Propelling Hong Kong’s smart city vision and government services with digital innovation
Hong Kong is endeavouring to become a world-class smart city. In line with government policy, Cyberport nurtures start-ups, drives innovation, and promotes I&T adoption. Cyberport builds an ecosystem where innovators can leverage their expertise and develop solutions and technologies that enhance quality of life, optimise public services, and catalyse social progress. This supports Hong Kong’s vision of building a world-renowned Smart Hong Kong, characterised by a strong economy and a high quality of living, as outlined in the Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint.
Underpinning the vision for a Smart City are foundational technologies such as AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and Data Science. AI and Data Science power predictive analytics for urban planning and public services, enabling intelligent management across key areas, including traffic flow, energy distribution, healthcare resources and recreational facilities planning, and emergency responses. Blockchain ensures secure and transparent transactions and record-keeping, while facilitating smart contracts for government services and commercial transactions. Advanced Cybersecurity solutions protect critical infrastructure and safeguard citizens’ personal data, building trust in digital government services and smart city operations.
Go Beyond
Cyberport’s support for Hong Kong in embracing innovation and technology to build a world-renowned Smart Hong Kong extends beyond incubation, funding, solution matching, and market expansion. Our campus serves as an innovation testbed where start-ups can pilot solutions and collect data. The integrated mix of offices, a shopping arcade, a cinema, a waterfront park, schools, and residential buildings offers a diverse, real-world setting for validating technology applications – from AI receptionists to traffic monitoring systems and more.
Building on this strong foundation, we established the Cyberport Incubation Programme for Smart Living Start-ups in 2023, supported by the Government’s HK$265 million endowment. The initiative aims to cultivate 450 Smart Living-related start-ups over five years to accelerate the development of Hong Kong’s Smart City and digital economy, ultimately improving citizens’ lives. Our upcoming Cyberport 5 project will also feature a dedicated Smart Living demonstration hall to showcase and catalyse innovation.
Cyberport’s Smart Living Community Leads the Region More than 850 Smart Living companies now call Cyberport home. These vibrant community includes two unicorns and spans diverse sectors SocTech, Smart Retail and MarTech. Many of these start-ups have proven themselves in the Hong Kong market and are now expanding globally, securing strategic partnerships and establishing a presence in key markets worldwide.
Smart Living Community Verticals
SocTech Creating solutions for social good and community empowerment
Smart Retail / E-commerce Building next-generation platforms for buying and selling
IoT / AIoT Connecting devices and systems for smarter, more responsive environments
MarTech Powering smarter and data-driven marketing
Robotics Streamlining operations and elevating quality and efficiency through automation
Witness Our Latest Initiatives Propelling Smart Living Forward
Each Smart Living vertical has distinct needs. Our strategic initiatives, some commissioned by the government and many run with industry partners, empower start-ups to advance Smart Living innovations to create lasting social impact. These programmes are designed to propel Hong Kong’s Smart Living ecosystem forward.
Some of our initiatives include:
SocTech Connecting technology with social impact: Recognising that innovation and technology can transform society, we match start-ups with NGOs and community organisations to drive innovation. Notable initiatives include the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) x Cyberport SocTech IdeaXchange and HKCSS SocTech Symposium. In partnership with the Sham Shui Po District Office and District Council, co-organised the Technology Solutions Matching Day, we connect start-ups with community welfare organisations and small and medium enterprises in the hopes of promoting digital inclusion in the social sector.
Comprehensive Smart City/Government for the Future Going beyond vertical-specific initiatives, Cyberport nurtures I&T aspirations from seed to success, spanning incubation and seed funding to market expansion and venture capital. We welcome everyone – from students to unicorns, local and international innovators alike – to our community where innovation thrives. Through dedicated programmes, we also help organisations across sectors harness technology for digital transformation and sustainable growth.
Here is a selection of highlights from our Smart Living-specific initiatives:
Talent Cultivation Programmes for Students HYAB Youth Start-up Internship Programme – Commissioned by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, offering local students 100 flexible internship positions (three-to-six months, full-time/part-time/mixed-mode) at innovative start-ups, including Smart Living pioneers. Participants visit GBA cities to explore regional innovation ecosystems and career opportunities, and take part in a creative start-up pitching competition.
JC PROcruit C – Created and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, Cyberport, which serves as one of the convenors in the “Technology for Good” track of JC PROcruit C, provides first-time-job-seekers from a diverse academic background with over 100 traineeship opportunities in collaboration with caring employers at the Community.
Industry Development Programmes for Start-Ups
Cyberport Incubation Programme for Smart Living Start-ups – Nurturing 90 Smart Living start-ups annually over five years to accelerate Hong Kong’s smart city development. Incubatees receive up to HK$500,000 in subsidies, along with professional support services, mentorship, marketing assistance, and business matching opportunities to fuel their growth.
Cyberport Academy – Dedicated programmes equipping industry practitioners and aspiring innovators with cutting-edge Smart Living knowledge and skills.
Digital Transformation Rockets into Action
Smart LAB at Cyberport – Launched in 2019, this initiative features an online platform listing the needs of government departments, along with I&T solutions offered by start-ups and SMEs to inspire and inform government departments about new possibilities.
Technology Forum – A joint effort by the government, Cyberport, and HKSTP to showcase tech solutions for improving public services and share success stories, helping innovators understand government needs and encouraging participation in initiatives such as Smart LAB.
“iAM Smart” Sandbox Programme – A collaboration between Cyberport and the Digital Policy Office to assist public and private organisations in developing “iAM Smart”-enabled services, offering resources such as API documentation, training workshops, simulated APIs, and integrated test environments.
Smart Living Sector Offers Robust Career Path
Since 2015, the Cyberport Career Fair (CCF) has showcased an annual signature event aiming to bridge Cyberport community members in the sub-clusters of FinTech, Smart Living, and Digital Entertainment and job seekers, especially students and young talent who aspire to start their career in the digital tech field and I&T sector. Over the past decade, CCF has brought together over 900 enterprises and has provided 19,000 job seekers with over 8,400 job opportunities, spanning sectors of FinTech, Smart Living, Digital Entertainment, AI and much more.
Showcases at Industry-Leading Events
Cyberport regularly features start-ups at major industry events to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster partnerships. These platforms connect innovators to global opportunities while highlighting Hong Kong’s Smart Living advances. Key occasions include Asia Summit on Global Health, GeronTech and Innovation Expo cum Summit, InnoCarnival, and InnoEx.
Success Stories Bring Lofty Possibilities
Cyberport’s Smart Living companies make their mark on the international stage, spanning prestigious industry accolades, strategic partnerships, global expansions, and notable fundraising milestones. These achievements underscore Hong Kong’s position as a launchpad for global Smart Living success, and its evolution as a premier Smart City in its own right.
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