The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has led its largest-ever delegation to the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego, showcasing the city's advancements in life and health technology. The delegation, comprising 41 organizations including partner companies, research institutes, and university spin-offs, marks a significant increase from last year, with the Hong Kong Pavilion doubling in size.
The presence at BIO 2026, held from June 22 to 25, underscores Hong Kong's status as Asia's largest and the world's second-largest fundraising hub for biotechnology. The delegation highlighted innovations in AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals, with potential “First-in-Class” and “Best-in-Class” assets.
Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, emphasized the importance of the convention as a platform for global partnerships. “BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong's groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets,” he said. He noted Hong Kong's unique position as a super-connector, bridging global innovators with opportunities across Asia.
Key highlights included three major strategic partnerships. HKSTP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LabCentral, one of the largest nonprofit biotech incubators, to support life sciences startups through lab infrastructure and community programs. Immuno Cure, developer of the first-in-human therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX, announced a collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), to support overseas clinical trials. Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, Brazil's first generic medicine producer, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology, marking Zhaoke's first strategic entry into the Brazilian market.
HKSTP and five Hong Kong university delegates also visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates, to explore partnerships. A Global Mixer, co-organized with InvestHK and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, featured industry leaders from Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital as judges for startup pitching sessions.
In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP co-organized the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club. HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals won third place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics, competing against 170 biotechnology companies worldwide.
Hong Kong's biotech ecosystem continues to expand, with HKSTP home to over 300 life and health technology companies. The delegation's success at BIO 2026 reinforces the city's role as a global healthcare innovation hub, leveraging its strong R&D capabilities and world-class universities to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact.
