InnoEX, a beacon of innovation and technology, unfolded its second edition in Hong Kong, under the co-sponsorship of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s Department of Innovation and Technology Industry and the Hong Kong Trade Development Board (HKTDC). Taking place at the esteemed Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, this year’s theme, “Innovation for a Smarter World”, aligns seamlessly with the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), set over four prolific days of technological showcase.
Hong Kong’s positioning as a formidable international platform is further reinforced as InnoEX unveils a plethora of smart solutions and cutting-edge technology products. The fair is a melting pot where innovation meets expertise, bringing together a global congregation of I&T specialists, entrepreneurs, and startups. With activities ranging from forums and seminars to business matching and networking, InnoEX aims not only to deepen Hong Kong’s footprint in the I&T landscape but also to foster cross-sector collaboration, thereby catalyzing the city’s evolution into a premier international I&T hub and contributing to national development through enhanced production capabilities.
Sophia Chong, Deputy Director-General of HKTDC, encapsulated the essence of this year’s InnoEX, highlighting the gathering of approximately 3,000 exhibitors from across 20 countries and regions. The event underscores Hong Kong’s pivotal role as an I&T hub, leveraging its globally recognized business platform to foster market development for I&T products and fortify the local I&T ecosystem. Further emphasis was placed on the critical need for talent within the I&T sector, prompting initiatives for talent recruitment and skill enhancement to bolster industry competitiveness and innovation momentum.
A groundbreaking moment at this year’s InnoEX was the inauguration of the 1st Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference, graced by prominent figures including Mr. John Lee, Governor of the HKSAR, and Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry. The conference played host to a venerable array of speakers, including Nobel laureates and Turing Award winners, offering invaluable insights into burgeoning fields such as AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
In alignment with Hong Kong’s strategic vision for innovation and technology development, the event also spotlighted the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion by the Government Office of the Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). Through interactive displays and demonstrations, this pavilion celebrated the synergistic achievements in smart city development, showcasing advanced applications in artificial intelligence across various domains.
Moreover, InnoEX was a stage for international collaboration, exemplified by the participation of InnoHK, a platform under the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the HKSAR Government. InnoHK presented significant research advancements from its 16 affiliated centers, playing a crucial role in promoting global innovation synergy. Notably, the event highlighted contributions from major technology entities, including Cyberport and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), alongside innovations from universities and the vibrant startup ecosystem.
Expanding its international footprint, InnoEX attracted exhibitors from 13 countries and territories, featuring special pavilions from India, Canada, and France, along with substantial participation from mainland China. This diverse assembly not only showcased the latest in technology and innovation but also opened avenues for I&T cooperation at a broader scale, emphasizing Hong Kong’s ambition to drive reindustrialization and smart city development in the Greater Bay Area.
Aside from offering a platform for I&T achievements, InnoEX, in conjunction with the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair, created opportunities for discourse on trending technologies and fostered interactions among industry professionals. Key events such as the ASEAN Roundtable and collaborative seminars unveiled prospects for enhanced cooperation in smart city projects and innovative technology development between governments and businesses, both locally and internationally.
Embracing the future of I&T with a focus on areas like spatial computing and AI, this year’s gatherings affirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation through comprehensive events like Exhibitor Meet Talent, further bolstering the city’s I&T sector workforce.
InnoEX, alongside celebrations of the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair, not only honors Hong Kong’s legacy in the global I&T arena but also sets the stage for future growth and development. By blending physical exhibitions with digital advancements, the event encapsulates the dynamic spirit of innovation that drives Hong Kong’s ambition to become an unmatched international I&T hub.
