HKSTP: The Catalyst for Tech Expansion Globally

Three Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)-backed firms leverage the HKSTP platform as launchpad to scale overseas while Hong Kong primes San Tin and AI for new quality productive forces.

As well as incubating local start-ups and drawing promising ventures from abroad into Hong Kong’s growing innovation ecosystem, the HKSTP has moved up a gear by helping its park companies scale overseas.

Archireef: reef recovery goes mainstream

Archireef graduated from the HKSTP Incubation Programme, is a home-grown marine nature-tech firm, blends ecological science with 3D printing and a strong measurement toolkit to restore degraded coral habitats.

“We restore degraded marine ecosystems and make the recovery measurable and actionable for government and business,” says Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Deniz Tekerek, as regulators and investors step up demands for credible proof of nature impacts and mitigation.

The firm’s flagship 3D printed Reef Tiles, made entirely from nature-based materials, have recorded over 95 per cent coral survivorship, transforming barren seabed into living habitats.

Archireef is also pushing eco-engineered seawalls so coastal infrastructure can double as biodiversity assets.

“To verify outcomes, we use photogrammetry for true-to-scale 3D site models, AI for automated fish identification, and eDNA to capture biodiversity breadth, and then deliver scientific data via our MRV dashboards for compliance-ready reporting,” Deniz explains.

On strategy, the firm has set a target of restoring 125 hectares of reef habitats by 2030, casting biodiversity uplift as a pathway to coastal resilience and clear accountability.

The firm will scale where development collides with biodiversity stress – the Middle East and Southeast Asia, for instance – with Hong Kong as its launch pad. 

“Hong Kong offers world-class research ecosystems; it’s a global financial centre with strong ESG momentum, and logistical access to Asia and beyond.”

What turned the cogs early on? 

“From the start, HKSTP has been a critical enabler. We were given the space and credibility to turn an idea, driven by passion, into a self-sufficient company with immense potential,” says Deniz.

“We were also allowed to test early assumptions, refine and enhance our model; and given a platform to showcase our work on a global stage.”

“Simply put, HKSTP’s early support anchored our growth and positioned us strategically to enter new markets such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia,” said Deniz, adding that the Park’s community, accommodation and cross-boundary proximity help attract international talent.

“At our core, we remain anchored in science, driven by purpose, and powered by partnerships that scale impact.”

Westwell: AI, autonomy and new energy logistics

Shanghai-founded unicorn Westwell has built an end-to-end portfolio for ports, airports, rail, factories and logistics parks – anchored by AI, edge computing and autonomous driving. 

Its Hong Kong subsidiary, Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong), serves as the international headquarters, has planted an overseas R&D centre at the Hong Kong Science Park and is investing HK$300 million over five years. 

“Logistics is the lifeblood of global trade, but the sector faces tough working conditions, labour shortages and a pressing need to decarbonise. Our AI and autonomous solutions are redefining the efficiency frontier,” says Kay Yang, CEO of Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Asked why anchor in Hong Kong, Yang says the city genuinely acts as a super-connector and super-value-adder and HKSTP has provided support that significantly accelerated the company’s development.

“HKSTP has facilitated connections with local research institutions and financial organisations, enabling deeper collaboration in areas such as industry-academia-research partnerships and capital investment.”

“The HKSTP team also actively engaged Westwell in overseas exchange conferences, creating opportunities for us to present our products and services to government and business representatives from the logistics sectors across multiple countries and regions.”

“In addition, HKSTP has led our participation in major international events such as VivaTech 2025 in Paris, Europe’s largest start-up and technology exhibition, strongly supporting our efforts to expand into global markets,” said Yang.

Westwell’s flagship product Q-Truck is a fully driverless, new-energy commercial vehicle now deployed internationally alongside AI scheduling and energy management. 

According to Westwell, its solutions have landed in 28 countries and regions, serving 200-plus clients. The company has also shifted from just exporting tech to really leading the way in sustainable practices as fleets grow. 

