The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), along with strategic partners, hosted the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, showcasing 24 local innovation and technology enterprises. The pavilion aimed to connect startups with European investors and industry players, fostering international collaboration and market expansion.
Chris Lo, Regional Director for Europe, Central Asia & Israel at HKTDC, highlighted the success of the pavilion in facilitating multiple cross-border collaborations. He noted that some outcomes stemmed from connections initiated the previous year, emphasizing the HKTDC's role in helping startups build networks and increase international exposure.
Among the participants, Formwork IO, a developer of carbon-negative construction materials, was selected as a top 30 finalist for VivaTech's "Tech for Change" Award, recognized for its high growth potential and positive environmental impact. Additionally, PointFit Technology and Robocore Technology Limited were chosen to give live demonstrations at VivaTech's Discovery Stage, showcasing innovations in health technology and robotics.
Several startups forged significant partnerships. Robocore Technology is negotiating with JCDecaux, a French outdoor advertising company, to provide 1,000 robots for marketing campaigns. The connection was initiated at the previous year's Hong Kong Tech Pavilion. CEO Lim Long-hei expressed hopes to deepen collaboration with European multinationals and achieve rapid business growth. LeafIoT Technology Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lecco Campus of Politecnico di Milano to collaborate on smart tree monitoring solutions, aiming to expand into the European market through talent cultivation and technological innovation.
The HKTDC also hosted seminars, pitching sessions, and networking events to facilitate exchanges between investors and startups. Shirley Yung, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic & Trade Affairs to the European Union, spoke at a thematic seminar on June 19, highlighting Hong Kong's advantages in research, capital, access to the Greater Bay Area, and global connectivity. The discussion featured Terry Wong from HKSTP and Yonghai Du from HKPC, who shared insights on leveraging Hong Kong as a springboard for international markets.
The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech is part of the "Economic and Trade Express" initiative, supported by the Brussels ETO and InvestHK. It follows the HKTDC's participation in CES 2026, MWC, and 4YFN earlier this year, reinforcing its commitment to helping startups expand overseas. VivaTech 2026 attracted participants from over 165 countries, with more than 15,000 startups and 200,000 visitors, underscoring its significance in the global tech ecosystem.
For more information, visit the VivaTech exhibitor page and the photo download link.
