The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), led a delegation of 20 local innovation and technology companies and institutions to Barcelona, Spain, for a highly successful participation at Mobile World Congress (MWC) and the startup-centric 4 Years From Now (4YFN) 2026. The delegation aimed to access overseas markets, showcase strengths in research and development, and demonstrate Hong Kong's role as a leading international I&T hub.
At the event, Hong Kong's cutting-edge solutions in Connectivity, Devices and Systems, Digital Transformation, and Ecosystem Partners were highlighted, engaging global industry leaders and investors to generate business collaboration, technology co-development, and investment opportunities. Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation and Director of External Relations at HKTDC, emphasized Hong Kong's commitment to becoming an international I&T centre, noting the city's robust mobile communications infrastructure and competitive edge in 5G/6G applications and AI integration. The dual-pavilion layout at MWC and 4YFN showcased the city's capabilities on two international platforms, helping the industry expand into European and global business opportunities.
Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development at HKSTP, highlighted that the dual-zone presence gave innovators a global stage to validate solutions, gain visibility, and drive business traction. HKSTP continues to strengthen the I&T ecosystem and bring Hong Kong's research excellence to Europe and beyond. A series of dialogues, networking receptions, themed talks, and pitching sessions at the pavilions attracted enthusiastic responses, highlighting the dynamism of Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem to European audiences. These events enabled participants to understand the city's unique advantages as a 'super-connector' and 'super value-adder', positioning Hong Kong as a strategic springboard for international companies entering Asian markets.
Alejandro Gallego, International Business Director of AMEC, after visiting the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, described the pavilions as highly inspirational and noted that the exhibiting companies showcased exceptionally innovative technological solutions. AMEC has started conversations with Hong Kong companies to explore concrete collaboration opportunities. Jacobo Pérez-Soba, Manager of the Internationalisation Department at Madrid Chamber of Commerce & Industry, stated that the solutions and services provided by Hong Kong companies are highly forward-looking and demonstrate outstanding technological advancement. He also learned about upcoming tech events in Hong Kong expected to be of significant interest to Spanish companies and startups.
As 2026 marks the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, with technological innovation as a national priority, HKTDC and HKSTP will continue to support local tech firms in 'going global' through the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, accelerating Hong Kong's I&T by building a vibrant, internationally competitive ecosystem and fostering new quality productive forces. Photo download is available at https://bit.ly/3Nm5qHl.
