Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has led the largest-ever Hong Kong delegation to the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego, from June 22 to 25, underscoring the city's emergence as a leading international healthcare innovation hub. The delegation, co-organized with InvestHK and supported by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), included 41 organizations—a record number—comprising HKSTP partner companies, research institutes, and for the first time, spin-offs from five top Hong Kong universities: 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.
Building on last year's momentum, the Hong Kong Pavilion doubled in size, showcasing the city's deep strength across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation. The delegation highlighted potential outstanding "First-in-Class" and "Best-in-Class" assets, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as Asia's largest and the world's second-largest fundraising hub for biotechnology. Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, emphasized the significance of BIO 2026 as a platform to showcase Hong Kong's innovation and deepen global partnerships. "As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond," he said, noting the city's strong R&D capabilities backed by five QS Top 100 universities, including two with medical schools now ranked in the global top 20.
A key highlight of BIO 2026 was the signing of three major strategic partnerships. LabCentral, one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HKSTP to support life sciences startups with lab infrastructure and community programs. This collaboration aims to deepen ties between U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed initiatives, creating stronger pathways for cross-border innovation and commercialization. Immuno Cure, developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX, announced a collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), to support overseas clinical trial execution and establish a global framework for international expansion. Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, the first company to produce generic medicines and OTCs in Brazil, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology—marking Zhaoke's first strategic MOU in the Brazilian market. The partnership aims to bring advanced eye care treatments to Latin American patients while demonstrating the globalization of Hong Kong-born biotech innovation.
Beyond the pavilion, HKSTP CEO Terry Wong participated in a panel session titled "Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups," sharing insights on cutting-edge biotech trends and Hong Kong's strengths in life and health tech development. HKSTP and five university delegates also visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates, to explore partnerships and shape global biotech momentum. Additionally, HKSTP, in collaboration with InvestHK and HKTDC, hosted a Global Mixer during the exhibition, inviting industry leaders such as Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital to judge startup pitching sessions. The pavilion also featured executive sharing and curated networking events focused on commercialization, licensing, partnerships, and investment.
In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP co-organized the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club in Boston on May 23 and 24. Competing against around 170 biotechnology companies worldwide, HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won third place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics. This recognition underscores the strength of Hong Kong's biotech pipeline and HKSTP's commitment to translational medicine and globally scalable healthcare solutions. As Hong Kong's flagship innovation ecosystem, HKSTP is home to more than 300 life and health technology companies, connecting capital, talent, infrastructure, and market access across the biotech innovation journey. The delegation's success at BIO 2026 reinforces Hong Kong's expanding global healthcare footprint and its role as the world's second-largest biotech fundraising hub.
