In 2025, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted the first major innovation and technology event in Hong Kong, called Tech Applied Summit.

The "Leading Tech Forward" subject of the summit has brought together more than 40 world leaders from the fields of government, business, education, research, and investment. More than 1,500 people, including technologists, entrepreneurs, business executives, and innovation and technology (I&T) enthusiasts, are engaged in conversations on cutting-edge themes such as generative AI, the low-altitude economy, and smart cities.

The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) hosted the summit as the first occasion of its silver anniversary year. Seventy organizations have supported the Innovation and Technology Commission-funded meeting. Following a video address by Chief Executive Hon. John Lee, senior government officials gave keynote addresses. Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, gave his thoughts on the value of technology and teamwork in propelling Hong Kong's development and establishing it as a global center for innovation.

During his video speech, the CEO John Lee, the HKSAR Government has been putting forward-thinking policies into place to propel the I&T development of the city. The government is accelerating R&D commercialization via its HK$10 billion RAISe+ Scheme. Industries including advanced manufacturing and life and health technology are constructing state-of-the-art, intelligent production facilities with the aid of the New Industrialization Acceleration Plan.

Soon to be launched, the new HK$10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund will direct more investment into developing and future sectors of strategic significance. With all of their efforts, Hong Kong is becoming a place where researchers, investors, and start-ups can convert ambitious concepts into game-changing reality.