Cross-border youth innovation hub unveiled in Hetao

Video by Zhen Jianhong

A new platform designed to support budding tech entrepreneurs and innovators officially opened March 2 in the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone (Hetao Shenzhen Park).

Named the Hetao-Hong Kong Youth Innovation Hub, the facility offers co-working spaces, offices, and labs, along with cross-border support services such as soft-landing assistance, market matching, and supply chain integration. It will also organize training programs, internships, and recruitment drives to facilitate talent flow between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Guests for the Hetao-Hong Kong Youth Innovation Hub launch ceremony pose for a group photo. Photos courtesy of HKSTP

Located at the Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch, which has expanded into a new area featuring two six-story buildings, the hub provides dedicated spaces for tech companies targeting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) market. It is managed by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), the operator of both the Hong Kong Science Park and its Shenzhen branch, under an entrustment agreement with the Hetao Development Authority.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prof. Sun Dong, Hong Kong's Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said the new facility would provide more space and resources to support tech firms and young entrepreneurs. He said that the government is accelerating development of the Hetao Hong Kong Park, with plans to inject HK$10 billion (US$1.28 billion) into the park company as announced in the recent budget.

Prof. Sun Dong gives a speech.

Dr. Sunny Chai, chairman of HKSTP, described the hub as a strategic “bridgehead” for youth collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. “Through the collaborative model of ‘R&D in Hong Kong, manufacturing on the mainland, and clinical application in the GBA,’ we are realizing the vision of being greater together,” he said.

Dr. Sunny Chai delivers a speech.

Startups already based in the park are seeing tangible benefits. Haptron Scientific, which develops micro-sensors for embodied intelligence, has forged ties with Swiss and German clients through park-hosted events. LuxWise AI, a technology education firm, cited convenience and shared resources as key reasons for basing its Chinese mainland operations in Hetao.

The launch event also included an innovation showcase featuring 25 park companies from the life and health, AI, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

At a separate “Global Connect” partnership ceremony, HKSTP teamed up with strategic partners in finance, legal, and consulting services to support enterprises in going global.

Guests visited the I&T showcase, which featured cutting-edge technologies from 25 park companies spanning the life and health, AI, and advanced manufacturing sectors.