Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with InvestHK, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and five top local universities, led the city's largest-ever delegation of life and health technology innovators to the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego from June 22 to 25. The delegation doubled the size of the Hong Kong Pavilion from last year, expanding to a record 41 organizations, including partner companies, research institutes, and for the first time, university spin-offs from The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and City University of Hong Kong.
This landmark presence showcased Hong Kong's deep strength across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation, with potential outstanding "First-in-Class" and "Best-in-Class" assets. The delegation underscores the city's leading role as Asia's largest and the world's second largest fundraising hub for the biotechnology sector.
Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, "BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong's groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets. As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond." He highlighted Hong Kong's strong R&D capabilities backed by world-class universities, with five ranked among the QS Top 100, including two with medical schools now placed in the global top 20.
A key highlight of BIO 2026 was the signing of three major strategic partnerships. HKSTP signed an MOU with LabCentral, one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, to support life sciences startups with high-impact lab infrastructure and scientific community programmes. The collaboration aims to deepen ties between the U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed programmes.
Immuno Cure, the developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX, announced its collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), at BIO 2026. The partnership will support overseas clinical trial execution and establish a global framework for international expansion. Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, Brazil's first producer of generic medicines and OTCs, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology, marking Zhaoke's first strategic MOU in the Brazilian market.
Beyond the pavilion, HKSTP CEO Mr. Terry Wong participated in a panel sharing session titled "Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups." HKSTP and the five university delegates also visited the Salk Institute to explore partnerships. The delegation hosted a Global Mixer, with industry leaders such as Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital joining the judging panel for startup pitching sessions.
In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP co-organised the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club. Competing against around 170 biotechnology companies worldwide, HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics, underscoring the strength of Hong Kong's biotech pipeline.
Hong Kong continues to expand its global healthcare footprint as the world's second-largest biotech fundraising hub. HKSTP is home to more than 300 life and health technology companies and helps innovators turn pioneering ideas into real-world impact, connecting capital, talent, infrastructure, and market access across the biotech innovation journey.
