International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2024, held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, represents the most comprehensive arena in Asia for showcasing groundbreaking construction technology (ConTech) innovations across all stages of the building lifecycle.

As the largest innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has long been dedicated to nurturing I&T startups between Hong Kong and Southeast Asia (SEA). The organisation is instrumental in helping these startups explore and expand into new global markets, with Hong Kong serving as their launchpad.

This year, HKSTP took significant steps by leading 14 innovative partner companies to IBEW 2024 by showcasing their pioneering ConTech solutions at the HKSTP Pavilion at the Build Environment Expo (BEX Asia) of IBEW. Nearly 2,000 potential buyers and investors visited the Pavilion, which features market-ready and emerging ConTech advancements. These include construction robotics, AI-powered safety systems, smart building solutions and sustainable technologies.

Through initiatives like these, HKSTP continues to position itself as a critical player in Hong Kong startups’ international expansion journey. Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development of Singapore, visited the HKSTP Pavilion to learn more about the ConTech innovations developed in Hong Kong. His engagement highlights the potential for collaboration in the construction technology sector and underscores the importance of fostering international partnerships to drive advancements in the construction industry. Leading organisations in property management, construction and engineering, and banking also visited the HKSTP Pavilion to learn more about the latest ConTech from Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong’s Digital Twin startup at the forefront of ConTech innovation

Hong Kong has increasingly become a hub for cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the ConTech sector. Startups in this space are developing groundbreaking solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in the built environment, including energy management, automation, and sustainability.

One such company, Neuron Digital Group, a groundbreaking joint venture between Arup and Venturous Group, is transforming the built environment through innovative smart building technology. Initially incubated by Arup, Neuron combines AI, Digital Twin technology, and big data to optimise building operations, enhance energy efficiency, and improve tenant wellness. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Neuron is rapidly expanding, driving the shift toward sustainable, digitally integrated smart cities across the globe. This platform is critical to achieving net-zero goals and setting new standards in smart city infrastructure.

Neuron offers modular solutions that can start small and expand based on the client’s needs. Serena Pau mentions that this approach appeals to building owners, “We don’t force the buyer to buy a huge platform because we understand very often building owners want to start small.”

Currently, Neuron’s technology is primarily deployed in Hong Kong, where it has been implemented in over 200 buildings in just two years of operations. Neuron has some projects in Thailand, but Pau mentioned that “[Neuron] is ready to go to Singapore as a stepping stone and then hopefully [the rest of] SEA.”

HK’s robotics ConTech solutions capture the spotlight

Similarly, the Hong Kong Center for Construction Robotics (HKCRC) from InnoHK showcases its award-winning rebar-tying robot. Equipped with autonomous identification and positioning, automatic obstacle avoidance, and automatic column change, the robot can fully automatically complete the tying work across large areas at the centre of the steel mesh.

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Dr Liang Haobo highlights HKCRC’s commitment to providing advanced technological solutions: “We use different kinds of robotics to help construction workers achieve safer, faster, and more efficient construction.” While currently focused on construction, HKCRC aims to expand its robotic technology to related industries “[such as] logistics and health.”

HKSTP’s foray into the SEA market is helping HKCRC’s efforts for commercialisation, as they “see more opportunities to explore in the overseas market before the year ends.” The latter actively seeks collaborations in the Asia Pacific region, particularly SEA, where Dr Liang claims to “showcase a strong demand for high-quality construction and technology solutions.”

These examples highlight Hong Kong startups’ relevance and potential to address global challenges in the construction industry, which has been made possible through HKSTP’s efforts to engage potential partners and customers in SEA.

HKSTP as an effective launchpad for global expansion

HKSTP’s participation in IBEW 2024 underscores its commitment to bringing Hong Kong startups to the global stage. The organisation plays a crucial role in facilitating the international expansion of these startups by leveraging its extensive network of corporate partners, investors, and industry stakeholders. This year’s event served as a strategic stepping stone for startups to explore and enter the SEA market, particularly Singapore, which is emerging as a critical hub for innovation in the built environment.

During the event, Filla Mak, Chief Operations Officer of HKSTP, articulated this mission: “We are delighted to showcase solutions from our partner companies on such a prestigious global stage. The tradeshow perfectly aligns with our mission to propel the commercialisation of groundbreaking technologies that anticipate the future needs of urban environments. By participating in IBEW, we [highlight] Hong Kong’s robust R&D capabilities and [foster] significant partnerships that extend our reach into SEA and beyond.”

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HKSTP’s strategy goes beyond showcasing technologies; it involves actively facilitating partnerships and collaborations that can drive the adoption of these technologies in new markets.

Neuron’s Pau commends their experience with “HKSTP [being] instrumental in helping Neuron expand internationally by connecting us with overseas markets, providing PR exposure, and offering funding. HKSTP acts like a “virtual parent” for startups.

SEA: A promising destination for HK startups

SEA is rapidly emerging as a promising destination for tech startups from Hong Kong, particularly those in the ConTech sector. With its stable business environment and strategic location, Singapore serves as an ideal entry point for these startups to explore the broader SEA market.

The success of these efforts is evident in the recognition of two other startups, Ailytics and FJDynamics, who participated at the ConTech Summit through a solution showcase and engaging elevator pitches.

Ailytics garnered the highest number of votes from the judges and was honoured with the Most Popular Startup Award. At the same time, FJDynamics received the Most Creative Startup Award for their outstanding presentation.

This recognition further highlights the effectiveness of HKSTP’s initiatives and underscores the growing synergy between Hong Kong and SEA in the ConTech field.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP).

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