Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) presents Hong Kong as a springboard for global innovators to seize opportunities in the Greater Bay Area
A European-scale I+T (Innovation and Technology) hackathon co-organized by Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) and the EuroTech Federation provided winning I+T talent in Europe with a firsthand insight into the opportunities that the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) holds, positioning Hong Kong as a gateway to regional collaboration. The hackathon attracted around 1,200 applicants from over 25 countries, with about 250 of them reaching the final round. After participating, 90 percent of the finalists expressed greater interest in Hong Kong and the cities of the continental area of the GBA. About 20 winning talents visited Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou to meet with investors, business incubators, research institutes, and industry leaders.
Firsthand information on GBA I+T opportunities
The delegation visited Cyberport, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, and Northern Metropolis in order to gain a deeper understanding of the development opportunities and the I+T ecosystem of Hong Kong, as well as the support measures for talent and business incubation.
In Qianhai (Shenzhen) and Nansha (Guangzhou), delegates met with local I+T companies and organizations to explore industrial applications in the fields of AI, robotics, smart transportation, and biotechnology, demonstrating how Hong Kong can help innovative individuals from beyond its borders connect with the opportunities of the GBA and bring ideas to practice.
"What impresses us the most is the dynamism and interconnectedness of the tech ecosystem. Within days we met with business incubators, industry leaders, and potential partners, giving us a clearer and more comprehensive view of how to bring ideas to practice," stated Cem Araz, heal.health / Germany
Forging lasting bonds
The program is designed to maintain engagement beyond the competition.
"We want innovative individuals on a global scale not just to visit Hong Kong and the GBA, but to forge their future here," noted D. Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
"The program highlights Hong Kong's role as an international center for R&D and an international hub for high-level talent, and also connects global talent with R&D opportunities in the GBA, thus giving new impetus to R&D development in the GBA," he added.
D. Félix Chan, Director of HKTE, stated that the visit highlights the need for continued commitment and support for talent seeking professional advancement, business opportunities, and establishing themselves in the city.
Based on these initiatives, Hong Kong provides innovative individuals from around the world access to a global business environment, an effective funding platform, prestigious research institutes, and transparent pathways for talent incorporation, while connecting them with vast markets, diversified partners, and strong growth prospects in the GBA and the rest of mainland China.
About Hong Kong Talent Engage
HKTE, an office affiliated with the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, promotes globally the talent attraction initiatives and opportunities of Hong Kong, also providing extensive support to help newly arrived talent and their families settle in Hong Kong for long-term development.