The Wearable Technology Conference (2026WT) was held at the Hong Kong Science Park in early March, bringing together globally renowned industry leaders and a host of innovative talents to witness the Asian wearable technology ecosystem entering a new era.

Thirty-two outstanding startups from around the world took the stage to showcase their groundbreaking medical technology and wearable technology solutions. The conference proceedings then centered on the mission of “Shaping the Future of Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence,” bringing together industry pioneers and entrepreneurs to discuss breakthroughs in medical device technology and the development of the “intelligent layer” underpinning connected health, while delving into how artificial intelligence and the wearable ecosystem can accelerate the fight against noncommunicable diseases.

Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of Hong Kong, attended the opening ceremony and stated that, to fully leverage its strengths, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has launched a series of initiatives to support the development of local life and health technology. For example, the Hong Kong SAR Government has brought together approximately 3,000 researchers from more than 30 renowned overseas universities and research institutions through 30 research laboratories. Since the launch of the “Industry-Academia-Research 1+ Initiative” in 2023, it has supported 50 life and health technology projects, many of which are related to wearable devices. This year, the Hong Kong government also launched the HK$10 billion “Innovation and Technology Industry Guidance Fund” to channel market capital into innovation and technology industries, including life and health.

Sun Dong noted that 2026 marks the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and life and health technology is one of the key priority sectors that continues to receive strong support from the government. He expressed confidence that Hong Kong’s life and health technology industry will continue to thrive, bringing new opportunities and prospects for global technology companies, startups, and talent.

Wong Ping-shiu, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, stated that this year’s conference focuses on digital health, the Internet of Things in healthcare, and AI-driven wearable devices—areas that align closely with Hong Kong’s strategic development priorities. The conference serves not only as a platform for showcasing innovative achievements but also as a vital bridge for transforming innovative ideas into industrial value. Beyond the competition itself, what matters most is the convergence of innovative ideas, the demonstration of solutions, the sharing of industry expertise, and the valuable connections forged between people. In his view, the return of the 2026 World Technology Summit (WT) is not merely a simple homecoming; it also reflects the international community’s recognition of Hong Kong’s innovative capabilities. The clear message conveyed here is that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is ready to embrace a new wave of innovation and continue to consolidate its position as a global hub for original innovation.

Ke Tianran, CEO and Executive Director of Hong Kong-listed company Huiju Technology (01729.HK) and Co-Chair of the Hong Kong Association of Medical Engineering and Innovation, stated in an interview with reporters that, given the current shifting geopolitical landscape, Hong Kong’s importance as a unique bridge connecting the mainland with global markets has become even more prominent. Leveraging its robust research capabilities, scale and efficiency advantages, and status as an international financial center, Hong Kong is well-positioned to play a pivotal leading role in the next wave of healthcare technology transformation.

Ke Tianran believes that this conference serves not only as a platform for knowledge sharing but is also dedicated to creating an efficient hub for collaboration, allowing global enterprises and participating teams to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem. He stated that his vision is clear: to establish a wearable medical technology ecosystem centered in Hong Kong, rooted in the Greater Bay Area, and with a global outlook. Within this ecosystem, innovation is by no means an isolated entity but rather a complete chain that closely connects industry, academia, research, and capital.

Source: Securities Times Author: Zhong Tian