Latest news with #HongKongTradeDevelopmentCouncil
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Viva Technology 2025: Hong Kong Tech Pavilion Empowers Startups to Expand Into European Market
Impressive Results Showcase Hong Kong's Innovation and Technology Strength - Viva Technology 2025 concluded successfully last Saturday with the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, effectively supporting local start-ups in entering the European market.- A series of events, including seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception and business matching, provided a robust platform for start-ups to demonstrate Hong Kong's innovation and technology capabilities.- The participating start-ups achieved successful outcomes, including Point Fit Technology, a Hong Kong healthtech start-up, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Kinomap, a French indoor training platform. HONG KONG - June 16, 2025 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2025 in Paris, Europe's biggest start-up and tech event, concluded last Saturday. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with Strategic Partner, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, and Supporting Organisations including Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong Cyberport, set up the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion. The Pavilion promoted 20 Hong Kong start-ups to investors and buyers, and hosted seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception, inviting representatives from various enterprises and organisations to analyse trends in Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem. Business matching meetings were also arranged to help start-ups explore opportunities in the European market. Hong Kong tech ventures were the recipients of VivaTech awards including Ailytics Limited, which developed AI-Powered Video Surveillance Systems (AI-VSS) for operations, was awarded among the Top 30 of VivaTech Innovations of the Year Award and was also selected as one of the Top 5 winners of the Startup Challenge organised by lectricit de France (EDF). Imsight Technology, OKOsix, and Vismed Training were nominated as finalists in the VivaTech Tech for Change Award, recognising their positive impact respectively in cancer diagnostics, biomaterial composition, and medical training and care. Braillic Limited, specialising in Augmented Reality (AR) guided surgical navigation systems, was nominated in the Top 12 AI Tech Trail. AQUMON and Midas Analytics, which developed AI-driven wealth management and data analysis solutions, were nominated as the Top 12 FinTech Trail. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion also achieved notable success. Point Fit Technology, a healthtech start-up signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kinomap, a French indoor training platform. Point Fit's sweat sensor continuously monitors muscle fatigue without invasive blood tests, will integrate their sweat biomarker data into Kinomap's platform. This will enhance indoor training experiences and expand Point Fit's sales channels through Kinomap's global partner network. During VivaTech, Point Fit Technology's research attracted international interest. Kenny Oktavius, Co-founder & CEO of Point Fit Technology Limited, said: "Apart from signing an MoU with Kinomap, we also linked up with a top European football club, and secured key partners that will help us to further penetrate the European market." Founded in Singapore with an international office in Hong Kong, Ailytics' AI-VSS products are used to enhance safety and maximise productivity by leveraging existing cameras. The company is in discussion with EDF and will conduct a trial run at EDF's new power plants in France. Wei Zhuang Tan, CEO, Ailytics said: "We received enormous resources and support in Hong Kong, especially from HKTDC and HKSTP to expand into the international market. Through joining the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech, we have met customers and partners and have a deeper understanding about the requirements of French companies." Midas Analytics, which introduced its newly launched Asia Market Intelligence platform and AI Agent at VivaTech, drew strong interest from investors, analysts, and strategic partners. Founder Michele De Flippo said: "We have connected with a high-caliber audience that included institutional investors, corporate venture leaders, innovation executives from major banks and consulting firms, and decision-makers from government ecosystems. Through curated business matching sessions organised by the HKTDC and meeting with high-calibre audience, we identified multiple potential partners and expansion opportunities. The interest reinforced both the commercial potential of Midas Analytics and the clear demand in Europe for better visibility into fast-changing Asian markets." Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, attended the workshop and networking reception themed under "From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation" last Friday. Highlighting that Hong Kong being an ideal gateway for global enterprises to enter the Mainland market, Professor Sun said the HKSAR Government has been actively attracting overseas and the Mainland I&T enterprises to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. Companies choosing HK for the international headquarters exemplify Hong Kong's important role as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder" between Mainland China and the rest of the world, serving as a two-way springboard for attracting overseas enterprises and helping Mainland enterprises to "go global". The subsequent discussions explored the strengths of Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem, and how to leverage Hong Kong's advantages to seize new opportunities. Cindy Chow, Executive Director & CEO of Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, together viAct, Sandbox VR, and Orcauboat founders, shared their success stories leveraging Hong Kong as the platform for global expansion. Chapman Lee, Director of Imsight Technology Co., Limited, highlighted the strengths of Hong Kong's R&D capabilities and access to international investment. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 by Startup Genome, a research institute, during VivaTech 2025, Hong Kong entered the Top 40 ranking for the first time. The ecosystem jumped 20 positions to 27th in the 2025 ranking. The HKTDC continues to lead Hong Kong businesses in participating in major international tech exhibitions, helping local start-ups expand overseas and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a global innovation and technology hub. Following the Consumer Electronic Show 2025 in Las Vegas and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year, HKTDC once again organised the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech in Paris, providing an effective platform for start-ups to showcase innovations, attract investment, and explore the European market. The 9th edition of VivaTech attracted more than 14,000 start-ups, 180,000 visitors, and 3,600 investors from 171 countries and regions. Industry leaders from around the world shared unique insights, further making the event a key highlight of the global tech ecosystem. List of 20 Start-ups at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion: Category Company Name 1 AI & Robotics Ailytics Limited 2 Anonymous Dots Technology Co., Limited 3 AutoKeybo Limited 4 Neufast Limited 5 Nuvatech Limited 6 Pantheon Lab Limited 7 Robocore Technology Limited 8 Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited 9 FinTech AQUMON 10 Midas Analytics Limited 11 Health Tech Braillic Limited 12 HairCoSys Limited 13 Imsight Technology Co., Limited 14 Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health 15 Metis Therapeutics HK Limited 16 Point Fit Technology Limited 17 Vismed Training Limited 18 Sustainable & Climate Tech D-Shape Limited 19 Lacess Limited 20 OKOsix Limited Photo download: Websites: Media enquiries For enquiries, please contact HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: Media Room: About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit:
RTHK
15-06-2025
- Business
- RTHK
Frederick Ma says tariffs also offer opportunity
Frederick Ma says tariffs also offer opportunity Frederick Ma says Hong Kong plays a vital role as a super connector and a free port. File photo: RTHK The newly appointed chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Frederick Ma said on Sunday that US President Donald Trump's policy measures have significantly impacted global trade, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Hong Kong. Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, Ma, who has been in office for two weeks, said that Trump's tariff measures have reduced business certainty and investment willingness, ultimately hindering economic development. However, he said that Hong Kong plays a vital role as a super connector given that the SAR is a free port. "Since he took office, certainty has definitely decreased a lot. Many people say they won't invest in this environment. The tariff measures have affected many aspects in trade," he said. "Where there is crisis, there is also opportunity. Hong Kong is actually a good place because we do not have tariffs. The volume of goods going to the US is decreasing. "Since the government started developing in Asean and Middle Eastern markets, trade with these regions has grown rapidly within these past few years. We need new thinking to 'go global' under these circumstances." Ma also said that the council is assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in identifying emerging markets, including potential opportunities in Africa. "We must diversify. Can we explore places like Africa? Africa is part of the Belt and Road Initiative. It has a large population, and some of its countries are developing well," he said. "We need to discover more new markets to help SMEs in their supply and industrial chains." Ma urged businesses to move beyond past successes, stressing the need to strengthen digital capabilities and leverage e-commerce opportunities.
