Record 170 Projects Compete in 2026 ‘Maker China’ Hong Kong Finals
The 2026 ‘Maker China’ international SME innovation and entrepreneurship competition Hong Kong leg attracted a record 170 local projects. Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy Zhang Yiyi said the event helps startups and SMEs showcase tech achievements and expand into the mainland market.
The 2026 ‘Maker China’ International SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition Hong Kong leg concluded successfully on 22 October, drawing a record 170 local innovation projects. Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy Zhang Yiyi said the competition provides a vital platform for Hong Kong startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their technology成果 and expand into the mainland Chinese market.
Zhang noted that in recent years, several finalist teams have successfully connected with mainland enterprises, with some signing cooperation agreements with mainland governments and others attracting investment funds. These outcomes, he said, helped accelerate the commercialisation of technology, enhance brand influence, and open up both mainland and overseas markets.
This year’s competition saw 170 local projects participate, the highest number in the event’s history. After preliminary and semi-final judging, ten finalist projects advanced to the final round held today. Teams pitched live to a panel of judges from various tech fields, competing for first, second and third prizes. The organiser also arranged one-on-one meetings between the ten finalist teams and investors and business representatives from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for potential financing and project collaboration.
Finalist teams will also have opportunities to join startup incubation programmes and exhibitions, connect with mainland investors, and set up in mainland business parks, with professional guidance to help commercialise their projects and expand markets.
The Hong Kong leg of ‘Maker China’ has been held for eight consecutive years, supported by the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, the Guangzhou Municipal Government’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, and the Huangpu District Bureau of Industry and Information Technology. This year’s event was jointly organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Digital Policy Office, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s SME Development Promotion Centre, and the China SME International Cooperation Association, and co-hosted by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Limited and the Angel Investment Foundation.