HKSTP, Merck Sign Strategic Partnership, Opening Centre in Science Park
Bastillepost · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has entered into a strategic partnership with global technology leader Merck, signing an agreement on October 26, 2026 to establish the Merck Hong Kong Centre at Science Park . The centre will introduce advanced scientific products, showcase cutting-edge technologies, and provide expert consultation services to the local research community . The partnership aims to leverage Merck's 358-year legacy and global network to support approximately 400 life and health technology companies within the Science Park ecosystem .
Key Points
- HKSTP CEO Wong Ping-sau and Merck China President Rogier Janssens signed the agreement at a ceremony witnessed by German Consul-General to Hong Kong Dr. Annika Bolten-Drutschmann, HKSTP Board Chairman Chung Ho-yee, and Office of Attracting Strategic Enterprises Director Yam King-sun
- The centre will be strategically located adjacent to HKSTP's shared biomedical laboratory, enabling Merck's experts to work alongside scientists and startups from early-stage experiments through to scale-up
- The collaboration encompasses four pillars: establishing the Merck Hong Kong Centre, providing training and consultation services, implementing an innovation scout programme, and co-hosting an annual Merck Innovation Day event
- Through the innovation scout programme, high-potential startups will gain access to Merck's global innovation network for commercial partnerships, proof-of-concept pilots, and strategic investment opportunities
- The partnership aligns with Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, which identifies life and health technology, artificial intelligence, and new industrialisation as strategic priority sectors
Why It Matters
This partnership positions Hong Kong to accelerate its transformation into an international health and medical innovation centre by connecting local researchers and startups with a global pharmaceutical leader . The collaboration leverages Hong Kong's role as a super connector between the mainland Chinese market and international capital markets, potentially unlocking commercial opportunities for local innovations in the Greater Bay Area and beyond .
This partnership positions Hong Kong to accelerate its transformation into an international health and medical innovation centre by connecting local researchers and startups with a global pharmaceutical leader . The collaboration leverages Hong Kong's role as a super connector between the mainland Chinese market and international capital markets, potentially unlocking commercial opportunities for local innovations in the Greater Bay Area and beyond .