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 to the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego from June 22 to 25. The delegation comprised 41 organizations, including HKSTP partner companies, research institutes, and university spin-offs, doubling the size of the Hong Kong Pavilion from the previous year.
The expanded presence showcased Hong Kong's deep capabilities in AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical innovation, with potential "First-in-Class" and "Best-in-Class" assets. The delegation underscored Hong Kong's role as Asia's largest and the world's second-largest fundraising hub for biotechnology.
HKSTP CEO Terry Wong emphasized the importance of BIO 2026 as a platform to showcase innovation and deepen partnerships. "As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond," he said. He highlighted Hong Kong's strong R&D capabilities backed by world-class universities, with five ranked among the QS Top 100 and two medical schools in the global top 20.
A key highlight was the signing of three major strategic partnerships. HKSTP signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with LabCentral, one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, to support life sciences startups through lab infrastructure and community programs, deepening ties between U.S. and Hong Kong ecosystems. Immuno Cure, developer of the first-in-human therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX, announced a collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization, to support overseas clinical trials. Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, Brazil's first producer of generic medicines and OTCs, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology, marking Zhaoke's first strategic MOU in Brazil.
Beyond the pavilion, Wong participated in a panel on "Translating Innovation Across Borders," sharing insights on biotech trends and HKSTP's role in building global bridges. HKSTP and university delegates visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates, to explore partnerships. A Global Mixer hosted by HKSTP, InvestHK, HKTDC, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco brought together industry leaders, incubators, and venture capital firms, including Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital, for startup pitching and networking.
In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP co-organized the Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club. Competing against around 170 biotech companies, HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics, underscoring Hong Kong's biotech pipeline strength.
Hong Kong continues to expand its global healthcare footprint as the world's second-largest biotech fundraising hub. HKSTP's ecosystem is home to more than 300 life and health technology companies, connecting capital, talent, infrastructure, and market access. More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.
