Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with InvestHK, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and five top 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, which doubled the size of last year's Hong Kong Pavilion to a record 41 organizations, underscores Hong Kong's growing role as Asia's largest and the world's second-largest fundraising hub for biotechnology.
The expanded presence at BIO 2026 included HKSTP partner companies, research institutes, and for the first time, spin-offs from five QS Top 100 universities—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. These organizations showcased strengths across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation, with potential "First-in-Class" and "Best-in-Class" assets.
Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, emphasized the significance of the event: "BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong's groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets." He highlighted Hong Kong's unique position as a super-connector, bridging global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond, backed by world-class R&D capabilities.
A key highlight was the signing of three major strategic partnerships. HKSTP signed an MOU with LabCentral, one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, to deepen ties between U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed programs. 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. Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, a Brazilian generic medicines producer, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology, marking Zhaoke's first strategic MOU in Brazil.
Beyond the pavilion, HKSTP CEO Terry Wong participated in a panel on "Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups," sharing insights on biotech trends and Hong Kong's strengths. HKSTP and university delegates also visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates, to explore partnerships. The delegation hosted a Global Mixer with industry leaders and venture capital firms, including Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, and Roche, featuring startup pitching sessions and networking events.
In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP co-organized the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club, where HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics. The recognition underscores the strength of Hong Kong's biotech pipeline and HKSTP's commitment to translational medicine and globally scalable healthcare solutions.
Hong Kong's biotech ecosystem continues to expand, with HKSTP home to more than 300 life and health technology companies. The delegation's success at BIO 2026 reinforces Hong Kong's status as an international healthcare innovation hub, connecting capital, talent, infrastructure, and market access to accelerate the journey from discovery to global impact.
