Hong Kong’s top technology figures want the government to change direction on innovation strategy. Fresh from a record breaking performance at the Geneva inventions exhibition, they say the city must now target deep tech fields including clean energy, aerospace, quantum computing and optical communications, with artificial intelligence helping speed things up.
Record Success at Geneva Inventions Exhibition
The 51st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva took place from March 11 to 15, 2026. Hong Kong sent a strong delegation of 44 organizations covering universities, research centers, technology companies, government departments and even schools.
They brought home nearly 300 awards. This included a record 12 special prizes, with one Hong Kong company, The Oasis One International Limited, winning the prestigious Grand Prix for its sustainable aquaculture platform. The haul also featured 57 gold medals with congratulations of the jury and 98 standard gold medals. It marks the best result the city has ever achieved at the event.
Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor Sun Dong praised the team. He highlighted Hong Kong’s strong research capabilities and talent pool as key reasons for the success. The wins come at an important time as the city works to position itself as an international innovation and technology hub under the nation’s 15th Five Year Plan for 2026 to 2030.
Lawmakers Push for Focus on High Impact Emerging Fields
Despite the celebration, tech sector lawmaker Duncan Chiu struck a note of caution. He said government departments need to study the national blueprint carefully when making new policies. Chiu called for more training programs and practical support aimed at small and medium sized enterprises.
The key goal must be turning lab inventions into real products and successful companies that can compete in international markets.
Chiu pointed to high risk, high reward areas such as aerospace, quantum computing and optical communications as places where Hong Kong can build real strength. He suggested artificial intelligence tools could help accelerate progress in these complex fields that demand long term commitment.
Wong Kam Fai, a legislator and advisor to the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation, agreed the Geneva results prove the city’s advanced research abilities. Yet he stressed the need for stronger efforts to commercialize those breakthroughs. Wong also highlighted the importance of clean energy development. He noted growing global worries about reliance on fossil fuels, especially with ongoing tensions in the Middle East affecting energy supplies.
Hong Kong is already making some moves in this direction. Plans include setting up the city’s first hydrogen energy testing laboratory this year. This fits with broader national priorities on new energy storage and green technologies.
Here are the main areas tech leaders want the government to prioritize:
- Clean energy and new energy sources to support net zero goals
- Aerospace technologies and related supply chains
- Quantum computing and advanced optical communications
- Using artificial intelligence to boost research across these fields
Commercialization and Patient Capital Are Critical
Public institutions and universities have increased spending on research in recent years. Chiu and others say the real test now is moving from ideas to market ready solutions.
Hong Kong companies need better pathways to enter global markets. This means updating funding models to include more patient capital that can support projects with longer timelines before returns appear. Traditional investors often prefer quick wins, but deep tech demands different thinking.
Support for small and medium sized enterprises must improve too. More opportunities for training, mentorship and international partnerships would help these businesses scale up successfully.
The city has shown strength in applied technology for years. The current shift toward core research and original innovation aligns with national goals for technological self reliance. Recent budget measures include funding for a new national manufacturing innovation center focused on semiconductors, plus incentives to attract aerospace players.
Building a Global Talent Hub Through National Alignment
The 15th Five Year Plan offers Hong Kong historic opportunities. It explicitly supports the city becoming an international innovation and technology center while developing the Northern Metropolis as a major hub for research and new industries.
Officials are working on a local five year blueprint to align with national priorities. This includes accelerating new industrialization, strengthening microelectronics, and using the AI Plus initiative to upgrade traditional sectors.
Attracting and keeping global talent remains a top concern. Lawmakers say the government must offer better incentives so top researchers and experts choose to build their careers in Hong Kong instead of moving elsewhere.
Efforts to develop the Northern Metropolis will create new space for collaboration between academia, industry and research institutes. This flagship project aims to turn the area into a vibrant innovation ecosystem that connects with the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Hong Kong can serve as a bridge between mainland China and international markets. Its strengths in finance, legal services and international connections give it unique advantages in commercializing new technologies and setting global standards in areas like green energy.
As Hong Kong stands at this important crossroads, its tech leaders are clear about the path forward. By focusing on these deep tech and clean energy frontiers, the city can create good jobs, support national development and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for coming generations. The recent Geneva success shows what is possible when talent and ambition come together. Now is the time to turn that momentum into lasting progress.
