Fueling the momentum of tightening commercial bonds between Hong Kong and the Middle East, the city’s technology enterprises seized the chance to tap into a global customer base at LEAP East 2026, a global tech event.

Driven by a keen foresight into the growing synergies between the Middle East and Hong Kong’s technology sectors, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) — the largest innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong — took a proactive role in LEAP East 2026’s Hong Kong debut, joining as the exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner to unlock new corridors of opportunity for local startups.

HKSTP was joined by over 30 park companies, including 23 companies exhibiting at the HKSTP Pavilion and more than 10 companies participating independently. During the three-day event, the HKSTP Pavilion attracted more than 3,000 visits and facilitated over 1,500 business matching sessions. Notably, Meinong Robot from the HKSTP ecosystem won the 2nd runner-up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, outperforming 500 startups from all over the world and securing a $10,000 equity-free prize.

The companies’ achievements stand as a testament to HKSTP’s role as an ecosystem orchestrator, highlighting its strategic commitment to propel ambitious, high-potential tech ventures onto the world stage.

“Hong Kong being chosen as the first stop for LEAP East’s expansion outside Saudi Arabia fully demonstrates the city’s status as a major global hub for innovation and technology. It perfectly reflects Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder,” said Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP.

Wong delivered a keynote speech themed “Unlocking Asia & Global Growth — HKSTP as the Launchpad for Global Tech” on the first day of the event, detailing HKSTP’s efforts in accelerating the “go global” trend of Hong Kong technology companies while attracting international tech firms to Hong Kong.

Wong noted that LEAP East offers a prime platform for Hong Kong companies to explore the Middle Eastern market, particularly Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that both regions share a common vision for technological innovation, opening the door to immense business potential.

Saudi Arabia launched “Vision 2030” back in 2016 to diversify the nation’s economy and leverage new growth opportunities empowered by technological innovation. Its digital economy has grown by 75 percent to reach almost $139 billion, accounting for 16 percent of the country’s total GDP, according to Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s minister of communications and information technology.

Such rapid digital transformation opens a highly lucrative corridor for Hong Kong’s I&T sector. As the Middle East seeks cutting-edge solutions in areas like green technology, fintech, and artificial intelligence, HKSTP is ready to empower its park companies to export their technologies to fill the gap, transforming regional demand into a launchpad for global expansion.

“When Hong Kong companies try to crack the Middle East, they often struggle with local culture, complex regulations, localization, and finding partners. Without that local know-how, it’s a tough market to enter,” Wong added. “That’s where we bridge the gap. Over the years, we’ve built deep connections with governments, the market, and businesses, so we’re ready to help Hong Kong companies scale successfully in the region.”

Samuel Au, CEO of Cornerstone Robotics Ltd, a Hong Kong-based innovative surgical robotics unicorn and one of the exhibitors in the HKSTP Pavilion at this year’s LEAP East, said that his company had been actively seeking opportunities in the Middle East, but due to language and cultural barriers, it has taken the company longer to penetrate the local market.

“However, the global recognition of Hong Kong’s medical system gives us a distinct edge,” Au added. “It means our testing data collected in Hong Kong is convincing to overseas doctors.”

Currently, Cornerstone Robotics’ products are being exported to Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Chinese mainland markets. The company is in negotiation with countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

One Energy (HK) Ltd, a new energy solution provider for electric vehicles and battery swapping stations, has its eyes on the Middle East’s strategic geographical advantages.

Despite the disruption of regional geopolitical tensions, the company has maintained close ties with Middle Eastern partners and plans to establish factories to anchor its expansion across the Middle East and Africa.

Similarly, seeing emerging business activities unfolding in the Middle East, FCC Analytics Ltd, a tech company specializing in AI-powered intelligence and compliance platforms that automate Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer workflows, wants to leverage LEAP East to explore opportunities in the region as it remains a very new market for them.

As Hong Kong enterprises eye overseas expansion, HKSTP acts as a vital bridge, introducing Hong Kong brands to new markets while channeling global investor connections back to the city.

Varadise Ltd, a Hong Kong-based smart monitoring and AI and digital twin platform provider, said that HKSTP has been lining it up with partners since they started exploring the Middle East market last year.

HKSTP has launched various programs and initiatives that led delegations to overseas markets, providing global context and connection to Hong Kong companies.

“Whenever foreign investors show interest, they usually connect with HKSTP first, which then introduces them to us. HKSTP truly embodies the role of a superconnector, mirroring the very essence of Hong Kong as a city,” said Au.

Kevin To, CEO of One Energy, noted that a company’s global expansion can be capital-heavy, and HKSTP’s capital team plays an important role in startups’ fundraising by lining up startups with investment firms.

Innovation & Technology Special