The Hong Kong government is taking a major step forward in its bid to become a global innovation and technology hub. If you’re part of the start-up scene or closely follow tech developments, this news will be especially relevant to you. Hong Kong plans to build a new supercomputing centre at Sandy Ridge, part of its larger Northern Metropolis project, which aims to transform the New Territories into an economic powerhouse.
This new centre is expected to give a huge boost to start-ups and other tech ventures in Hong Kong and across the Greater Bay Area. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong shared the news while attending the VivaTech conference in Paris on June 14. He explained that the centre will support local innovation and wider regional collaboration in Asia.
Plans for increased computing power
The upcoming AI Supercomputing Centre will join Hong Kong’s first such facility, which opened at Cyberport in December. That centre is expected to deliver 3,000 petaflops of computing power by the end of this year. However, Sun believes even more is needed.
“Hong Kong now has 5,000 petaflops of computing power, but that’s not enough,” Sun said. While he didn’t reveal the exact specifications of the new centre, he hinted that it would be much larger and more powerful.
These developments come as the city is repositioning itself in the global tech scene, especially in the face of increasing U.S. restrictions on advanced chip technology. The focus on home-grown infrastructure like supercomputing centres is meant to reduce reliance on foreign technology while pushing forward innovation.
One key initiative on the horizon is the launch of HKGAI V1, a locally developed AI model. This will be one of the first government-funded “sovereign” large language models in the world, giving Hong Kong a unique position in the global AI race.
Start-ups making waves in Europe
This year, 20 Hong Kong start-ups travelled to Paris to participate in VivaTech, one of Europe’s biggest tech events. Eighteen came from the Hong Kong Science Park, and two from Cyberport. The delegation aimed to connect with European partners and explore opportunities abroad.
Many Hong Kong companies were recognised at the event. Ailytics, which offers AI-powered video analytics, took home an award. Fintech firms Aqumon and Midas Analytics also earned praise, along with healthcare-focused start-ups Imsight, OKOsix, and Vismed.
Successful partnerships were also announced. Westwell Technology, known for its energy solutions in container logistics, and PointFit, which makes fitness-focused wearable tech, secured deals with European firms.
Growing interest from European partners
Pantheon Lab, a company specialising in digital human solutions, was one of the Science Park participants. Co-founder and CEO Ivan Lau said European interest in Asian tech is growing. “More European companies are now looking to Asia for collaboration,” he said.
Founded in 2019, Pantheon Lab earns about 80% of its revenue outside Hong Kong and is eyeing further expansion into Europe. Their client list includes SBS Transit, Singapore’s National Gallery, and Toyota—evidence that Hong Kong companies can successfully operate globally.
With the new supercomputing centre, increased international exposure, and growing regional partnerships, Hong Kong is showing that it’s serious about becoming a leader in global technology and innovation.
