Opportunities to apply Hong Kong technology, commercialise research and pursue deals with partners from Zhejiang to Southeast Asia were on the agenda for innovators at the fifth Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE), held from 23 to 27 September in Hangzhou.

14 Hong Kong companies and organisations exhibited at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in collaboration with the Hangzhou Innovation Incubation Centre.

For a fourth consecutive appearance at GDTE, the pavilion brought together projects and organisations spanning AI, medtech, new materials, cybersecurity and professional services. Research institutes and laboratories from three Hong Kong universities – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), The University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong – took part for the first time. The pavilion also featured Hong Kong professional service providers, highlighting the city's strengths in professional services and its role in supporting Chinese Mainland enterprises in expanding into international markets.

Apart from showcasing products and solutions at the Expo, a concurrent mission programme included visits to Zhejiang University’s Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center (HIC-ZJU), the R&D base of diversified industrial conglomerate Transfar Group and AIoT and security solutions provider Dahua Technology, alongside discussions on technology commercialisation and overseas expansion.

Delegates also participated in business matching meetings with buyers from Indonesia, New Zealand and other markets.

From introductions to opportunities

In Hangzhou, several connections quickly progressed towards potential collaboration.

PolyU’s Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute signed a memorandum of understanding with Shenzhen-based construction company Terart Group to explore developing an AI-powered safety supervision system. The system combines smart wearable headsets, multimodal AI, edge computing and a cloud management platform.

Beyond this, participating exhibitors established connections with industry partners, technology companies and investors, leading to opportunities in areas such as AI applications, sustainability solutions, research commercialisation and technology transfer. Several exhibitors also identified prospects for cross-border partnerships and market expansion. Collectively, these outcomes underscored the Expo's role as an effective platform for fostering innovation, facilitating cross-sector collaboration and supporting the growth of technology ventures in both Mainland and overseas markets.

Two-way commercial links

Such market exploration is taking place amid burgeoning investment links between Hong Kong and Hangzhou.

From January to August 2026, Hangzhou utilised HK$22.99 billion (US$2.93 billion) in foreign investment, with Hong Kong accounting for more than 70%.

In the other direction, the Hangzhou Innovation Incubation Centre in Hong Kong has incubated 20 companies and helped 10 enter Hong Kong Science Park.

For businesses looking to move from the laboratory into commercial markets, this two-way flow highlights where Hong Kong can add value.

As HKTDC Regional Director, East China Kent Lyu summed up: "Hangzhou has a vibrant innovation ecosystem, while Hong Kong offers strong international connectivity. These complementary strengths create significant scope for collaboration.”

The visit to Hangzhou marked the conclusion of HKTDC’s 2026 SmartHK Tech Series, which promotes Hong Kong at high-profile innovation and technology events in the Chinese Mainland. This year’s activities included taking part in the Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing in March and mounting the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, where 18 Hong Kong enterprises and institutions took part in market exploration and networking activities.