The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) recently hosted the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, France, showcasing innovative solutions from 24 local innovation and technology enterprises and institutions. The pavilion aimed to connect Hong Kong startups with global investors and industry players, facilitating cross-border collaborations and expanding their international reach.
HKTDC’s Chris Lo, Regional Director for Europe, Central Asia & Israel, noted that the pavilion achieved excellent results, building on connections made in previous years. He emphasized that through overseas promotional platforms, the HKTDC helps local startups build networks, increase exposure, and create collaboration opportunities, injecting sustained momentum into Hong Kong's tech development.
Several participating startups garnered significant recognition. Formwork IO, which develops carbon-negative construction materials, was selected as a top-30 finalist for VivaTech's "Tech for Change" Award, highlighting its innovative approach to environmental impact. Additionally, PointFit Technology, a developer of wearable health monitoring and smart sports solutions, and Robocore Technology Limited, which creates open-platform service robot solutions, were chosen to give live demonstrations at VivaTech's Discovery Stage, showcasing Hong Kong's capabilities in health tech and AI.
The pavilion also yielded tangible business outcomes. Robocore Technology is in negotiations with French outdoor advertising company JCDecaux for a cooperation agreement to provide 1,000 robots for marketing campaigns. This connection was first established at last year's VivaTech. Robocore's CEO, Lim Long-hei, expressed hopes to deepen collaboration with European multinationals and achieve rapid business growth in Europe and beyond.
LeafIoT Technology Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lecco Campus of Politecnico di Milano to collaborate on talent cultivation and technological innovation, focusing on AI algorithms and remote sensing for enhanced tree monitoring. Managing Director Chan Pak-wan stated the goal to extend Hong Kong's industry-university-research model into Europe and achieve five- to ten-fold business growth.
During VivaTech, the HKTDC organized thematic seminars, startup pitching sessions, and networking events to facilitate investor-startup exchanges. Shirley Yung, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic & Trade Affairs to the European Union, spoke at a seminar on building resilient tech ecosystems, highlighting Hong Kong's advantages in research, capital, access to the Greater Bay Area, and global connectivity. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, and Yonghai Du from HKPC also shared insights on leveraging Hong Kong as a springboard for international markets.
This participation is part of HKTDC's broader strategy to support local startups at major international tech exhibitions, following appearances at CES 2026, MWC, and 4YFN earlier this year. VivaTech 2026 attracted over 165 countries, 15,000 startups, and 200,000 visitors, underscoring its importance in the global tech ecosystem.
For more information, visit the HKTDC's Media Room and VivaTech exhibitor page.
