The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) led a delegation of 20 local innovation and technology companies to Barcelona, Spain, achieving notable 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. The delegation highlighted Hong Kong's innovative solutions across Connectivity, Devices and Systems, Digital Transformation, and Ecosystem Partners, engaging global industry leaders and investors to create business collaboration, technology co-development, and investment prospects.
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, with the dual-pavilion approach at MWC and 4YFN helping expand European and global business opportunities. Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development at HKSTP, noted that MWC and 4YFN bring together influential stakeholders across connectivity and innovation ecosystems, providing Hong Kong innovators with a global platform to validate solutions and gain visibility. A series of networking events, themed talks, and pitching sessions at the pavilions highlighted Hong Kong's dynamic I&T ecosystem to European audiences while emphasizing the city's role as a "super-connector" and "super value-adder" for international companies entering Asian markets.
International business leaders responded positively to the Hong Kong presence. Alejandro Gallego, International Business Director of AMEC, found the pavilions inspirational and began exploring concrete collaboration opportunities with Hong Kong companies. Jacobo Pérez-Soba, Manager of the Internationalisation Department at Madrid Chamber of Commerce & Industry, noted the forward-looking solutions and technological advancement demonstrated by Hong Kong companies, expressing interest in upcoming tech events in Hong Kong for Spanish businesses. The participating companies represented diverse sectors, with entities like Entoptica Limited, FreightAmigo Services Limited, and AIGM Limited showcasing solutions at MWC Booth 6E44 and 4YFN Booth 8.1B31.
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 expanding globally through initiatives like the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion. This effort accelerates Hong Kong's innovation development by building a vibrant, internationally competitive ecosystem and fostering new quality productive forces. The success in Barcelona demonstrates Hong Kong's growing influence in global technology markets and its strategic position as a bridge between Asian innovation and European business opportunities, with implications for future international technology partnerships and market expansion strategies.
