HKSTP Powers Tech Companies' “Go Global” at WAIC 2026

(Hong Kong, 20 July 2026) — The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC 2026) concluded successfully in Shanghai today. Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Cyberport and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITP), led a delegation of 18 local AI enterprises to the conference. Through technology showcases, industry forums, business and investment matching, corporate visits and a series of international exchange activities, the delegation showcased innovation and technology (I&T) capabilities and global reach of the city’s rapidly growing AI ecosystem.

President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote address, calling on countries to take a people-centred approach, develop AI “for the positive, for good and for humanity”, and join hands to build a just and equitable system for global AI governance. President Xi underlined the need to adhere to principle of openness and win-win, boost innovation-driven development and enable all sectors and businesses to benefit from AI, while strengthening risk-awareness to ensure that AI is secure and controllable, and carrying out extensive international cooperation so that this frontier technology can better benefit humanity.

Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP, led the delegation to this national technology event, and said: “Hong Kong’s I&T soft power are reflected not only in its technological breakthroughs, but also in our ability to effectively connect technology, capital, talent, application scenarios and international markets. As the largest I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong, HKSTP is committed to leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantage of being backed by the Mainland while connected to the world. We help local tech firms leverage Hong Kong as a springboard to go global, connecting them with customers, investors and partners in the Mainland and overseas. We also attract international enterprises, capital, talent and innovation resources to Hong Kong for R&D, technology validation and commercialisation. Our WAIC networking sessions delivered strong outcomes, with multiple Mainland companies expressing keen interest in joining HKSTP's ecosystem as a launchpad for global expansion. Through international platforms such as WAIC, we aim to strengthen Hong Kong’s influence in global AI development and translate more I&T achievements into high-value industries and tangible productivity.”

Hong Kong’s I&T Soft Power: Bringing Resources In and Helping AI Enterprises Go Global

During WAIC 2026, HKSTP organised and participated in a series of high-value engagement activities during WAIC to connect technology with industry needs, capital and global markets, helping companies turn technical capabilities into tangible commercial opportunities.

On the first evening, a WAIC Connect exclusive session “Real Talk on Going Global: AI Globalisation Night” was held and attracted a significant number of AI enterprises interested in expanding globally through Hong Kong. The evening gathered nearly 100 leaders and partners across the AI, go-global business, investment, corporate services, and international markets sectors. The event focused on the real pain points and opportunities facing AI enterprises going global, while connecting participating ventures with HKSTP’s dedicated support schemes, cross-border computing resources and overseas market channels.

Ms. Qiu Haoming, Vice President of Donghao Lansheng Group—the executive organizer of WAIC—announced that "WAIC UP! Global Summit", which made its successful debut at Hong Kong Science Park this past January to significant industry acclaim. She revealed that the event has been officially upgraded to "WAIC UP! 2027" and will return to Hong Kong Science Park this December. The event is set to deepen Hong Kong–Shanghai collaboration in AI innovation, industrial development, and international exchange, while cementing Hong Kong's role as a two-way platform bridging the nation and the global community.

The “AI-Driven Economic Frontiers and Global Collaboration Forum”, held on the first day of WAIC, opened with remarks by Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government. The forum brought together industry leaders including NineRay, SenseTime, Westwell and the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Participants exchanged views on AI industrialisation, real-world applications, cross-border governance and globalisation, underscoring Hong Kong’s unique role as an international I&T hub that connecting Chinese Mainland with the world. HKSTP also hosted "AI Industrialization and Scenario Deployment – The Practice of Industry Collaboration", featuring a distinguished panel of industry experts sharing their insights.

HKSTP also organised a WAIC Connect session during WAIC to present its ecosystem to participants, with discussions centered on smart cities, AI applications, and digital transformation needs. The session provided participating companies with the opportunity to explore AI pilot projects and potential partnerships in Hong Kong.

Six Park Companies Showcase Diverse Real-World AI Applications

Under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future", WAIC 2026 brought together the world’s leading scientists, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and innovators, and widely regarded as a global bellwether for the AI industry.

Among the 18 local AI enterprises exhibiting at the Hong Kong Pavilion, six are HKSTP Park companies, presenting solutions spanning humanoid robotics, smart mobility, climate technology, AI agents, generative AI and enterprise productivity tools. The technologies reflect how Hong Kong’s AI innovation is advancing beyond algorithms and software development into real-world applications across business operations, urban governance and sustainable development.

As Hong Kong’s largest I&T ecosystem, HKSTP is home to more than 500 AI enterprises. HKSTP will continue to play its role as ecosystem orchestrator, actively connecting business collaboration, investment, talent and international markets, strengthening the city’s role as a “converter” and “accelerator” that turns AI technology into high-value industry applications, and further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub.

Photo 5: The Honourable Mr Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member Technology & Innovation Functional Constituency (3rd left), accompanied by Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP (2nd left), visited Hong Kong Pavilion. 

Appendix: HKSTP Park companies exhibiting at the Hong Kong Pavilion (in alphabetical order) 

1. JiHu GitLab Technology Limited
2. KNQ Technology Limited
3. NineRay Technology Limited
4. Robocore Technology Limited
5. Stellerus Technology Limited
6. SUTPC Digital Technology (Hong Kong) Limited