HKSTP Leads Largest-Ever Hong Kong Delegation to BIO 2026 Showcasing Life and Health Tech Strength

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP),in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) as supporting organisation, and five renowned local universities - The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and City University of Hong Kong - to form the city’s largest-ever delegation of life and health technology innovators to the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego, from June 22 to 25.

HKSTP CEO Terry Wong (6th from left back row in photo 6 and 4th from right in photo 7) and five Hong Kong university delegates visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates during BIO 2026 to explore partnerships and shape global biotech momentum through collaborative platforms.

HKSTP CEO Terry Wong (6th from left back row in photo 6 and 4th from right in photo 7) and five Hong Kong university delegates visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates during BIO 2026 to explore partnerships and shape global biotech momentum through collaborative platforms.

Building on last year’s momentum, the 2026 Hong Kong delegation doubled the size of the Hong Kong Pavilion, expanding to a record of 41 organisations from HKSTP, including partner companies, research institutes, and for the first time with top five universities spin-offs. This landmark presence showcased Hong Kong’s deep strength across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation, with potential outstanding "First-in-Class" and "Best-in-Class" assets. The delegation underscores the city’s leading role as Asia’s largest and the world’s second largest fundraising hub for the biotechnology sector.

In collaboration with InvestHK and HKTDC, HKSTP led a delegation of 41 park companies,institutes and spin-offs from five renowned local universities to showcase the Hong Kong’s life and health technology innovations at BIO 2026 in San Diego.

IIn collaboration with InvestHK and HKTDC, HKSTP led a delegation of 41 park companies,institutes and spin-offs from five renowned local universities to showcase the Hong Kong’s life and health technology innovations at BIO 2026 in San Diego.

Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong’s groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets. As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond. With strong R&D capabilities backed by world-class universities—five ranked among the QS Top 100, including two with medical schools now placed in the global top 20—Hong Kong’s biotech and medical research excellence is increasingly recognised worldwide. As the city’s innovation ecosystem orchestrator, HKSTP brings together talent, capital, research institutions, clinical partners, and industry leaders to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact. We will continue to empower life and health technology ventures, translating innovation breakthroughs into life-changing solutions that benefit communities around the world.”

Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP (3rd from right), introduced Hong Kong’s vibrant life and health technology ecosystem to local partners and investors at the fireside chat moderated by Director of HKETO, D.C. Cheung (2nd from right) during the “Bio Nexus HK: From Showcase to Partnership” event organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) and HKTDC. Other speakers included: Joe Panetta, President Emeritus of Biocom (3rd from left); Andy Wong, Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences of InvestHK (2nd from left); Byron Lee, Associate Director, Service Promotion of HKTDC (1st from right); and Lucas Coleman, Director of World Trade Center San Diego (1st from left).

Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP (3rd from right), introduced Hong Kong’s vibrant life and health technology ecosystem to local partners and investors at the fireside chat moderated by Director of HKETO, D.C. Cheung (2nd from right) during the “Bio Nexus HK: From Showcase to Partnership” event organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) and HKTDC. Other speakers included: Joe Panetta, President Emeritus of Biocom (3rd from left); Andy Wong, Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences of InvestHK (2nd from left); Byron Lee, Associate Director, Service Promotion of HKTDC (1st from right); and Lucas Coleman, Director of World Trade Center San Diego (1st from left).

HKSTP and Park Companies Advanced in Cross-border Innovation and Market Expansion

A key highlight of BIO 2026 is witnessing the signing of three major strategic partnerships:

• LabCentral -- HKSTP signed an MOU with one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, supporting life sciences startups with high-impact lab infrastructure and scientific community programmes. The collaboration will deepen ties between the U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed programmes, events and strategic initiatives. It will also help connect startups, investors, corporate partners and research institutions, creating stronger pathways for cross-border innovation and commercialisation.

HKSTP and LabCentral signed an MoU at BIO 2026 to strengthen ties and foster cross-border collaboration in life sciences ecosystem in both regions.

• Immuno Cure – the developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX – announced its collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), at BIO 2026. Leveraging OPIS's full-service, multi-country clinical trial expertise and regulatory knowledge, the partnership will support overseas clinical trial execution and establish a global framework to prepare for international expansion.

