Welcome Message from President

Act now to join BIOHK2024

BIOHK channel connects the biotech world

Dear Biotechnology Enthusiasts,

In September 2023, the second chapter of the BIOHK was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. With the support of Hong Kong government departments including the Innovation and Technology Commission, InvestHK and Intellectual Property Department, BIOHK2023 International Convention was a great success. Over 200 speakers gave talks and participated in discussions, and the event attracted visitors from 25 countries. The event had exhibitors from all sectors of biotech and it had start-ups pitching to investors and potential collaborators.

We are delighted to announce that the third chapter BIOHK2024 will be held on 11 to 14 September 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. We will endeavor to provide an even bigger and better international biotech experience. 

As a city with a rich history in industrial development and innovation, and one that is branded “Asia’s World City”, there is no better place to bring together biotech companies from East and West. We look forward to catching up with you about the latest innovations and trends across the international biotechnology industry.

In a recent speech by Mr. John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, he described Hong Kong as not only the super connector between China and the rest of the world, but also as a ‘Super Value Adder’, as its world-class financial and professional services provide an excellent environment for businesses based in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has an international business environment, with 9,000 international and mainland companies based here. Supported by the Chinese Government’s intention to establish Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub, the Hong Kong Government has devoted much effort to promote biotech. It has recently established the Top Talent Pass Scheme and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) to attract international talent and companies. Furthermore, the scale of biotech fundraising in Hong Kong is the biggest in Asia and the second largest in the world. This was in part due to the Chapter 18A listing rule implemented in 2018, which allows pre-revenue biotech companies to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. 112 biotech and healthcare companies have listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2018. 

Hong Kong is considered ‘the gateway to China’ due to its status as a special administrative region. Thus, Hong Kong offers a rich source of opportunities for overseas investors looking to capitalize on the growth of China, and for Chinese companies looking to expand abroad. The Greater Bay Area (GBA) scheme is an initiative by the Chinese government to link Hong Kong, Macau and 9 cities along the Pearl River Estuary to form an international technology and innovation zone rivalling Silicon Valley. The objective of the GBA initiative is to promote cooperation and integration, and leverage the advantages of Hong Kong, Macau and the Pearl River Estuary. One of the cooperation ventures is the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. A key goal is to have policies in place to enable better integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen in terms of talent flow, data flow and resource flow. This will allow companies in Hong Kong to tap on the resources in the area.

Owing to its strategic location, the presence of world-class universities, and its reputation as one of the freest economies, Hong Kong is an optimal center for international investors to capitalize on Asia’s biotech revolution. Our goal is to establish BIOHK on the annual biotech convention calendar, and foster the GBA as a vibrant biotech research and innovation epicenter in Asia.

COVID-19 accelerated the growth and development of the biotechnology industry. Biotech’s essential role in solving humanity’s health problems and combating future threats became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. From AI-assisted drug developments to mRNA vaccines to emerging state-of-the-art biotechnologies, enormous advances have been made in recent years. It is our mission to harness these advancements to foster collaboration at BIOHK2024.

BIOHK aims to bring to you a world-class biotech convention. Our executives are from diverse disciplines across biotech with expertise in areas ranging from academia to venture capital. Business opportunities are best made face-to-face and BIOHK2024 will continue to offer extensive networking opportunities in September 2024.

I hope you will join us at BIOHK2024. Whether you want to expand your international network, explore new markets, attract government and/or private funding or invest in the next biotech unicorn, BIOHK2024 is an ideal place to fulfill all these intentions.

Enjoy BIOHK2024 and its world-class program we will create for you.

Yours sincerely,

President of BIOHK2024