(Hong Kong, 14 July 2026) – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today hosted the “Summer Talent Fest 2026” at Hong Kong Science Park, officially launching the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme. This initiative aligns with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the "AI+" initiative, while actively supporting the HKSAR Government’s policy direction to promote the widespread adoption and understanding of artificial intelligence (AI).
Centered on professional empowerment, the programme specifically targeting university students, early-career professionals and innovators. Through a comprehensive series of activities including advanced courses, application competitions, apprenticeship and career fairs, this new initiative is set to effectively translate AI knowledge into practical skills and employability.
Guided by the principle of “promoting technology with talents, leading industries with technology, and attracting talents with industries”, HKSTP will accelerate foundational AI literacy and real-world application of AI across society, cementing the city’s strategic position as an international innovation and technology (I&T) and AI hub. Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, officiated at the launch ceremony, together with Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP, Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP, and other members of HKSTP’s senior management. The event also welcomed over 500 students from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas, as they embarked on their summer internships at Science Park, offering them first-hand exposure to the development of Hong Kong’s AI and I&T industries.
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said: “As AI evolves at breakneck speed, our top priority must be nurturing fresh talent and arming the next generation with the cutting-edge skills and opportunities to lead this revolution. Through AI masterclasses and hands on training, this programme equips you with rock-solid foundations and helps transform sparks of inspiration into real-world impact. This mission perfectly reflects the Government's overarching ‘AI for Al’" strategy to spark AI literacy across every corner of our society, and aligns closely with the national AI+ Initiative.”
Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP, said, “The demand for high-calibre talent in I&T is now stronger than ever. This is our moment to build deeper capability, strengthen our industries, and to prepare next generation to lead in a fast-changing world. HKSTP aims to open doors to industry exposure, create pathways for career growth and entrepreneurship, and bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact. Through the ‘AI for All’ Inclusive Programme, we welcome all youth and professionals who are passionate about I&T and to learn how to leverage AI to empower different industries, driving the deeper adoption and popularization of AI across all sectors of society.”
“AI for All” Officially Launched with a Focus on Professional Empowerment
To advance the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, HKSTP is bringing together companies within the Science Park, tertiary institutions and stakeholders across the I&T ecosystem to strengthen AI talent development through three strategic phases: Cultivation, Industrial Practice, and Realisation.
- Cultivation: More than 5,000 training opportunities will be offered through AI Master Classes and AI Tech workshops in this phase, helping participants establish a solid AI knowledge foundation and earn professional certifications
- Industrial Practice: Bridging the gap between AI theory and application, this phase empowers talents to transform technical skills into industry-ready competencies through flagships initiatives, including the Robocon Hong Kong Contest, Hong Kong Techathon+ and apprenticeship
- Realisation: Through platforms like Careers Expo and Career Hack & Match initiative, this phase connects talents directly with tangible employment opportunities, entrepreneurial pathways and the real business needs of Science Park companies, ultimately securing their place in the global I&T ecosystem.
By integrating these three phases, HKSTP aims to establish a comprehensive AI talent development pathway in Hong Kong, connecting learning with employment and theory with practical application.
Talent Foundry: Building a Sustainable Pipeline for I&T Talents
To bridge the gap between academia and industry, HKSTP launched Talent Foundry in 2025, a comprehensive talent development and workforce-readiness programme. In close collaboration with local tertiary institutions and partner companies, the programme hosted over 50 bootcamp activities, empowering more than 500 university students and accumulating over 10,000 bootcamp hours. Following their participation, many Talent Foundry Starters transitioned into the I&T ecosystem, which is a powerful testament to the programme’s effectiveness in enabling young learners to rapidly evolve into active industry contributors.
Under the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, Talent Foundry will place a sharper focus on AI+ and emerging technologies to substantially expand Hong Kong’s I&T talent pool. By broadening its scope beyond university students to encompass researchers, young professionals and innovators keen to transform their AI knowledge into practical applications for industries, Talent Foundry empowers Talents to either join HKSTP park companies or launch their own startups, ultimately building a more sustainable I&T talent ecosystem for Hong Kong.
Talents from Hong Kong and Around the World Gather at Science Park to Explore I&T Opportunities
As a cradle of innovation and technology, HKSTP offers a range of internship programmes for local and international undergraduate, postgraduate students and recent graduates. These programmes provide young talents with an entry point into the I&T ecosystem and an opportunity to experience Hong Kong’s innovation landscape first-hand.
This year, HKSTP’s internship programmes received more than 10,000 applications, with more than 500 students ultimately admitted. Participants include students from Tsinghua University, Stanford University, the National University of Singapore, and Imperial College London, which are among the world’s top 50 universities, demonstrating the international appeal of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.
Summer Talent Fest not only marked the launch of the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, but also officially welcomed these students as they began their summer internships at Science Park and became part of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.
The interns will take part in research, development and application-focused projects at startups and technology companies within Science Park. Their work will cover frontier fields including AI, robotics, life and healthy technology, fintech and smart cities, allowing them to experience first-hand the dynamism and opportunities offered by Hong Kong as an international I&T hub.
HKSTP will continue to serve as a bridge connecting talent, enterprises and industries, supporting Hong Kong in seizing strategic opportunities presented by the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the “AI+” initiative, while providing a continuous pipeline of talent to support the city’s development as an international I&T centre.
