(Hong Kong, 4 June 2024) – The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is leading a delegation of 16 elite park companies to the BIO International Convention (BIO 2024) in San Diego, USA, from 3 to 6 June 2024. Marking a notable return to the world’s largest biotechnology partnering event since 2019, HKSTP aims to bolster Hong Kong’s stature as a global biotech hub, facilitating commercialisation, and attracting companies, talent and investors.
Gathering over 20,000 industry leaders from 88 countries, the annual BIO International Convention encompasses the entire spectrum of biotechnology from early discovery, clinical trials, manufacturing, business development, investment and marketing.
HKSTP has unveiled a dynamic 1,000-square-foot Pavilion to display groundbreaking products and services and facilitate over 80 One-on-One partnering meetings. The Pavilion spotlights an array of companies spanning multiple biotechnology segments including two centres under Health@InnoHK, six HKSTP’s IncuBio startups, and eight therapeutic enterprises. Together, these exhibitors underscore the diverse scope and innovative strength of Hong Kong's biotech sector.
The inclusion of the Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development from InnoHK marks the first time that a traditional Chinese herbal medicine developer has participated, illustrating to the world the modernisation of Chinese medicine and its major breakthroughs in disease treatment.
Dr Grace Lau, Head of Institute for Translational Research of HKSTP said, “HKSTP is committed to propelling our park companies onto the global stage, enhancing their visibility and connectivity with industry leaders. Our presence at BIO 2024 will further support their commercialisation efforts by facilitating direct interactions with global investors and funding bodies.”
Other key features of BIO 2024 include the 60-minute APAC Summit session, where HKSTP, in collaboration with InvestHK, will outline Hong Kong as a pivotal gateway to both mainland China and global markets for the biotech industry; and a 13-minute Global Innovation Hub presentation for the delegation to increase exposure and showcase Hong Kong’s biotech ecosystem.
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP said, “We are thrilled to once again demonstrate Hong Kong's enormous strength and potential in biotechnology at BIO 2024. Hong Kong provides the ideal launchpad for biotech companies to scale globally. With our strategic location in the Greater Bay Area, robust R&D capabilities, and immense financial backings and supporting policies from the HKSAR government, Hong Kong is accelerating its development as a global biotech powerhouse.”
Through targeted scouting and networking opportunities at the convention, HKSTP is dedicated to identifying potential overseas biotech companies considering establishing operations in Hong Kong. This proactive stance highlights HKSTP’s commitment to enriching its biotech cluster.
On 7 June, the delegation and park companies will also participate in a biotechnology tour in Los Angeles to meet with key organisations such as ScaleHealth, and visits to Hatch Lab, UCLA Clinical and Translational Research Institute and LA BioSpace, fostering further collaboration and insight into Southern California’s vibrant biotech ecosystem.
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