The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) led 20 local innovation and technology companies to Barcelona, Spain, achieving significant success at both Mobile World Congress (MWC) and the startup-focused 4 Years From Now (4YFN) 2026 event. This participation demonstrated Hong Kong's research-to-market capabilities and opened new partnership opportunities in European markets, reinforcing the city's role as an international innovation hub.
The delegation showcased Hong Kong's advanced solutions across Connectivity, Devices and Systems, Digital Transformation, and Ecosystem Partners, engaging with global industry leaders and investors to create business collaboration, technology co-development, and investment opportunities. Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation at HKTDC, stated that Hong Kong possesses robust mobile communications infrastructure and competitive research in 5G/6G applications and AI integration. The dual-pavilion approach at MWC and 4YFN helped the industry expand into European and global business opportunities.
Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development at HKSTP, emphasized that MWC and 4YFN bring together the world's most influential stakeholders across connectivity and innovation ecosystems. The dual-zone presence provided Hong Kong innovators with a global stage to validate solutions, gain visibility, and drive business traction. HKSTP continues to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and bring Hong Kong's research excellence to Europe and beyond through initiatives like their website at https://www.hkstp.org.
A series of networking receptions, themed talks, and pitching sessions at the pavilions highlighted the dynamism of Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem to European audiences. These events helped participants understand Hong Kong's unique advantages as a "super-connector" and "super value-adder," positioning the city as a strategic springboard for international companies entering Asian markets while enabling local and mainland Chinese firms to expand globally.
International business leaders responded positively to the Hong Kong presentations. Alejandro Gallego, International Business Director of AMEC, noted that the Hong Kong Pavilions were highly inspirational, with exhibiting companies showcasing exceptionally innovative technological solutions. Jacobo Pérez-Soba, Manager of the Internationalisation Department at Madrid Chamber of Commerce & Industry, observed that Hong Kong companies provide highly forward-looking solutions demonstrating outstanding technological advancement.
With 2026 marking the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, which prioritizes technological innovation, HKTDC and HKSTP will continue supporting local tech firms in "going global" through joint initiatives like the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion. This collaboration aims to accelerate Hong Kong's innovation development by building a vibrant, internationally competitive ecosystem and fostering new quality productive forces. The full list of participating companies and additional information is available through the photo download link at https://bit.ly/3Nm5qHl.
