The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), recently led a delegation of 20 local innovation and technology (I&T) companies and institutions to Barcelona, Spain, for a highly successful participation at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) and the startup-centric 4 Years From Now (4YFN) 2026. The initiative aimed to help Hong Kong tech firms access overseas markets, showcase their research and development (R&D) capabilities, and reinforce the city's position as a leading international I&T hub.
The delegation highlighted Hong Kong's cutting-edge solutions in Connectivity, Devices and Systems, Digital Transformation, and Ecosystem Partners. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, with a dual-pavilion layout at both MWC and 4YFN, engaged global industry leaders and investors, generating collaboration, technology co-development, and investment opportunities. Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation and Director of External Relations at HKTDC, emphasized Hong Kong's commitment to becoming an international I&T center, leveraging its robust mobile communications infrastructure and competitive edge in 5G/6G applications and AI integration.
Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development at HKSTP, noted that the dual-zone presence provided innovators with a global stage to validate solutions and drive business traction. The events included networking receptions, themed talks, and pitching sessions, which attracted enthusiastic responses and highlighted Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem to European audiences. The activities also underscored Hong Kong's unique advantages as a "super-connector" and "super value-adder," positioning the city as a strategic springboard for international companies entering Asian markets and helping local and Mainland Chinese firms expand globally.
Alejandro Gallego, International Business Director of AMEC, found the Hong Kong Pavilions highly inspirational and noted that the exhibiting companies showcased exceptionally innovative technological solutions. He confirmed that conversations had started with Hong Kong companies to explore concrete collaboration opportunities. Similarly, Jacobo Pérez-Soba, Manager of the Internationalisation Department at the Madrid Chamber of Commerce & Industry, praised the forward-looking solutions and services provided by Hong Kong companies and expressed interest in upcoming tech events in Hong Kong for Spanish companies and startups.
As 2026 marks the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, with technological innovation as a national priority, HKTDC and HKSTP will continue to support local tech firms in "going global" through the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, accelerating Hong Kong's I&T development and fostering new quality productive forces. A full list of the 20 participating entities is available online at https://bit.ly/3Nm5qHl. The participation at MWC and 4YFN underscores Hong Kong's role as a dynamic I&T hub, opening doors for European partnerships and global expansion.
