in both regions and foster collaboration on technology and industry best practices. The MoU was signed under the witness of Professor Sun Dong and H.E. Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, President of KACST.

Professor Sun Dong expressed his admiration for the vibrant I&T culture at KACST and highlighted the MoU as a step towards deepening I&T exchange between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. This partnership is expected to accelerate the growth of startups and nurture global I&T talent. Mr. Albert Wong echoed these sentiments, emphasizing LEAP 2024 as a melting pot of culture and innovation that presents an exciting opportunity for HKSTP and its Park companies.

Furthermore, HKSTP hosted a panel session titled "Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come" at LEAP. The session featured insights from Prof Samuel Au, President of Cornerstone Robotics; Dr Zhu Tian, Co-Founder and CEO of GenEditBio; and Mr Chi Man Lam, Founder and CEO of Applied Technology Group. They discussed R&D, investment, and collaboration opportunities in healthtech.

GenEditBio, a Hong Kong-based biotech startup, has also entered into a MoU with Anwa Biosciences, a leading Saudi genomic firm. This collaboration aims to leverage CRISPR technology to address genetic diseases, starting with sickle cell disease.

This delegation not only showcases Hong Kong's commitment to fostering innovation but also highlights the potential for collaborative growth between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia in the realm of I&T. As these partnerships flourish, they promise to bring about advancements that could benefit not just both regions but potentially the global community.