Hong Kong’s 2026 Innovation Fund: A New Era for Startups
▼ Summary
– The Hong Kong government will launch a new Innovation & Technology Industry-oriented Fund in 2026 to strengthen the city’s startup ecosystem.
– It plans to expand its Innovation & Technology Venture Fund and introduce a Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme to attract global startups.
– Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof. Sun Dong emphasized that venture capital is critical to Hong Kong’s growth.
– The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranked first in the Global Innovation Index 2025, with strong metrics in patents, scientific articles, and venture capital deals.
– The government views this recognition as highlighting the Greater Bay Area’s innovation capacity and plans to deepen cooperation with Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Hong Kong is poised to significantly boost its startup landscape with the introduction of a dedicated Innovation & Technology Industry-oriented Fund set to launch in 2026. Announced by Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor Sun Dong, this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and competitive environment for tech-driven enterprises. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the city’s appeal as a global hub for innovation and venture investment.
Professor Sun emphasized that venture capital plays a critical role in Hong Kong’s economic development, describing the new fund as a catalyst for creating a more vibrant innovation sector. In addition to the new fund, existing programs will also see expansion. The Innovation & Technology Venture Fund will be scaled up, and a Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme will be introduced to attract high-potential startups from around the world to establish a presence in Hong Kong.
This strategic push comes at a time when the region is receiving international recognition for its innovative capabilities. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster recently secured the top spot in the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Global Innovation Index for 2025. Key metrics contributing to this ranking include 2,292 Patent Cooperation Treaty applications, 3,775 published scientific articles, and an impressive 135 venture capital deals per million residents over the last five years.
The Hong Kong government views this accolade as a testament to the growing innovation capacity of the Greater Bay Area. Officials reaffirmed plans to deepen collaboration with Shenzhen and Guangzhou, aligning with China’s national innovation strategy. These coordinated efforts aim to solidify the region’s status as a leading global center for technological advancement and entrepreneurial activity.
(Source: Hong Kong Business)
