Hong Kong offers young innovators a gateway to Asia via Munich hackathon

Hong Kong is actively seeking to integrate emerging European tech talent into its innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem through events like the recent EuroTech x HKTE Hackathon. Held in Munich, Germany, the June 6-7 event brought together 250 finalists from more than 100 universities across 25 countries.

Participants showcased their skills in computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and engineering. Crucially, they were required to tailor their solutions with Hong Kong's specific needs, market, and regulatory landscape in mind. This process deepened their understanding of the city and its potential.

Organized by Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) and the EuroTech Federation, the hackathon is part of a broader strategy to attract global talent. HKTE, operating under the Labour and Welfare Bureau, promotes talent admission schemes and offers support services for professionals seeking careers in Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities.

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We wanted to introduce these talents to the opportunities not only in Hong Kong’s growing I&T ecosystem, but across GBA – with the potential to explore the Chinese Mainland and beyond.

Felix Chan, director of HKTE, stated the hackathon aimed to introduce European talent to opportunities in Hong Kong's I&T sector and the wider GBA. "We wanted to introduce these talents to the opportunities not only in Hong Kong’s growing I&T ecosystem, but across GBA – with the potential to explore the Chinese Mainland and beyond," he said.

Wendy Yau, a judge from the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited, noted the participants' proactive engagement. "During the event, one team even reached out to more than 250 clinicians in Hong Kong to see how their idea would actually work in the territory. Before the hackathon ended, they had heard back – with positive feedback and interest," she said, highlighting the genuine interest in Hong Kong's market.

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During the event, one team even reached out to more than 250 clinicians in Hong Kong to see how their idea would actually work in the territory. Before the hackathon ended, they had heard back – with positive feedback and interest.