The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) just wrapped up its biggest showing yet at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, France, with a record-breaking number of local start-ups connecting with European partners and investors.
The event marked a significant milestone for Hong Kong’s thriving tech scene, as a whopping 200 start-ups and innovation champions from the city took part in the four-day extravaganza. The HKTDC has been promoting Hong Kong’s tech sector globally for years, and this year’s participation was the largest yet.
Digging Deeper: The Benefits of International Collaboration
So what drove this massive turnout? One major factor was the European Union’s (EU) efforts to diversify its economic partners and tap into the region’s rich talent pool. By collaborating with Hong Kong’s start-ups, the EU is poised to gain access to cutting-edge technologies and innovations in areas like AI, fintech, and sustainability.
For the Hong Kong start-ups, participating in VivaTech provided a unique opportunity to tap into the EU’s vast market and connect with potential investors, partners, and customers. Many of these start-ups are already reaping the benefits, with several securing funding deals and partnerships with European businesses.
“The Future is Global” – A Hong Kong Start-up’s Perspective
We spoke with Kelvin Wong, co-founder of Hong Kong-based start-up, Greenify, a pioneer in AI-powered sustainable farming solutions. Wong shared his experience of participating in VivaTech: “The event was a game-changer for our business. We showcased our technology to potential partners and investors from across Europe, and we’re now in talks with several companies to explore collaboration opportunities.”
Wong emphasized the importance of international collaboration in driving innovation and growth: “The future of tech is global, and Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to connect the dots between Asia and Europe. We’re excited to see what the future holds for our start-up and the city’s tech ecosystem.”
What This Means
For those in the tech industry, the success of the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech 2026 sends a clear message: international collaboration is key to driving innovation and growth. With Hong Kong and the EU working together, we can expect to see exciting new technologies and innovations emerge, creating new opportunities for start-ups, businesses, and investors alike.
