On 28 May 2026, the Global VisionTech Incubation Programme has been officially launched — a strategic joint initiative by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), the School of Optometry and Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), and the School of Optometry and Vision Science of the University of Waterloo.
The Programme aims to bring together leading vision science research teams, medical technology startups and entrepreneurial talent from around the world, positioning Hong Kong as a key hub for research translation, technology validation, venture incubation and market expansion. It seeks to accelerate the journey of cutting-edge vision technologies from the laboratory to clinical application, market adoption and international development.
The Global VisionTech Incubation Programme will focus on three major areas: vision science, healthcare and advanced technologies, with the goal of accelerating the translation and commercialisation of frontier innovations. The Programme is designed around three key objectives: advancing research translation and commercialisation, fostering VisionTech innovation and entrepreneurship, and attracting and nurturing global research talent and entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, thereby further strengthening the City’s long-term competitiveness as an international innovation and technology hub.
The PolyU School of Optometry and CEVR will leverage their strong academic, research and clinical capabilities to provide participating teams with expert knowledge support, guidance on technology translation, and advice on technology validation and optimisation. At the same time, HKSTP will offer comprehensive incubation support, including business development advisory, funding and investment matching opportunities, infrastructure support, and connections to industry partners, investors and global markets. The Programme is also supported by KTEO, which will facilitate innovation translation, entrepreneurship development and industry engagement to help accelerate the journey from research excellence to real-world impact.
The Global VisionTech Incubation Programme marks an important milestone in deepening collaboration among Hong Kong’s academic sector, clinical research community, and innovation and technology ecosystem. Through a structured incubation model spanning three years and three cohorts, the Programme will establish a sustainable pipeline of VisionTech innovation projects, nurture startups with global competitiveness, promote collaboration among industry, academia and research, and further enhance Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a premier destination for international innovation talent and research initiatives.
Applications for the first cohort of the Programme are now open. For details, please visit the website.
