The hackathon attracted about 1,200 applicants from over 25 countries, with about 250 advanced to the final round. 90 per cent of finalists expressed stronger interest in Hong Kong and GBA Mainland citiesafter taking part. About 20 winning talent visited Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou to meet investors, incubators, research institutes and industry leaders.
First-hand insights into the GBA's I&T opportunities
The delegation toured Cyberport, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, and Northern Metropolis to gain an in-depth understanding of Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem and development opportunities, and support measures for talent and enterprise incubation.
In Qianhai of Shenzhen and Nansha of Guangzhou, delegates met local I&T organisations and enterprises to explore industrial applications in AI, robotics, smart transport and biotechnology, showcasing how Hong Kong can help overseas innovators connect with GBA opportunities and turn thoughts into action.
"What impresses us most is how vibrant and interconnected the tech ecosystem is. Within days, we met incubators, industry leaders and potential partners, giving us a clearer and more comprehensive view of how to turn thoughts into action." — Cem Araz, heal.health / Germany
Building long-term connections
The programme is designed to sustain engagement beyond the competition.
"We want the global innovators not simply to visit Hong Kong and GBA, but to build their future here," said Mr Chris Sun, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government. "The programme demonstrates Hong Kong's role as an international I&T centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent,and connects global talent with I&T opportunities in GBA, thereby injecting new impetus into I&T development in GBA."
Mr Felix Chan, the Director of HKTE, said that the visit calls for continued engagement and support for talent seeking career advancement, entrepreneurial opportunities and settlement in the city.
Building on these engagements, Hong Kong provides international innovators with access to a global business environment, effective fund-raising platform, renowned research institutes and transparent talent admission pathways, while linking them to immense markets, diversified partners and strong growth prospects across GBA and the wider Chinese Mainland.
Hashtag: #HongKongTalentEngage
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About Hong Kong Talent Engage
HKTE, an office under the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the HKSAR Government, promotes Hong Kong's opportunities and talent attraction initiatives worldwide, and offers comprehensive support to help incoming talent and their families settle in Hong Kong for long‑term development.
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