The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) collaborated with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) at the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026), the world's largest and most comprehensive event for biotechnology, in San Diego, California, the United States (US), in June 2026 to promote Hong Kong biotech companies under the functional platform Economic and Trade Express (ETE).
 
     This year, the HKSTP is leading the largest-ever Hong Kong delegation of life and health technology innovators to BIO 2026 in San Diego from June 22 to 25 (San Diego time).  Joining forces with five Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) top 100 universities - the University of Hong Kong (11th), the Chinese University of Hong Kong (18th), the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (33rd), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (50th), and City University of Hong Kong (52nd) - the HKSTP has doubled its exhibition footprint from last year to showcase breakthrough innovations from 41 tech firms, institutes, and university spin-offs. At the Hong Kong Pavilion, AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation are highlighted, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as the premier gateway to global biotech success.
 
     Together with local partner Biocom, the largest life science membership association rooted in California; the World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD); the HKSTP; the HKTDC; and InvestHK, HKETO San Francisco organised the "Bio Nexus HK: From Showcase to Partnership" event under ETE on June 21 (San Diego time) to welcome the Hong Kong delegation and create networking and business matching opportunities.  A dynamic fireside chat featuring representatives from the organisations was held, followed by a networking dinner. The event attracted a full house of over 100 guests, including decision-makers, investors, and founders.
 
     The above-mentioned Hong Kong organisations also arranged two "Global Mixer" events at the Hong Kong Pavilion at BIO 2026 on June 22 and 23 respectively.  Over 150 participants attended the one-minute pitch sessions presented by over 40 exhibitors from Hong Kong.
 
     Furthermore, the Hong Kong delegation was invited to join the Invest in San Diego Breakfast hosted by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and the WTCSD on June 22. The event helped Hong Kong companies strengthen international business connections and explore how to utilise San Diego's global competitiveness in the life sciences ecosystem to look for business opportunities.
 
     Companies in the delegation took the opportunity to expand their network and made important milestones during their presence at BIO 2026. For instance, Zhaoke Ophthalmology, a Hong Kong-listed company advancing ophthalmic therapies across six major eye diseases, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Laboratório Teuto Brasileiro S.A., a Brazilian pharmaceutical company, to explore the Latin American market.
 
     The President Emeritus of Biocom, Mr Joe Panetta, said, "I learned much about the potential opportunities for the Hong Kong and San Diego life science clusters to work together during my government-hosted visit there in late 2024. The synergies that can exist between the two are remarkable, from Hong Kong's financial markets to the solid protection of intellectual property. Hong Kong' great research universities and incubators are creating a group of early-stage life science companies that can benefit from having a US base in San Diego.  Biocom is poised to provide those companies with policy support, connections to licensing and capital partners, many networking events and access to discounted group purchasing contracts to support company operations. I look forward to continuing to build our relationship across California."
 
     The Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Terry Wong, said, "BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong's groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets. As a 'super-connector', Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond. With strong R&D (research and development) capabilities backed by world-class universities - five ranked among the QS top 100, including two with medical schools now ranked in the global top 20 - Hong Kong's biotech and medical research excellence is increasingly recognised worldwide. As the ecosystem orchestrator, the HKSTP brings together talent, capital, research institutions, clinical partners, and industry leaders to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact. We will continue to empower life and health technology ventures, translating breakthroughs into life-changing solutions that benefit communities around the world."
 
     The Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences of InvestHK, Mr Andy Wong, said, "Building on our participation in prior years, InvestHK is joining BIO 2026 to deepen engagement with the US biotech sector and strengthen cross-border connections. We are here to show that Hong Kong is a launchpad for growth - backed by government support programmes that help the US and overseas companies navigate the market, access funding, and scale with confidence."
 
     The Director of the WTCSD, Mr Lucas Coleman, said, "Hong Kong's life sciences ecosystem is producing world-class innovation in therapeutics, diagnostics, and health technologies. For companies looking to establish a US presence, San Diego offers something few markets can match: a globally recognised life sciences cluster combined with a collaborative business community that helps innovators scale. With access to leading research institutions, experienced talent, strategic partners, and investment capital, San Diego is a natural landing point for Hong Kong companies seeking to accelerate growth, expand their US footprint, and bring transformative technologies to patients around the world."
 
     The Director, New York of the HKTDC, Mr Curtis Louie, said, "The HKTDC is deeply committed to propelling Hong Kong's biotech innovators onto the global stage. Through our network of 51 offices globally, we deliver critical market intelligence and high-value industry introductions to foster growth and collaboration opportunities. By leveraging our flagship local platforms, such as the Asia Summit on Global Health and the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair, and facilitating a strong turnout at major international expos, like the US' BIO and MEDICA in Germany, we actively bridge the gap between Hong Kong’s innovative technologies and international investors. Our mission is to help Hong Kong companies transform global connections into tangible commercial opportunities."
 
     The Director of the HKETO San Francisco, Mr D. C. Cheung, concluded, By collaborating with both local and international partners to promote Hong Kong companies at a global convention under ETE, our office took the great opportunity to update the interlocutors on Hong Kong's latest achievements. Notably, all five universities in the Hong Kong delegation are ranked among the global top 100 in the latest 2027 QS rankings. This underscores Hong Kong's status as an international post-secondary education hub that nurtures and attracts top-notch talent, which is an essential driver for the development of biotechnology in the city."

Ends/Thursday, June 25, 2026
Issued at HKT 8:36

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