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
20 Start-ups Showcase at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion in VivaTech 2025
Presenting Cutting-Edge Solutions and Innovations and Fostering Global Collaborations through Seminars and Networking Events - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council will bring together 20 start-ups to participate in Viva Technology 2025 in Paris. - The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will showcase the cutting-edge solutions and innovations in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, HealthTech, Sustainable and ClimateTech, FinTech, and more. - A series of seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception will enhance international cooperation and highlight Hong Kong's vibrant start-up and technology ecosystem. HONG KONG - June 3, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with Strategic Partner, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, and supporting organisations including Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and Hong Kong Cyberport, will stage the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2025 in Paris, Europe's biggest start-up and tech event from 11 to 14 June 2025. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will feature 20 start-ups, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, HealthTech, Sustainable and ClimateTech, and FinTech, and host a series of seminars, start-up pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception to attract global investors and buyers, fostering international collaboration and showcasing Hong Kong's dynamic start-up and technology ecosystem. VivaTech connects start-ups, tech leaders, corporates, and investors to drive innovation and business collaboration. The HKTDC's Hong Kong Tech Pavilion helps local start-ups and tech firms enter global markets while promoting Hong Kong's unique advantages and reinforcing its status as a world-class innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Chris Lo, HKTDC's Regional Director, Europe, Central Asia & Israel, said: 'The HKTDC actively supports start-up development through a wide range of activities and support services to enhance their competitiveness and expand global reach. These include launching Hong Kong Tech Pavilions at major overseas tech events and organising events like the HKTDC Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) and Start-up Express in Hong Kong. This year's VivaTech focuses on AI, healthtech, climatetech, and sustainability, areas that align closely with the development of Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will provide a valuable platform for showcasing innovation, attracting investment, and expanding into the European market while raising international awareness of Hong Kong start-ups.' Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem is one of the most vibrant in Asia, with strengths in R&D capabilities, advanced technological infrastructure, robust legal system, and world-class intellectual property protection regime. As a business hub and international trading centre in Asia, Hong Kong provides a strategic platform for connecting innovation, expertise, and patents with global capital. Its strategic location within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) with access to over 86 million consumers, makes Hong Kong an ideal gateway to the entire GBA and also Asia and the world. During VivaTech, the HKTDC will host a series of events including seminars, pitching sessions, workshop and networking reception. On 11 June, the seminar Hong Kong: Fast-Growing Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub will feature speakers Josephine Chan, Senior Manager, New Ventures Development of HKSTP, Florian Lang, Founder and CEO APAC of Libertify, and Benny Cheng, Founder & CEO of Insight Capital, who will discuss the advantages and prospects of Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem. Hong Kong Start-ups Pitching to Global Investors On 12 June, start-ups at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion will also pitch their cutting-edge solutions and innovative products to global investors. Start-ups focus on AI, Robotics and FinTech, such as Pantheon Lab, which uses deep-learning technology to create software applications for developing quality and self-generated visual content, Robocore, a leading developer of applications for robotic platforms, and Midas Analytics, a data consulting company based on artificial intelligence and big data technologies, will present their groundbreaking innovations. Start-ups focusing on Health Tech, Sustainable & Climate Tech, such as Braillic, specialising in Augmented Reality (AR) guided surgical navigation system, HairCoSys, which developed a hair and scalp AI health diagnosis platform, and OKOsix, which developed world's first plastic-free multifunctional bio-based material, will showcase their innovations advancing human well-being and a more sustainable future. On 13 June, Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, will attend the Workshop and Networking Reception – From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation and deliver a keynote speech. Cindy Chow, Executive Director & CEO of Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, together with Sandbox VR, Orcauboat, and viAct, will share how Hong Kong start-ups succeed on an international stage. Yang Ming, CEO of Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited will share the advantages of choosing Hong Kong as springboard for global expansion. The followed panel discussion will be moderated by Christopher Lai, Director, France, Spain & Portugal of HKTDC. Cindy Chow, Chapman Lee, Director of Imsight Technology Co., Limited, Kenny Oktavius, Co-founder & CEO of Point Fit Technology Limited, and Jean-Baptiste Roy, Founding Partner of Asia Sports Tech, will explore the advantages of Hong Kong start-up ecosystem from both investor and start-up perspective and how to leverage Hong Kong's advantages to seize new opportunities. