Hong Kong is accelerating its path toward “New Industrialisation” and positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and technology. With a series of new policies targeting innovation, research, and advanced manufacturing, the city is offering unprecedented opportunities for tech enterprises, R&D institutions, and high-potential startups to establish or expand their presence.

This article highlights two major policy pillars most relevant to enterprises:

(1) Support policies for innovation and technology companies

(2) The New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme.

01 Policies Supporting Innovation & Technology Enterprises

To strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the global innovation landscape, the government has introduced multiple programmes focused on funding, infrastructure, and talent attraction.

1.1 HKD 5 Billion Strategic Tech Fund

The Hong Kong Government has launched a HKD 5 billion “Strategic Tech Fund”, aimed at attracting high-potential technology companies in sectors such as:

● Artificial Intelligence/ Life & Health Technology

● New Energy and Green Tech/ Advanced Materials

● Data Science & Quantum Technology/ Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0

Through equity investment, co-development, and other funding models, the initiative supports global strategic enterprises seeking to establish R&D bases or scale up commercialization in Hong Kong.

Why it matters:

Hong Kong provides not only capital support but also a favourable tax environment, mature capital markets, and seamless access to the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

1.2 Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park (HSITP)

The HSITP in the Lok Ma Chau Loop is one of the most important I&T infrastructure projects in the region. Jointly developed by Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the park focuses on:

● Life and Health Technology

● Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

● Data Science & ICT

● Green Technology & Environmental Engineering

Its strategic location and cross-border advantages allow enterprises to leverage:

● Hong Kong’s regulatory and financial system

● Shenzhen’s strong manufacturing ecosystem

● Access to the 80-million-population Greater Bay Area

It is an ideal choice for enterprises looking to build R&D centres, pilot testing facilities, or commercialization bases.

1.3 Tech Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)

To help companies build strong R&D teams, Hong Kong offers the Tech Talent Admission Scheme, which accelerates entry arrangements for global technology professionals.

It is applicable to:

● R&D-focused enterprises

● Innovation companies funded by government schemes

● Companies based in Hong Kong Science Park or Cyberport

Benefits include:

● Expedited visa approvals (as fast as 2 weeks)

● Flexible quotas

● Open to AI, robotics, biotech, new energy, semiconductor talent and more

This programme is especially beneficial for SMEs that are rapidly expanding their innovation capabilities.

02 New Industrialisation Acceleration 

Scheme

To promote advanced manufacturing and intelligent production, Hong Kong introduced the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme, offering exceptional funding support.

2.1 Targeted Industries

The scheme focuses on companies engaged in:

● Advanced Manufacturing/ Intelligent / Automated Production

● AI and Robotics/ New Energy and Green Tech

● Biomedical and Medical Device Manufacturing/  Semiconductor & Microelectronics

Any enterprise planning to build smart production lines or advanced manufacturing facilities in Hong Kong may qualify.

2.2 Up to HKD 200 Million Funding Support

The scheme adopts a 1 (government) : 2 (enterprise) funding model, with a highly attractive ceiling:

Up to HKD 200 million in funding per project.

Key advantages:

● Reduces initial investment cost for establishing manufacturing bases

● Accelerates digital transformation and automation

● Strengthens connection to global and GBA supply chains

● Enhances production efficiency and brand competitiveness

This is a major opportunity for enterprises planning to build high-tech manufacturing facilities in Asia.

03 Why Now Is the Best Time for Enterprises to Enter Hong Kong?

Combining all the above, Hong Kong is forming a highly attractive ecosystem for innovative and advanced-manufacturing companies:

● Strongest funding support in history

● Rapid expansion of I&T infrastructure (e.g., HSITP)

● Talent-friendly immigration programmes

● Seamless access to the Greater Bay Area

● Highly globalized financing and listing channels

● Clear policy direction favoring AI, biotech, new energy, and advanced manufacturing

Hong Kong is sending a clear message:

It aims to become the next growth engine for global innovation enterprises.