On progress and ambition, Q-Truck operations began at a Middle East port (Khalifa Port) in 2021; supporting its transformation into the first autonomous port in the Middle East.

The fleet was further expanded by 12 units early this year, with AI dispatch, autonomous heavy trucks and green energy management integrated, thereby validating end-to-end scale-up.

As containerised flows extend into air cargo, rail and cross-border logistics, Westwell will remain rooted in Hong Kong while localising across growth markets.

Laservall: laser-sharp precision

HKSTP park company Laservall builds advanced automation systems for the world’s most innovative manufacturers by combining precision engineering, digital intelligence and unique laser solutions to raise throughput, quality and flexibility. 

“We help manufacturers bring ideas to life faster, smarter and more reliably,” says CEO Andrew Kim, adding that Laservall “doesn’t just deliver equipment but co-create solutions with clients,” an approach that he believes differentiates the firm from traditional integrators.

The firm has pledged HK$300 million of investment over the next five years to strengthen R&D in advanced manufacturing, scale up smart production capabilities, and cultivate innovation and technology talent in Hong Kong. 

Kim openly acknowledged the critical role played by HKSTP in the company’s major investment decision.

 “The comprehensive innovation ecosystem built by HKSTP – including global market networks, R&D and talent resources, advanced facilities, and supporting services – has provided a solid foundation for our growth.”

From incubation support to international market connections, HKSTP’s end-to-end support has enabled Laservall to accelerate R&D, attract top-tier professionals, and expand into global markets, he said.

“This allows us to focus on developing next-generation automation solutions while seamlessly integrating into Hong Kong’s innovation community.”

Hong Kong’s status as an international I&T hub, with its location, connectivity and strong research talent, enables Laservall to link Mainland China’s supply chains and serve global clients efficiently, he said.

Laservall has already established Advanced Manufacturing Campuses in China and Vietnam and is gradually expanding its R&D and management teams in Hong Kong to lead technology development and international collaboration.

In the medium term, it is pushing into semiconductors, power and audio industries; by 2030, the goal is a US$1 billion valuation – “redefining the customer experience in advanced manufacturing”.

A digital thread spanning design, manufacturing and service, together with a Customer Innovation Centre that integrates user experience into engineering, reflects the Kim’s vision that next-gen factories should be smart, adaptive and human-centred.

HKSTP: driving global expansion and support the Nation’s AI Plus Initiative

Not only is HKSTP empowering high-potential enterprises like Archireef, Laservall and Westwell to expand globally and grow, but it is also actively nurturing start-ups and emerging technologies.  

The development of the San Tin Technopole, a landmark project in the Northern Metropolis, has successfully passed key statutory milestones. A clear framework is now in place to guide its construction and phased land release. 

Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, says: “We will utilise the 20-hectare innovation and technology site in the San Tin Tech Zone to develop AI infrastructure and related industries, driving corporate innovation and accelerating the development of new productive forces.”

As Hong Kong’s largest innovation and technology ecosystem, HKSTP brings together more than 2,400 technology companies from 26 countries and regions, including 13 unicorn enterprises, and employs over 15,000 R&D professionals.

These stakeholders operate across fields such as life and health technology, AI, robotics, fintech and smart city development.
Dr Chai says HKSTP provides R&D space and advanced shared labs and fosters a collaborative environment that enables breakthroughs and cross-sector partnerships. The result is a dynamic, thriving I&T ecosystem.

HKSTP supports companies in transforming innovative technologies into commercial solutions. It also plays an active role in connecting enterprises with global markets, helping them to expand globally.

Moving forward, HKSTP will actively align with the national “AI+” development strategy, strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a global AI innovation hub and reinforcing its position as a leading international centre for innovation and technology.

HKSTP remains committed to promoting technological innovation and expanding Hong Kong’s influence worldwide.