A record delegation from Hong Kong, comprising 41 biotech firms and researchers, made an impactful showcase at the BIO International Convention 2026 – the world's largest biotechnology event – held in the city of San Diego in the United States from Tuesday to Thursday.

The Hong Kong pavilion, organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco in collaboration with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corp (HKSTP), Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), featured breakthroughs in artificial intelligence-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a global biotech hub.

A key highlight was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Zhaoke Ophthalmology, a Hong Kong-listed company advancing ophthalmic therapies across six major eye diseases, and Laboratorio Teuto Brasileiro, a Brazilian pharmaceutical firm, to explore the Latin American market.

The delegation engaged in a series of events that facilitated networking and pitch sessions, attracting investors and industry leaders interested in exploring global market opportunities.

Joe Panetta, president emeritus of Biocom, expressed optimism about the potential collaboration between Hong Kong and San Diego's life sciences clusters. He noted the remarkable synergies, from Hong Kong's financial markets to strong intellectual property protection. "Hong Kong's great research universities and incubators are creating early-stage life sciences companies that can benefit from having a US base in San Diego," Panetta said. "Biocom is poised to provide these companies with policy support, connections to licensing and capital partners, and access to networking events and discounted group purchasing contracts."

Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, emphasized Hong Kong's role as a superconnector in global healthcare markets, supported by world-class research and development capabilities. "BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong's groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets," Wong stressed.

Andy Wong, head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences at InvestHK, highlighted Hong Kong as a launchpad for biotech growth. He noted the government support programs that help US and overseas companies navigate the market, access funding, and scale confidently.

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Lucas Coleman, director of World Trade Center San Diego, emphasized San Diego's unique advantages for Hong Kong companies. "San Diego offers a globally recognized life sciences cluster combined with a collaborative business community that helps innovators scale," he said.

Curtis Louie, director of HKTDC New York, reiterated the council's commitment to promoting Hong Kong's biotech innovations globally. "Through our network of 51 offices, we deliver critical market intelligence and high-value industry introductions to foster growth and collaboration opportunities," Louie said.

The Hong Kong delegation collaborated with leading academic institutions, including the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and City University of Hong Kong.

Contact the writer at irismuk@chinadailyhk.com