The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech 2026, held in Paris last week, successfully connected 24 local innovation and technology enterprises with global investors and industry players, yielding tangible cross-border collaborations and demonstrating Hong Kong's growing influence in the global tech ecosystem. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in partnership with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and supported by organizations including the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport, the pavilion served as a platform for startups to showcase solutions in sustainable technology, AI, robotics, and health tech.
Chris Lo, HKTDC's Regional Director for Europe, Central Asia & Israel, noted that the pavilion achieved excellent results, facilitating multiple cross-border collaborations, some of which stemmed from connections initiated at last year's event. “Through its participation in overseas promotional platforms, the HKTDC has been helping local start-ups build networks and increase their exposure in international markets,” Lo said, emphasizing the sustained momentum injected into Hong Kong's innovation and technology development.
Among the standout participants, Formwork IO, which develops carbon-negative construction materials, was selected as a top 30 finalist for VivaTech's “Tech for Change” Award, recognizing startups leveraging technology for environmental or social impact. Additionally, PointFit Technology, a developer of wearable health monitoring solutions, and Robocore Technology Limited, which creates open-platform service robot solutions, were chosen to give live demonstrations at VivaTech's Discovery Stage, underscoring Hong Kong's competitiveness in health tech and AI.
Several startups forged concrete partnerships. Robocore Technology is in negotiations with French outdoor advertising company JCDecaux to supply 1,000 robots for marketing campaigns, building on a connection made at last year's pavilion. CEO Lim Long-hei expressed hope to deepen collaboration with European multinationals and achieve rapid business growth. Meanwhile, LeafIoT Technology Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lecco Campus of Politecnico di Milano to collaborate on AI-driven tree monitoring solutions, aiming for five- to ten-fold business growth. Managing Director Chan Pak-wan stated, “We hope to extend Hong Kong's industry-university-research model further into Europe.”
The HKTDC also hosted thematic seminars and networking events, including a session titled “Building Resilient Tech Ecosystems: Powering the Next Wave of International Tech Leadership from Hong Kong” on June 19. Shirley Yung, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic & Trade Affairs to the European Union, highlighted Hong Kong's advantages: top-tier research and talent, deep capital pools, access to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and strong global connectivity. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, noted that Hong Kong's familiar regulatory frameworks provide a common ground for European companies exploring the East, while Yonghai Du, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC, pointed to Hong Kong's research capabilities and support for meeting international testing standards.
The pavilion is part of HKTDC's broader strategy to assist startups in expanding overseas, following participation in CES 2026 in Las Vegas and MWC/4YFN in Barcelona earlier this year. VivaTech 2026 attracted over 15,000 startups and 200,000 visitors from 165 countries. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is a flagship initiative under the “Economic and Trade Express” in Europe, with additional pitching sessions and networking events organized by Brussels ETO, HKTDC, and InvestHK.
For more information on the participating startups, visit the VivaTech exhibitors page. Photo downloads are available at this link.