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is located at Hall 1 Booth F48, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The 9th edition of VivaTech is expected to attract over 165,000 visitors, 3,500 exhibitors, 13,500 start-ups, and 3,200 investors. Industry leaders from around the world will share unique insights, making the event the highlight of the global tech ecosystem. List of 20 Start-ups at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion: Photo download: Websites: Media enquiries For enquiries, please contact HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: Media Room: About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit:
South China Morning Post
27-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Fiba 3x3 World Tour Hong Kong to be held away from Victoria Park for first time
The Fiba 3x3 basketball World Tour Hong Kong will be held away from Victoria Park for the first time this summer, the organisers said on Tuesday. Advertisement Scheduled to run from July 19 to 20, the event will move indoors to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. With Victoria Park hosting the beach volleyball at the National Games later this year, sources told the Post a move away from Causeway Bay was 'inevitable' for the 3x3 event, which has been held annually in Hong Kong since 2022. Victoria Park has been its usual venue and was also the site for the qualifying tournament in April last year for the Paris Olympics. 'We usually host the event in November, but Hong Kong co-hosting the National Games [with Guangdong and Macau] around that time this year meant the schedule was out of the question this time,' the source said. Fiba 3x3 World Tour hopes to ride on the popularity of the Hong Kong Book Fair. Photo: Jonathan Wong Instead Fiba 3x3 World Tour Hong Kong will run concurrently with the Hong Kong Book Fair – the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's signature event – which runs from July 16 to 22 and attracted almost one million visitors last year.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
HSBC Kuwait and Hong Kong Trade Development Council discuss avenues for business growth
Kuwait City: Trade and investment are set to accelerate between Hong Kong and Kuwait as companies from high growth sectors, entrepreneurs and government bodies prioritise strategic partnerships and economic ties. Expected annual two-way goods trade between Asia and the Middle East is projected to more than double to over USD1.9trn by 2035, and businesses within these two regions are identifying the opportunities in potential high-growth sectors for each market. 'As the largest international bank in Kuwait, the wider MENAT region as well as in Asia, we are perfectly positioned to facilitate discussions and connect clients with opportunities in both regions,' said Samer Alabed, CEO of HSBC in Kuwait. 'HSBC has been present in Kuwait for 20 years and we see Kuwait as a key market with growth potential in the GCC with its wealth, financial strength and young ambitious population.' At a meeting hosted by HSBC discussions around these topics were held between delegates from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, senior leaders from HSBC MENAT and major Kuwait-based clients from the bank, including local and international businesses and financial institutions. The meeting aimed to explore further collaboration in different sectors such as infrastructure development and logistics and trade facilitation, as well as renewable energy, sustainability, and smart cities. 'At HSBC we believe investors will continue to play an important role in the Kuwaiti government's plans and will look to access those opportunities via the Private Public Partnership framework,' said Ahmed AlMurad, Head of Wholesale Banking at HSBC Kuwait. 'Mainland China has already been part of infrastructure and construction with projects such as the Mubarak Al Kabeer port (China Harbour) and the Road Network project (China Gezoubha). Hong Kong, one of the world's top financial hubs, offers Kuwait a gateway to Asian markets, especially in asset management and Islamic finance. According to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Hong Kong's assets under management reached over HK$35 trillion in 2023. With Kuwait's robust sovereign wealth fund and growing FinTech ecosystem, collaborative platforms in wealth management, digital banking, and green finance are gaining momentum. MENAT and Asia are fast growing markets signified by the dynamic shift in the global economy from West to East driven by the Middle East's investment-led economic transformation drive, GCC and Asia's rising wealth, and the necessity of creating sustainable economies. Media Enquiries Greta Madgwick HSBC in the MENAT region HSBC is the largest and most widely represented international banking organisation in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT), with a presence in nine countries across the region: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. In Saudi Arabia, HSBC is a 31% shareholder of Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), and a 51% shareholder of HSBC Saudi Arabia for investment banking in the Kingdom. Across MENAT, HSBC had assets of US$73bn as at 31 December 2024.
