At InnoEX 2025, tech startups showed exactly why Hong Kong is a global innovation magnet.
The 3rd InnoEX and the 21st HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), which concluded on April 16, 2025, brought groundbreaking technologies and global collaborations into the spotlight. Organized by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government alongside the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this major tech event attracted around 88,000 buyers from 148 countries. Notable markets included Mainland China, India, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
The exhibitions served as core events of the Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week), showcasing smart solutions, pioneering research and development achievements. Exhibitors established regional collaborations and explored new markets, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub. Notably, HKTDC’s survey revealed that over half of the participants intend to expand into emerging markets such as ASEAN, Mainland China and the Middle East.
Since its inception, InnoEX has consistently emphasized smart city innovations and technological commercialization. This year, a significant highlight was the showcase of solutions designed for the low-altitude economy, which attracted attention from global buyers, including those in emerging markets.
In this article, let’s dive into the stories of three startups that captured the industry’s attention at InnoEX 2025.
- Alpha AI Technology Limited
Image from Alpha AI’s LinkedIn page
Founded in Hong Kong in 2021, Alpha AI Technology Limited specializes in AI-driven solutions aimed at monitoring and inspection challenges. Their impressive product range includes applications for building maintenance, waste detection, thermal rodent monitoring, smart construction safety systems, car damage assessments and advanced drone operations. By integrating real-time video analytics, specialized hardware and digital twin simulations, Alpha AI significantly improves accuracy, speed and safety in inspections, all at affordable costs.
At InnoEX 2025, Alpha AI showcased its Automated Drone AI Inspection system. This innovative drone-based technology enables precise real-time monitoring, detailed 3D modeling and efficient site analysis. During the event’s InnoEX B2B Challenge, Alpha AI earned the prestigious “Best Solution Award”, recognizing its substantial contributions to smart inspection solutions.
- ConnectAR Limited
Image from SnapPop
ConnectAR Limited, a Hong Kong-based mobile solutions provider, leverages Augmented Reality (AR) and computer vision to enhance user experiences and create interactive digital applications. Driven by their mission of “Connecting the world visually”, ConnectAR bridges physical and digital environments, creating immersive interactions.
The startup’s flagship product, SnapPop, transforms printed marketing materials—such as packaging, flyers or posters—into interactive digital experiences. Using their smartphones, consumers can instantly engage with AR games, participate in lucky draws or view dynamic product visualizations simply by snapping a photo.
Image from ConnectAR via HKTDC
At InnoEX 2025, ConnectAR also showcased its innovative 3D Interactive Kiosk. Combining AR technology and computer vision, the kiosk allows users to interact through touch and gestures, delivering immersive 3D visualizations and rich product content. Ideal for retail spaces, trade shows and exhibitions, this technology significantly elevates consumer interactions.
ConnectAR’s solutions empower businesses by providing valuable insights into customer preferences, enhancing personalized engagement and reshaping digital marketing strategies.
- Innocorn Technology Limited & Novelte Robotics Limited
Image from Innocorn Technology
Hong Kong startups Innocorn Technology Limited and Novelte Robotics Limited collaborated to develop the city’s first AI-powered kiosk featuring lifelike digital avatars and robotic navigation. This innovative solution, successfully implemented at a local hospital in Hong Kong, seamlessly integrates conversational AI with robotics. It helps visitors navigate complex environments, answers real-time inquiries and significantly enhances customer service. Innocorn Technology excels in developing AI-driven smart solutions for living and business environments. Their expertise covers PropTech, digital avatars, smart devices and ambient intelligence. Complementing Innocorn’s strengths, Novelte Robotics specializes in designing and managing advanced robotic systems. Together, these startups have created an integrated system combining digital avatars and robotics to streamline operations and customer interactions, which is particularly beneficial for venues such as hospitals and public service institutions. This partnership highlights the strength of collaboration among startups in addressing practical challenges through technology.
Looking ahead: Building on success at InnoEX
InnoEX 2025 successfully showcased the synergy between global technological innovation and Hong Kong’s unique local expertise. The event underscored Hong Kong’s growing role as a global hub for innovation and technology, attracting attention from international markets and investors.
With anticipation already building for next year’s edition, exhibitors and buyers are eager to explore new partnerships and technological breakthroughs. Future iterations promise to further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading center for global technology innovation, fostering even deeper connections between local startups and global industries.
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