Introduction
Hong Kong has hosted the inaugural LEAP East 2026, bringing together technology companies, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from around the world as the city seeks to reinforce its position as an international technology and financial hub.
Held from July 8 to July 10, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event attracted more than 35,000 participants from 30 countries and regions. The summit marked the first time the LEAP technology conference was held outside Saudi Arabia, highlighting expanding collaboration between Hong Kong and Middle Eastern economies in technology, innovation, and investment.
What Is LEAP East 2026?
LEAP East is an international technology conference focused on innovation, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and investment.
The inaugural Hong Kong edition featured:
- More than 35,000 attendees
- Over 340 speakers
- Around 450 exhibitors
- More than 400 investors
The conference covered sectors including:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Deep technology
- Smart cities
- Financial technology (Fintech)
- New energy
- Digital infrastructure
The event provided a platform for startups, established technology companies, investors, and government representatives to explore cross-border collaboration and investment opportunities.
How Hong Kong Is Positioning Itself as a Global Technology Hub
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government continues to prioritize innovation and technology as drivers of long-term economic growth.
Opening the conference, Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between Mainland China and international markets. According to Chan, the city’s strengths include:
- A common law legal system.
- Intellectual property protection.
- Free movement of capital and information.
- A competitive tax environment.
- International financial market access.
These characteristics form part of Hong Kong’s broader “Finance+” strategy, which seeks to use financial services to support innovation, technology commercialization, and business expansion.
During the event, Chan also announced that LEAP East will continue to be hosted in Hong Kong for the next three years, providing continuity for the regional technology ecosystem.
Technology Growth Supported by Investment and Startups
Government officials highlighted continued expansion of Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem.
According to Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, the number of startups operating in Hong Kong increased by approximately 40% since 2021, reaching around 5,200 companies in 2025.
The city’s innovation strategy focuses on developing sectors including:
- Artificial intelligence
- Financial technology
- Biotechnology
- Advanced manufacturing
- Smart city technologies
- Green technology
Public investment, research institutions, accelerator programs, and international partnerships continue to support startup development and technology commercialization.
Hong Kong’s Global Competitiveness Rankings
Officials also pointed to several international rankings that reflect Hong Kong’s position within the global innovation landscape.
Recent indicators include:
- The Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally in the Global Innovation Index 2025.
- Hong Kong ranked fourth worldwide in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025.
- The city placed second globally in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026.
These rankings measure factors including innovation capacity, digital infrastructure, talent development, business efficiency, and economic competitiveness.
Hong Kong’s Role in Global Capital Markets
Alongside technology development, Hong Kong continues strengthening its position as an international financial center.
According to government figures, the city became the world’s leading market for initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2025, recording:
- 119 IPO listings
- Approximately US$35 billion raised
Officials view the combination of capital markets and technology innovation as central to attracting startups, institutional investors, and multinational companies seeking regional expansion.
The government’s Finance+ strategy emphasizes using financial services to facilitate innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border investment.
Strengthening Hong Kong–Middle East Technology Cooperation
LEAP East also highlighted growing economic cooperation between Hong Kong and Gulf countries.
Senior representatives attending the conference included:
- Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government.
- Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry.
- Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology.
The summit reflects expanding collaboration in areas such as:
- Technology investment
- Venture capital
- Digital infrastructure
- Artificial intelligence
- Innovation ecosystems
- Cross-border business partnerships
Financial Secretary Chan also announced plans to lead a business delegation to Saudi Arabia later in 2026, with participation from companies operating in infrastructure, healthcare, green technology, advanced manufacturing, finance, and investment.
Challenges and Future Considerations
Despite strong momentum, Hong Kong’s technology sector continues to operate within a competitive regional environment.
Key considerations include:
- Competition from other international technology hubs.
- Continued access to global investment capital.
- Startup funding and talent attraction.
- Geopolitical developments affecting international business.
- Maintaining regulatory frameworks that support innovation while protecting investors.
Long-term success will depend on continued collaboration between government, industry, investors, and research institutions.
Future Outlook
The establishment of LEAP East as an annual event in Hong Kong reflects the city’s broader strategy of strengthening its position within global technology and financial networks.
Continued investment in innovation, startup development, digital infrastructure, and international partnerships may further support Hong Kong’s role as a gateway connecting Asian and Middle Eastern technology ecosystems.
The planned continuation of LEAP East over the coming years is expected to provide an ongoing platform for investment discussions, technology collaboration, and cross-border business development.
Conclusion
LEAP East 2026 marked an important milestone in Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen its international technology ecosystem. By bringing together innovators, investors, government leaders, and entrepreneurs from multiple regions, the event highlighted the city’s ambitions to combine financial services, innovation, and international connectivity. As Hong Kong continues expanding its startup ecosystem and strengthening partnerships with the Middle East, technology and finance are expected to remain central components of its long-term economic development strategy.
