Hong Kong ignites next wave of global innovation as Start-up Express 2026 opens for application
South China Morning Post
by Advertising partnerFebruary 26, 2026
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Hong Kong is stepping up its efforts to position itself as a global hub for innovation with the launch of Start-up Express 2026, an initiative designed to support early-stage startups with international ambitions. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the program provides selected companies with training, mentorship, promotional opportunities, and access to investors. Ten winners will be chosen each year to help them build capabilities, expand networks, and increase brand visibility in global markets. Applications are now open until 28 April, with a final pitching day scheduled for 25 June.
The program is tailored for tech-driven startups incorporated since January 1, 2019, with less than $10 million in funding. It focuses on key sectors like fintech, healthtech, proptech, smart city solutions, and sustainability. The selection process involves a multi-stage evaluation, starting with a longlist of applicants narrowed down to 40, followed by closed-door pitching sessions, and culminating in the selection of 10 finalists. This structured approach ensures that only the most promising startups advance.
The 2025 cohort highlights Hong Kong’s growing strength in health-related technologies, AI, and green innovation. For example, ACTuWISE Limited, a mental health startup using AI to provide personalized emotional support through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques, has gained traction due to rising global concerns about mental health. Similarly, AniTech Limited is leveraging AI for drug development and neurological disease screening, aiming to reduce costs and timelines in the pharmaceutical industry.
These initiatives not only showcase Hong Kong’s potential as a tech innovation hub but also align with global trends toward sustainable and tech-driven solutions. By fostering collaborations between startups and international partners, Start-up Express 2026 is helping to shape the future of technology and business on a global scale. This program underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to nurturing early-stage ventures that have the potential to drive
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/26/2026