HKSTP Joins Hands with TechCrunch China to Boost Innovation & Technology Development in the Greater Bay Area

The “TechCrunch China Greater Bay Area Conference cum Regional Final”, with the theme “ConvergeXchange”, aimed to drive discussion on how the 11 cities can work together to facilitate I&T development in the GBA. Officiating guests of the conference were:

• Dr David Chung, Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR Government (second row, sixth from the right)
• Dr Claudia Xu, Chief Commercial Officer, HKSTP (second row, fifth from the right)
• Dr Lu Gang, Founder of TechNode (second row, fourth from the right)

(Hong Kong, 13 November 2018) - TechCrunch Shenzhen 2018 will take place from 19-20 November. This year, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has worked with the organiser to bring a one-day conference to Hong Kong, and today hosted the “TechCrunch China Greater Bay Area Conference cum Regional Final” at Hong Kong Science Park, with the theme of “ConvergeXchange”. The conference attracted innovation and technology (I&T) players, investors, academic professionals, corporate and industry representatives, and technopreneurs from the Greater Bay Area (the GBA). At the conference, speakers and participants shared their views on how the nine mainland cities and two special administrative regions in the GBA can work together to facilitate I&T development in the region.

A joint effort between HKSTP and TechNode to bring TechCrunch to Hong Kong for the first time, both organisations hope to combine the international I&T resources available on the TechCrunch platform with HKSTP’s advantage as one of the major R&D and incubation bases in Hong Kong to drive the growth of the I&T ecosystem in the GBA.  Riding on the unique position of Hong Kong as an international finance centre and innovation hub, the conference featured in-depth discussions on key areas including smart city development, capital flow and talent exchange.

Another major highlight of the event was the “TechCrunch Greater Bay Area Start-up Competition” which attracted 60 applications from high potential start-ups in the GBA. The Top 10 finalists presented their innovative business ideas to the judging panel at the conference. Following an intense session of competition, RaSpect Intelligence Inspection Limited, a company in Hong Kong Science Park with its artificial intelligence-based solution for building inspection, was declared the champion. The company also stands a chance of winning the upcoming “2018 TechCrunch Shenzhen Startup Competition”.

First runner-up went to Evoke Electric Motorcycles (HK) Limited with its two-wheel motorcycle using new energy. Zennea Technologies Inc. received the second runner-up prize with a therapeutic wearable device that reduces snoring.

Both companies received a priority interview opportunity for HKSTP’s Science and Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP), in which they have a chance to receive HK$100,000 financial support.

All three companies were also awarded with a HK$20 million investment guaranteed buy-back pool offered by Angel Investment Foundation and a co-working space provided by Eureka Nova.

Dr Claudia Xu, Chief Commercial Officer of HKSTP, said, “The theme for this conference is convergence and exchange, and no doubt Hong Kong is the perfect place for the convergence and exchange of new ideas in the Greater Bay Area. At HKSTP, we are committed to turning great ideas into reality and growing the start-up community in different stages, subsequently helping the GBA be known as a vibrant innovation hub.”

“With resources provided by the HKSAR Government, HKSTP have recently launched various new initiatives, enhanced programmes and value-added services for start-ups, providing them the support they need for their growth. Together with opportunities offered by international platforms such as TechCrunch, we hope to see even more high potential start-ups gain new ground and shine in the future,” Dr Xu added.

TechNode introduced TechCrunch, a global technology media and information platform, to China in 2013. As a signature event for the technology start-up community, TechCrunch China has attracted more than 80,000 participants to date. This year, HKSTP will lead a delegation of around 10 start-ups to showcase their innovative products and solutions at the Main Conference in Shenzhen. Through participating in regional events like this, we believe that more cross-border exchange and sharing opportunities in the I&T ecosystem can be achieved and more new business opportunities can be created for start-ups in Hong Kong.