Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has led the city's largest-ever delegation of life and health technology innovators to the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego, from June 22 to 25. The delegation, comprising 41 organizations including partner companies, research institutes, and university spin-offs from five top local universities, underscores Hong Kong's growing prominence as a global healthcare innovation hub.
The 2026 delegation doubled the size of the Hong Kong Pavilion compared to last year, showcasing the city's deep strength across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation. This landmark presence highlights Hong Kong's position as Asia's largest and the world's second largest fundraising hub for the biotechnology sector, according to HKSTP. The delegation includes spin-offs from The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and City University of Hong Kong.
Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, emphasized the significance of BIO 2026 as a platform to showcase Hong Kong's innovation and deepen global partnerships. "As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond," he said. Wong highlighted Hong Kong's strong R&D capabilities backed by world-class universities, five of which are ranked among the QS Top 100, including two with medical schools now placed in the global top 20.
A key highlight of BIO 2026 was the signing of three major strategic partnerships. HKSTP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LabCentral, one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, to support life sciences startups with lab infrastructure and community programs. The collaboration aims to deepen ties between the U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed initiatives.
Immuno Cure, developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX, announced a collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), to support overseas clinical trial execution and establish a global framework for international expansion. Meanwhile, Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, the first company to produce generic medicines and OTCs in Brazil, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology. This marks Zhaoke's first strategic MOU in the Brazilian market, aiming to bring advanced eye care treatments to Latin American patients.
Beyond the pavilion, HKSTP CEO Mr. Terry Wong participated in a panel session titled "Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups," sharing insights on biotech trends and Hong Kong's strengths. HKSTP and the five university delegates also visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates, to explore partnerships. Additionally, HKSTP, in collaboration with InvestHK and HKTDC, hosted a Global Mixer featuring industry leaders from Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital.
In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP co-organised the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club in Boston on May 23 and 24. HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics, competing against around 170 biotechnology companies worldwide.
Hong Kong continues to expand its global healthcare footprint as the world's second-largest biotech fundraising hub. HKSTP's ecosystem is home to more than 300 life and health technology companies, connecting capital, talent, infrastructure, and market access across the biotech innovation journey.
