The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), led a delegation of 20 local innovation and technology (I&T) companies and institutions to Barcelona, Spain, for a highly successful participation at Mobile World Congress (MWC) and the startup-centric 4 Years From Now (4YFN) 2026. This initiative enabled local tech firms to access overseas markets, showcasing their strengths in research and development (R&D) and demonstrating the city’s role as a leading international I&T hub.
The delegation effectively spotlighted Hong Kong’s cutting-edge innovative solutions in Connectivity, Devices and Systems, Digital Transformation, and Ecosystem Partners. The presence at both events successfully engaged global industry leaders and investors, generating business collaboration, technology co-development, and investment opportunities. Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation and Director of External Relations at HKTDC, stated, “Hong Kong is committed to developing into an international I&T centre, actively promoting cross-industry integration and driving high-quality development through technological innovation. We possess a robust mobile communications infrastructure, and the industry is highly competitive in R&D related to 5G/6G applications and AI integration. This year, the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion adopts a dual-pavilion layout to showcase the city's I&T capabilities on two international platforms, helping the industry expand into European and broader global business opportunities.”
Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development at HKSTP, added, “MWC and 4YFN bring together the world’s most influential stakeholders across connectivity and innovation ecosystems. Our dual-zone presence gave our innovators the global stage to validate solutions, gain visibility and drive business traction. HKSTP will continue to strengthen the I&T ecosystem and bring Hong Kong's research excellence to Europe and beyond.” A series of dialogues and exchanges, spanning networking receptions and themed talks to pitching sessions, were held at the Pavilions and attracted an enthusiastic response. These events highlighted the dynamism of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem to European audiences, while enabling participants to understand the city’s unique advantages as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder”. This positions the city as a strategic springboard for international companies entering Asian markets, while enabling local and Chinese Mainland firms to leverage this edge to expand globally.
Following his visit to the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, Alejandro Gallego, International Business Director of AMEC, said, “The Hong Kong Pavilions are highly inspirational, and the exhibiting companies we visited showcased exceptionally innovative technological solutions. We have started conversations with Hong Kong companies to explore concrete opportunities for collaboration.” Jacobo Pérez-Soba, Manager of the Internationalisation Department at the Madrid Chamber of Commerce & Industry, noted, “The solutions and services provided by Hong Kong companies are highly forward-looking and demonstrate outstanding technological advancement. I also learned about upcoming tech events in Hong Kong, which are expected to be of significant interest to Spanish companies and startups.” As 2026 marks the opening year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, with technological innovation as a national priority, HKTDC will continue to join hands with HKSTP to support local tech firms in “going global” through jointly organising the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, accelerating Hong Kong’s I&T by building a vibrant, internationally competitive ecosystem and fostering new quality productive forces. A full list of exhibiting entities is available in the source content, and photos can be downloaded at this link.
