The Blue Bay Qianhai Innovation Center, scheduled for its official inauguration June 12, received its first group of overseas visitors Monday, a significant precursor to the center’s upcoming launch.
The delegation, which included members from South Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong, brought together representatives from universities, investment and financing institutions, and innovative firms.
Blue Bay is an innovation and entrepreneurship incubation platform established by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in Shenzhen. With three strategic bases in Nanshan, Hetao, and Qianhai, the platform provides comprehensive, one-stop support for early-stage startups.
During the visit, the delegation toured the Qianhai center and gained insights into its methodologies for innovation incubation, technology transfer, and the construction of entrepreneurial support systems.
Visitors also had the opportunity to interact with cutting-edge products developed by incubated companies and engaged in in-depth discussions with the Blue Bay team. Key topics included the commercialization of scientific research, international innovation collaboration, and the development of robust startup ecosystems.
David Lim, team leader of the Impact Foundation, an accelerator from South Korea, brought two startups to Shenzhen as part of the visit. Before visitng Shenzhen, Lim attended the "Unicorn Day" on Tuesday, one of the most prominent innovation and technology events in Hong Kong’s higher education sector, held at the HKUST main campus.
“As an accelerator, we want to exchange ideas and cooperate with other accelerators and startups,” Lim said, adding that he hopes the startups accelerated by his team can expand their business in China, especially in Shenzhen.
“Shenzhen is an exceptional destination for startups and entrepreneurs. It is well known for the strong support provided by both the government and universities like HKUST,” Lim added.
Zoe Gao, executive director of Blue Bay, called the center “a super connector.” She said the center will launch a “Global Launch PAD” program to help domestic startups expand globally by offering platforms, resources, and validation support in target markets. This initiative operates as a two-way bridge, offering one-stop support for global entrepreneurs seeking to enter the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and scale their businesses in Shenzhen.
Looking ahead, Blue Bay will leverage HKUST’s strengths in research, innovation and international collaboration to connect global resources and drive lab‑to‑market applications.
Leveraging APEC China 2026, the center aims to deepen Asia-Pacific cooperation and help turn the GBA into a premier global technology innovation hub, injecting new vitality into regional synergy.