From intelligent robotics and smart city technologies to cybersecurity and enterprise intelligence, Hong Kong’s latest AI innovations took centre stage at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) which concluded on 20 July in Shanghai.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion featured 18 enterprises and institutions showcasing their cutting-edge AI solutions to global investors and industry players. The companies were drawn from the city’s three major innovation and technology enterprise incubators – Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP).
As one of the world’s most influential technology gatherings, this year’s WAIC drew wide attention, with President Xi Jinping’s remarks on the importance of jointly building a fair and equitable global AI governance framework making headlines across the world. Under the theme “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future”, the conference brought together more than 1,100 companies and featured over 3,000 innovative products
Seminars, networking foster connections
On the first day of the event, the HKTDC hosted the Seminar on Fostering Economic Innovation and Global Collaboration through AI, bringing together government officials, researchers, financiers and tech leaders to explore AI commercialisation, practical applications, governance and standards alignment, financial empowerment and the global expansion of Greater Bay Area AI enterprises.
Opening the forum, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Prof Sun Dong said the HKSAR Government is advancing Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre by fostering a trusted and sustainable AI ecosystem, deepening collaboration across sectors and strengthening ties with the Mainland to contribute to AI innovation both nationally and globally.
In the lead-up to the conference, the HKTDC also organised a series of market exploration activities for participating companies in Shanghai, including a visit to a business incubator, as well as networking sessions with local enterprises.
To highlight emerging AI talent, the HKTDC also organised the My Favourite Start-up Award, inviting pavilion visitors and buyers to vote for the exhibitor demonstrating the strongest innovation capability. HSITP start-up AI SEMI Limited took the honour for its AI-powered precision technology designed to improve semiconductor manufacturing efficiency and quality.
Highlighting the HKTDC’s efforts to support Hong Kong enterprises and help Mainland companies expand internationally through Hong Kong, HKTDC Associate Executive Director (Global Network and Supply Chain) and Director of Chinese Mainland Jacky Chung said: “The Mainland and Hong Kong can further deepen cooperation in areas such as capital, talent and market development, seizing the window of opportunity presented by AI and driving global collaboration and real-world applications.”
The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at WAIC marked the HKTDC’s fourth consecutive appearance at the event and the latest stop in its global technology promotion campaign. Earlier this year, the Council showcased Hong Kong’s innovation strengths at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, MWC and 4 Years from Now in Barcelona, and Viva Technology in Paris, helping local technology enterprises connect with investors, partners and customers around the world.