Hong Kong – The 4th InnoEX kicked off in Hong Kong on Monday and will run through April 16. Co-organized by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) of the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event serves as a world-class platform for the I&T sector, the business community, and users across multiple fields, further consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international innovation and technology hub.

A group of guests attending the opening ceremony of InnoEX. (Photo/The organizer)

The opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, with Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, officiating. Ms. Sophia Chong, Executive Director of HKTDC, delivered welcome remarks, while Dr. Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), gave the keynote speech.

Robots from Unitree perform live, showcasing cutting-edge technology and agile movements. (Photo/The organizer)

“This year's InnoEX fully demonstrates the key elements of ‘T-E-C-H’ — Thriving Participation, Elevation, Connection and Collaboration, and Hong Kong,” Professor SUN said. “InnoEX is not only an annual exhibition showcasing Hong Kong's I&T advantages, but also an international platform connecting start-ups with investors, research with industry, and local enterprises with domestic and overseas markets.”

Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony. (Photo/The organizer)

Under the theme “Innovate · Automate · Elevate,” Ms. Chong noted that the expo focuses on five frontier technology sectors: AI+, robotics, low-altitude economy, property technology, and retail technology. “Now in its fourth edition, InnoEX has become even more international in scale. This marks not only a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to promote innovation and technology development, but also signifies that the expo has evolved into a flagship platform,” she said.

Ms. Sophia Chong, Executive Director of HKTDC, delivers welcome remarks at the opening ceremony. (Photo/The organizer)

In his keynote address, Dr. Gerd Müller said global spending on artificial intelligence is expected to exceed US$2 trillion in 2026. Highlighting the demographic dividends and market potential of the Global South, he called for increased investment in these regions to create win-win outcomes. UNIDO, he added, looks forward to working with Hong Kong to translate cutting-edge technologies into higher productivity and to promote the establishment of a “Global Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre” in the city. Through Hong Kong as an international hub, he said, more innovation outcomes could benefit industries and societies worldwide.

Dr. Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), gave a keynote speech. (Photo/The organizer)

This year’s InnoEX brings together more than 550 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions, with Austria, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, the Philippines, and the United States participating for the first time. Showcasing cutting-edge innovations from around the world, the expo also brings together leading I&T pioneers, investors, academic experts, and industry leaders to share forward-looking insights and explore future business opportunities.