The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), together with strategic partner the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and supporting organisations, hosted the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, France. The pavilion showcased innovative solutions from 24 local innovation and technology enterprises and institutions to global investors and industry players, helping start-ups seize opportunities in the European market and deepen international collaboration networks.
During the exhibition, thematic seminars, start-up pitching sessions and networking events facilitated industry exchanges and business matching. Chris Lo, HKTDC's Regional Director for Europe, Central Asia & Israel, stated: "VivaTech 2026's Hong Kong Tech Pavilion has achieved excellent results once again this year, facilitating multiple cross-border collaborations." He noted that some outcomes have come to fruition from connections initiated last year, helping local start-ups build networks and increase exposure in international markets.
Participating start-ups included Formwork IO, which was selected as a top 30 finalist for VivaTech's "Tech for Change" Award. Tech for Change recognises start-ups leveraging innovative technology for positive environmental, social or health impact. Additionally, PointFit Technology and Robocore Technology Limited were selected to give live demonstrations at VivaTech's Discovery Stage. These achievements demonstrate Hong Kong startups' innovative capabilities in health technology and artificial intelligence.
Several participating companies established connections with European partners. Robocare Technology is in negotiations with JCDecaux for a cooperation agreement to provide 1,000 robots for marketing campaigns. Robocore CEO Lim Long-hei said: "Leveraging the business connections we have built through the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion over the past two years, we hope to further deepen our collaboration with European multinational corporations." LeafIoT Technology Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lecco Campus of Politecnico di Milano to collaborate on talent cultivation and technological innovation for smart tree monitoring solutions.
During VivaTech, the HKTDC hosted a seminar titled "Building Resilient Tech Ecosystems: Powering the Next Wave of International Tech Leadership from Hong Kong" on 19 June. Shirley Yung, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic & Trade Affairs to the European Union, highlighted Hong Kong's advantages: top-tier research and talent, deep pools of global capital, access to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and strong connectivity to global markets. The discussion session featured Terry Wong from HKSTPC and Yonghai Du from HKPC, who shared insights on leveraging Hong Kong as a springboard for international markets.
The HKTDC is actively working with local enterprises to participate in major international technology exhibitions, such as CES 2026, MWC and 4YFN, providing platforms for start-ups to showcase innovative achievements and connect with international funding. VivaTech 2026 attracted participants from over 165 countries, with more than 15,000 global start-ups and 200,000 visitors. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is a flagship initiative under the "Economic and Trade Express" in Europe, organised by Brussels ETO, HKTDC and InvestHK.
For more information on the participating start-ups, visit the VivaTech exhibitors page. Photo downloads are available at this link.
