HICOOL 2025 Hong Kong competition zone kicks off

Dozens of entrepreneurial projects in cutting-edge technology sectors are competing this week in the Hong Kong competition zone of the HICOOL 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Competition, organized by the Beijing Overseas Talents Association.

The competition, which began with a launch ceremony in Hong Kong on June 3, has attracted significantly more participants than last year. According to Zhang Ruobing, director of the Beijing Talent Work Bureau, the number of projects and participants has increased by 36% and 75%, respectively, compared to 2024, underscoring Hong Kong's growing momentum in scientific and technological innovation.

Ho Kai-ming, undersecretary for Labor and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, called the HICOOL competition a vital step toward building an international science and technology innovation hub linking Beijing and Hong Kong.

He added that Hong Kong is actively supporting the commercialization of research and industrial development through a range of innovation initiatives and funding programs worth tens of billions of yuan, creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurs worldwide.

For the second year in a row, the Hong Kong delegation has brought hundreds of cutting-edge technologies to the HICOOL competition. This year, presentations are taking place at top Hong Kong universities, including the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, to connect directly with student and faculty entrepreneurs.

In addition, Hong Kong innovation institutions are signing agreements to set up operations in the HICOOL Industrial Park, helping more Hong Kong entrepreneurs become part of Beijing's innovation ecosystem.