HKSTP: Consolidates HK's status as an international innovation and technology center

Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation warmly welcomes Hong Kong's rise to the fourth place globally in the latest "World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025" released by the International Institute for Management Development, once again confirming that Hong Kong's strength as an international innovation and technology center has been recognized internationally. This ranking reflects Hong Kong's advantages in the aspects of digital infrastructure and technology talent, etc. The corporation will continue to join hands with all sectors to accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, cultivate top-notch technology enterprises and talents, and lead Hong Kong in contributing to the digital economic development of the country and the world.

Dr. Sunny Chai, the Chairman of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, expressed his delight at the continued success of Hong Kong's innovation and technology development. As for the future development, the corporation will continue to improve the innovation and technology ecosystem and fully promote the development of new quality productivity.

Dr. Sunny Chai, the Chairman of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, expressed his delight at the continued success of Hong Kong's innovation and technology development: "This ranking is an excellent recognition of the development of Hong Kong's innovation and technology ecosystem, manifesting Hong Kong's unique advantages of 'backed by the motherland and connected to the world' under the principle of 'one country, two systems', its strength in gathering the world's top scientific and technological talents and capital, as well as its outstanding performance in basic scientific research and technology achievements transformation. As the core engine of innovation and technology development, Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation will continue to improve the innovation and technology ecosystem, fully promote the development of new quality productivity, assist Hong Kong to maintain its leading position in global digital competitiveness, and contribute to China's efforts to build a strong country of science and technology."

HKSTP: documentary images

China's 15th Five-Year Plan clearly states the aim of "promoting high-quality development and actively developing new types of productivity." Under such guidance, the innovation and technology communities founded by the corporation have a total number of participants exceeding 25,000. Moreover, the corporation also fully promotes the construction of the INNOPOLE in San Tin Technopole at present, striving to put the project into development and operation as soon as possible. The corporation is also promoting the upgrading and transformation of multiple cutting-edge industries through "Artificial Intelligence +" (AI+) to advance the diversified economic development of Hong Kong, and inject strong impetus into the cultivation of new quality productivity.

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today announced the winners of the IADS Developer Hackathon at the IADS Developer Conference held at the Hong Kong Science Park. The ceremony marks the successful conclusion of a six-month innovation journey that has further unleashed the potential of the Interbank Account Data Sharing (IADS) initiative.

Ms Natalie Chan, Acting Head (Financial Market Infrastructure Services) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, delivers keynote speech at the IADS Developer Conference.

Launched in October 2025, the Hackathon brought together the banking industry and fintech firms to collaborate on innovative, secure, customer-consented solutions, leveraging the IADS to accelerate digital transformation in Hong Kong’s banking sector.

After a rigorous selection process and mentorship phase, five finalist teams presented their solutions today to a panel of judges.

Mr Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, delivers opening remarks at the IADS Developer Conference.

Mr Nelson Chow, Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) of the HKMA, said, “The IADS Developer Hackathon has served as a catalyst for innovation in the banking sector. It has been truly encouraging to see participating teams deliver high-quality and practical solutions that open up new opportunities for financial services. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen collaboration with banks and fintech firms to drive the industry’s broader adoption of the IADS.”

Mr Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer of the HKSTP, said, “The IADS Developer Hackathon reflects the strong collaborative spirit within Hong Kong’s innovation community. By connecting fintech talent with real industry needs, the Hackathon has helped accelerate new ideas that can enhance banking efficiency and user experience through secure data sharing. The HKSTP is proud to provide a sandbox testing platform and technical support for this competition, and we look forward to seeing these solutions contribute to Hong Kong’s fintech development.”

Ms Natalie Chan, Acting Head (Financial Market Infrastructure Services) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (fourth from left) and Mr Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (forth from right), take a group photo with the judges.

Details of the winning teams are set out at the annex. For more information about the IADS initiative, please visit the HKMA website.