Hong Kong biotech delegation makes strong US showing at BIO 2026

Hong Kong made a significant mark at the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, California this week, with its largest ever delegation of life and health technology innovators gathering under a unified banner to showcase the city's growing stature as a global biotechnology hub.

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) led the delegation, which comprised 41 technology firms, research institutes and university spin-offs. Five of Hong Kong's universities, all ranked among the global top 100 in the latest QS World University Rankings, joined the effort, underscoring the city's strength in research and talent development. The Hong Kong Pavilion spotlighted breakthroughs in AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics and pharmaceutical innovation.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) coordinated the city's broader presence at the convention in collaboration with HKSTP, Invest Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), under the Economic and Trade Express platform.

On the eve of the convention, the partners hosted "Bio Nexus HK: From Showcase to Partnership", a networking and business matching event that drew more than 100 guests, including investors, company founders and senior decision-makers. A fireside chat and networking dinner created fertile ground for cross-border dialogue and deal-making.

During the convention itself, two "Global Mixer" sessions at the Hong Kong Pavilion drew over 150 participants, with more than 40 Hong Kong exhibitors delivering one-minute pitches to an international audience. The delegation was also invited to attend the Invest in San Diego Breakfast hosted by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, offering further opportunities to tap into one of the world's most dynamic life sciences ecosystems.

Tangible results followed. Zhaoke Ophthalmology, a Hong Kong-listed company developing treatments for six major eye diseases, signed a memorandum of understanding with Brazilian pharmaceutical firm Laboratorio Teuto Brasileiro S.A. to explore entry into the Latin American market, marking one of several significant milestones achieved during the convention.

HKSTP Chief Executive Officer Terry Wong said BIO 2026 offered a premier platform to deepen partnerships and open new pathways into global healthcare markets. He highlighted Hong Kong's role as a "super-connector" bridging global innovators with opportunities across Asia, backed by world-class universities and a maturing biotech ecosystem.

InvestHK's Head of Innovation and Technology and Life and Health Sciences, Andy Wong, described Hong Kong as a launchpad for growth, pointing to government support programs that help overseas companies navigate the market, access funding, and scale their operations.

HKTDC Director Curtis Louie emphasized the council's commitment to connecting Hong Kong's biotech innovators with international partners through its global network of 51 offices, as well as flagship platforms such as the Asia Summit on Global Health and the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair.

Lucas Coleman, director of the World Trade Center San Diego, noted that San Diego's globally recognized life sciences cluster and collaborative business environment make it a natural destination for Hong Kong companies seeking to establish a US presence and accelerate growth.

HKETO San Francisco Director D.C. Cheung said the convention provided an excellent opportunity to highlight Hong Kong's latest achievements to international interlocutors, noting that the city's universities' strong global rankings reflect its status as an education hub that nurtures the talent essential for biotechnology development.

BIO 2026 is widely regarded as the world's largest and most comprehensive event for the biotechnology industry.