Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with InvestHK, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and five local universities, 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, showcased Hong Kong's deep strength across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation.
Building on last year's momentum, the Hong Kong Pavilion doubled in size, reflecting the city's growing prominence as Asia's largest and the world's second-largest fundraising hub for the biotechnology sector. Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, emphasized the importance of BIO 2026 as a platform to showcase Hong Kong's innovation, deepen partnerships, and open pathways into global healthcare markets. 'As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond,' Wong said, noting the city's strong R&D capabilities backed by world-class universities, five of which are ranked among the QS Top 100.
Three major strategic partnerships were highlighted at BIO 2026. HKSTP signed an MOU with LabCentral, one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, to deepen ties between the U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed programmes. 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. 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, marking Zhaoke's first strategic MOU in the Brazilian market.
Beyond the pavilion, HKSTP CEO Terry Wong participated in a panel session on translating innovation across borders, sharing insights on biotech trends and Hong Kong's strengths in life and health tech development. HKSTP and five university delegates visited the Salk Institute to explore partnerships, and a Global Mixer was hosted with industry leaders including Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital. The event also featured startup pitching sessions and curated networking events for commercialisation, licensing, partnerships, and investment.
In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP co-organised the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club. HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics, underscoring the strength of Hong Kong's biotech pipeline.
Hong Kong's biotech ecosystem continues to expand, with HKSTP home to more than 300 life and health technology companies. The delegation's record participation and new partnerships reinforce the city's status as an international healthcare innovation hub, connecting capital, talent, infrastructure, and market access across the biotech innovation journey.