Immuno Cure – the developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX –announced its collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), at BIO 2026

• Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, the first company to produce generic medicines and OTCs (Over the Counter – Prescription Exempt Medicines) in Brazil, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology. This is Zhaoke's first strategic MOU in Brazil market. Leveraging its innovative pipeline and Teuto's commercial network in Brazil, the partnership aims to bring advanced eye care treatments to Latin American patients while demonstrating the globalisation of Hong Kong-born biotech innovation.

Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology.

Beyond the BIO 2026 Hong Kong Pavilion, HKSTP CEO Mr Terry Wong attended the "Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups" panel sharing session. Mr. Wong shared his insights on cutting-edge biotech trends, Hong Kong’s strengths on life and health tech development, and HKSTP’s role in building a global bridge for nurturing global startup expansion, sustainable innovation and collaboration.

HKSTP CEO Mr Terry Wong (1st from right) attended the "Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups" panel sharing session at BIO 2026.

Furthermore, HKSTP and five Hong Kong university delegates visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates during BIO 2026 to explore partnerships and shape global biotech momentum through collaborative platforms. HKSTP, in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, HKTDC as the supporting organisation, and powered by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, hosted a Global Mixer during the exhibition. Industry leaders, incubators, and venture capital firms – including Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital – were invited to join the judging panel for startup pitching sessions. The Pavilion also featured executive sharing and curated networking events for commercialisation, licensing, partnerships, investment and international market expansion.

Industry leaders, incubators, and venture capital firms – including Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital – were invited to join the judging panel for startup pitching sessions.

Global recognition at Biomedical Pitch Competition

In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP actively drove engagement across the biotech sector and co-organised the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club in Boston on May 23 and 24. Competing against around 170 biotechnology companies worldwide, HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics. The recognition underscores the strength of Hong Kong’s biotech pipeline and HKSTP’s commitment to translational medicine, commercialisation and globally scalable healthcare solutions.

HK’s biotech ecosystem rises to another level

Hong Kong continues to expand its global healthcare footprint as the world’s second-largest biotech fundraising hub. As Hong Kong’s flagship innovation and technology ecosystem, HKSTP is home to more than 300 life and health technology companies and helps innovators turn pioneering ideas into real-world impact. Its ecosystem connects capital, talent, infrastructure and market access across the biotech innovation journey.

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) hosted the HKSTP Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Showcase 2026 at the Charles K. Kao Auditorium, Hong Kong Science Park on July 30, with support from Invest Hong Kong. The event brought together more than 200 representatives from the healthcare, academic, investment and regulatory sectors, both locally and from overseas. A major milestone announced at the event was that HKSTP partner company Hong Kong Regen Medtech Limited (HKRM) has become the first facility in Hong Kong to be recognised by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (PPBHK) as an allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) PIC/S GMP manufacturing facility, enabling the production of advanced therapy products for clinical trials.

HKSTP hosted the HKSTP CGT Showcase 2026, bringing together local and overseas I&T enterprises, medical experts, researchers, investors and patient representatives to explore the clinical translation and broader development of cell and gene therapy. Photo source: HKSTP

Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said in his remarks: “Cell and gene therapy is one of the fastest-growing fields in life and health tech. The establishment of Hong Kong’s first stem cell production facility certified to PIC/S GMP standards at Hong Kong Science Park marks a significant milestone for the city’s life and health tech ecosystem. The significance of this certification goes far beyond technology alone. It signifies not only that production has met the highest international safety standards, but also that patients and their families can choose locally manufactured cell therapy products with confidence and complete trust. This is a tangible achievement that will enable every Hong Kong citizen to benefit directly. As the orchestrator of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, HKSTP has been proactively connecting the life and health tech community with partners, investors and academia. Through a diverse range of incubation programmes, we provide our park companies with seed funding, innovation space, world-class infrastructure and regulatory support, helping them overcome challenges in the journey from laboratory research to clinical translation and turning scientific breakthroughs into real therapeutic outcomes for patients. We will continue to drive ecosystem development and fully support local I&T enterprises in bringing research achievements ‘Made in Hong Kong’ to the global stage.”

