Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) and the EuroTech Federation brought a delegation of approximately 20 advanced technology finalists to Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou in September. The five-day itinerary targeted European innovators in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and robotics, positioning Hong Kong as a strategic gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
European Founders Explore Greater Bay Area Opportunities
Aleksandr Gorbunov, a 25-year-old large language model specialist, and Cem Araz, founder of preventive health start-up heal.health, were among nearly 250 European finalists who competed in the HKTE x EuroTech Hackathon. The hackathon drew about 1,200 applicants from over 25 countries. According to data from event organizers, 90 percent of finalists expressed stronger interest in Hong Kong and GBA mainland cities after taking part.
During their September tour, the delegates visited primary innovation hubs including Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science Park, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, and the Northern Metropolis. In the mainland cities of Qianhai and Nansha, the group met with local enterprises, incubators, and research institutes to evaluate industrial applications for emerging technologies.
“What impresses us most is how vibrant and interconnected the tech ecosystem is,” said Cem Araz, describing how the visit clarified pathways for scaling his medical AI platform. Aleksandr Gorbunov noted that meetings with regional enterprises like Tencent highlighted the scale of commercial support available to incoming tech founders.
Hong Kong’s Talent Strategy and Financial Backing
The delegation’s visit aligns with broader policy initiatives designed to attract international talent to high-growth sectors. HKSAR Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun stated that the program aims to connect global innovators with long-term entrepreneurial opportunities rather than temporary visits. Felix Chan, director of HKTE, emphasized that the initiative links overseas talent with established research institutions and transparent talent admission pathways.
Government support for the sector includes a HKD 10 billion (S$1.6 billion) I&T Industry-Oriented Fund operationalized under the 2026 Budget. Regionally, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster retained first place globally for a second year in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index 2026 rankings, measured by patent filings, scientific publications, and venture capital deals.
Official figures indicate that Hong Kong has received over 660,000 applications across various talent admission schemes since enhancements were introduced in late 2022, with more than 300,000 people arriving in the city by July 2026.
Managing Capital Challenges in Deep Tech
For European entrepreneurs facing venture capital constraints, Asian markets present alternative avenues for scale. While Europe hosts a deep-tech sector valued at approximately US$690 billion (S$882 billion), the March 2026 European Deeptech Report noted that securing growth capital remains difficult for many regional enterprises.
By comparison, the GBA recorded a gross domestic product exceeding RMB 15 trillion (S$2.8 trillion) in 2025. Hong Kong officials continue to pitch the special administrative region as a fundraising platform and operational springboard for founders seeking access to mainland supply chains and an aging demographic market suited for healthcare technology innovations.
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