SITI attends VivaTech 2024 in Paris, France (with photos)
24.5.2024

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended VivaTech 2024 in Paris, France on May 24 (Paris time). In his keynote speech at a seminar themed "How Global Start-ups Succeed in Asia through Hong Kong's Innovation Ecosystem" organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Professor Sun gave the attendees an update on Hong Kong's ever-growing start-up scene, pointing out that Hong Kong values the potential and contributions of start-ups and that the city is one of the best destinations for global start-ups to thrive and flourish. "The greatest asset of Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) development is our strong research capability. We support global startups with readily available source of research and development capabilities, knowledge and talent, as well as a vibrant I&T culture and atmosphere. We are also committed to providing comprehensive support to start-ups at different stages of their development. The two I&T flagships in Hong Kong, namely the Hong Kong Science Park and the Hong Kong Cyberport, play a vital role in nurturing and supporting start-ups in Hong Kong through various entrepreneurship schemes and incubation programmes, providing infrastructure, technical and funding support for their start-ups." Professor Sun highlighted that Hong Kong is well positioned to be the bridge connecting East and West, as the city enjoys the dual advantages under "one country, two systems" and strategic location on the doorstep of Mainland China. He said, "Setting up business in Hong Kong gives start-ups and enterprises much more than just a single market, but an ideal gateway to the gigantic market in the entire Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Mainland China and Asia with boundless opportunities. A solid industry chain and supply chain are essential for start-ups. The prospects and synergies of the GBA will be unlimited with a stable supply of talent and materials." Professor Sun also toured the Hong Kong Pavilion set up by the HKTDC at the VivaTech. The pavilion showcases Hong Kong's vibrant start-up and technology ecosystem and provides information on the unparalleled advantages the city offers for global start-ups. He also visited the pavilion set up by Japan, which is the "Country of the Year", as well as pavilions set up by institutions such as Centre national de la recherche scientifique and R&eacute;gion Sud of France, and had brief exchanges with representatives of some exhibitors to learn more about their innovative solutions. Afterwards, Professor Sun attended a networking reception hosted by the HKTDC to exchange views on the development and collaboration of I&T with local leaders of the I&T industry, entrepreneurs, influencers and investors. On May 23 (Paris time), Professor Sun departed Brussels, Belgium for Paris, France to continue his visit. In the afternoon, he toured the Institut Pasteur and visited its laboratories to gain an understanding of the institute's research areas and advanced research equipment, as well as programmes to accelerate the development potential of research discoveries and promote the creation of startups. The Institut Pasteur is an internationally-renowned private and non-profit infectious disease research institute which co-operated with the University of Hong Kong through InnoHK clusters to establish the Centre for Immunology & Infection in 2020 to use novel technology platforms for biomarker discovery and the development of new vaccine and therapeutic strategies. Professor Sun noted that international collaboration and talent development are key components under InnoHK. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly encourages strengthening academic exchanges to foster knowledge sharing, enhance research capabilities and promote scientific advancements for the benefits of the I&T development in both Hong Kong and France. Professor Sun will continue his visit in Paris tomorrow (May 25, Paris time) and conclude his visit in the afternoon. He will return to Hong Kong on Sunday (May 26, Hong Kong time).