In his welcome remarks, HKSTP’s CEO Mr. Terry Wong said that HKSTP, as the orchestrator of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, has been actively connecting the life and health tech community with partners, investors and academia. Through a diverse range of incubation programmes, it supports park companies with seed funding, innovation space, world-class infrastructure and regulatory support, helping them advance from laboratory research to clinical translation and turn scientific breakthroughs into real therapeutic outcomes for patients. Photo source: HKSTP

One of the highlights of the event was HKRM, an HKSTP partner company, recently obtaining Hong Kong’s first PIC/S GMP licence for stem cell production and operating the related manufacturing facility at Hong Kong Science Park, marking a key step in advancing the clinical translation of advanced therapies in Hong Kong. PIC/S GMP is internationally recognised as the gold standard for pharmaceutical manufacturing quality. Facilities must undergo rigorous international assessment to ensure that every batch is produced in a strictly controlled environment.

Mr. Stanley Sy, HKRM Co-founder and CEO, said: “HKRM’s attainment of Hong Kong’s first PIC/S GMP certification for stem cell production marks not only an important milestone in the company’s development, but also signifies that Hong Kong now has the critical infrastructure needed to further support the clinical translation of advanced cell therapies. A stringent, internationally recognised manufacturing quality system helps ensure product consistency and traceability, while strengthening the confidence of medical and regulatory authorities in locally manufactured cell-based products. Based at Hong Kong Science Park, HKRM is grateful for the longstanding support of HKSTP. We also look forward to working with research and clinical partners in the Park to bring more promising therapeutic solutions from Hong Kong to the international stage.”

Mr. Stanley Sy, HKRM Co-founder and CEO, highlighted a major milestone in the development of Hong Kong’s first PIC/S GMP stem cell production facility, underscoring the city’s capabilities in high-quality advanced therapy product manufacturing and clinical translation. Photo source: HKSTP

The event also featured first-hand experiences from patients, their families and doctors on their treatment journeys. Park company Mononuclear Therapeutics (MonoTx) operates Hong Kong’s first AABB-accredited public cord blood bank and haematopoietic stem cell apheresis facility at Hong Kong Science Park, with more than 2,000 cord blood units in storage.

Dr. Wendy Cheng, Chief Operating Officer of MonoTx, introduced Hong Kong’s first AABB-accredited public cord blood bank and haematopoietic stem cell apheresis facility at Hong Kong Science Park, with more than 2,000 cord blood units in storage. Photo source: HKSTP

Dr. Wendy Cheng, Chief Operating Officer of MonoTx, joined Professor Leung Tak Yeung and Professor Ronald Wang of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) to share research findings and patient cases with patient families.

Professor Tak Yeung Leung of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CUHK (left), together with a patient family (right), shared on stage a research approach for foetuses with severe alpha-thalassaemia, in which the mother’s stem cells are processed by MonoTx and infused into the foetus to investigate whether immune tolerance to the mother’s stem cells can be induced, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes. Photo source: HKSTP

Professor Tak Yeung Leung of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CUHK (left), together with a patient family (right), shared on stage a research approach for foetuses with severe alpha-thalassaemia, in which the mother’s stem cells are processed by MonoTx and infused into the foetus to investigate whether immune tolerance to the mother’s stem cells can be induced, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes. Photo source: HKSTP

Professor Leung Tak Yeung’s team at CUHK is studying a treatment for foetuses with severe alpha-thalassaemia by processing the mother’s stem cells through MonoTx and infusing them into the foetus, to investigate whether the foetus can develop immune tolerance to the mother’s stem cells and thereby improve clinical outcomes.

Professor Ronald Wang of CUHK shared his team’s work on using cord blood to treat neonatal brain injury, with preliminary findings suggesting that infusion within 48 hours of birth may help repair brain injury and improve the child’s developmental outcomes later in life. Photo source: HKSTP

Professor Ronald Wang’s team is using cord blood to treat neonatal brain injury. Preliminary findings suggest that cord blood infusion within 48 hours of birth may help repair brain injury and improve the child’s developmental outcomes later in life.

Hong Kong Science Park is home to more than 360 life sciences companies, while the number of cell and gene therapy (CGT) enterprises continues to grow, spanning frontier fields such as stem cells, gene editing, personalised cancer vaccines and CAR-T immunotherapy, and addressing diseases including cancer, heart failure and neurodegenerative disorders.

HKSTP will continue to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international health and medical innovation hub by accelerating the translation and application of more locally developed R&D outcomes for the benefit of patients, the industry and society. In doing so, it aims to make innovative therapies more accessible and enable Hong Kong to play an even greater role on the global life and health tech stage.