Techscaler Hong Kong 2026

A 2-week programme in Hong Kong this November (14 Nov - 28 Nov 2026), designed for Techscaler businesses operating within the Logistics & Maritime Tech, ClimateTech & Energy, or Applied AI & Smart City Tech sectors that have already begun engaging with the Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese market and want to increase that momentum. Apply now!

This programme supports you to move beyond initial conversations, experience China’s thriving tech scene first-hand, build on existing connections, and establish a strong, credible presence within the ecosystem.

About the Programme

This pilot programme consists of 2 weeks on location in Hong Kong with access to the Greater Bay Area (GBA), as well as pre-departure activities, designed to help you:

  • Leverage Hong Kong & the GBA as international business and tech hubs and direct gateways to the wider region’s thriving tech ecosystem
  • Gain experience doing business in the Greater Bay Area
  • Strengthen relationships with industry partners, buyers, and innovation leaders
  • Shape a clear and credible strategy for your Chinese market expansion
  • Build connections and explore opportunities enabled by TusPark and flagship HKTDC events, with relevant delegate passes covered by Techscaler based on sector fit:

This is a supported, participant-led experience. We’ll set the scene, support you to define your strategic priorities, and provide mentorship, while you drive your own business development on the ground.

Who is this for?

We’re looking for up to 6 ambitious participants who meet the following profile:

  • Founders, co-founders or senior leaders 
  • Works for a startup operating within the Logistics & Maritime Tech, ClimateTech & Energy, or Applied AI & Smart City Tech sectors
  • Are at early stage or beyond
  • Have a product or technology mature enough to engage customers and partners
  • Are revenue-generating and/or have active commercial pilots in motion
  • Have identified key regional partners for commercial milestones in Hong Kong, Mainland China, or the wider APAC region, can demonstrate a credible engagement strategy, and evidence meaningful traction

If you don’t think you meet all of these criteria but believe this opportunity is the right next step for your company, we still encourage you to apply as we will review your expansion plan as part of the application process.

Please note that we only provide funding for one founder per company, that you must be a Techscaler member and able to represent both your company and Scotland’s tech ecosystem professionally. Please note that you can’t apply on behalf of someone else.

Apply now

You must be a Techscaler member before you can apply for this opportunity.

If you or your organisation are not a Techscaler member, the form below will first direct you to apply for membership; please do this by noon on Tuesday, 1st of September (membership is fully-funded). This ensures we are able to process your membership application in time for you to then apply for the Hong Kong 2026 Programme ahead of the final application deadline of 9am on Monday, September 7th.

Once your membership has been approved, and if you are in the appropriate business stage, you will be able to submit your application for the programme itself. If you have any questions about this process, please contact membership@techscaler.co.uk.

Why Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area?

This programme provides carefully curated exposure to Greater China, one of the world’s most commercially significant and complex markets. Uniquely positioned for Logistics & Maritime Tech, ClimateTech & Energy, and Applied AI & Smart City Tech sectors, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area present vast opportunities for startups in these spaces.

With access to commercial partners in Hong Kong, as well as local innovation agencies, science parks and investors, the region offers resources and connections unavailable elsewhere.

Timing this mission around major events such as HKTDC Entrepreneur Day, Hong Kong Forum, Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference creates multiple entry points for Scottish startups to plug in, make connections, and grow their traction in the Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese market.

Key Dates

  • Applications open: Monday, 24 August
  • Applications close: 9am, Tuesday, 7 September.  
    If you are not currently a Techscaler Member, please submit your Techscaler Application by noon on Tuesday, 1 September to allow us time to review and process your application. 
  • Panel review: 7 & 8 September (please note we will not be able to accept any late applications past 9am, 7 September).
  • Outcome sent: as of 9 September
  • Pre-departure activities:
  • Q&A drop-in session: 3:30pm, Monday, 14 September
  • Cohort mixer session: Thursday, 8 October (10am-12pm, in-person, Edinburgh)
  • Cohort pre-departure workshop: Wednesday, 28 October (3:30-4:30pm)
  • In market: 14 November - 28 November 2026, based in Hong Kong (with scope for optional day trips to Greater Bay Area hubs like Shenzhen and Macao).
  • Week 1: Hong Kong & Flagship Events - self-led business development, with opportunities to attend key industry gatherings (relevant delegate passes for conferences are covered by Techscaler based on sector fit):
  • Week 2: Business Development & GBA Exploration - self-led partner meetings and follow-ups in Hong Kong, with flexibility for targeted day visits to local innovation hubs across the Greater Bay Area (e.g., Shenzhen or Macao).
  • Post-programme: Impact surveys post trip, at 6 months and 12 months.

We know 2 weeks can be a big commitment. If you have caring or personal commitments that might affect your availability for the whole duration of the trip, just let us know when registering your interest. It won’t count against you - we’re happy to be flexible and support your needs. 

What’s included for first-time international programme participants

  • Return flights from Scotland to Hong Kong + hotel accommodation
  • Access to a workspace or hotdesking on location
  • Pre-departure workshop and online cohort mixer
  • A group session with representatives from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council
  • Funded delegate passes to relevant flagship events based on sector fit: Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (16-17 Nov), Hong Kong Forum (17-18 Nov), plus free entry to Entrepreneur Day (19-20 Nov; with optional exhibition booths self-funded from ~US$2,091)
  • Mentorship sessions (x4) with one of our mentors who has expertise in the Hong Kong and Mainland China
  • A session with one of our Entrepreneurs in Residence
  • Ad-hoc sessions and networking opportunities with local partners and ecosystem leaders

What’s included for alumni

If you or a colleague have previously taken part in an international Programme representing the same organisation, Techscaler will only partially cover your participation. See the breakdown below:

  • A company / founder’s second time on a Techscaler international programme: 
  • Participant funds flights
  • Techscaler funds remaining items (workspace, hotel, mentorship)
  • A company / founder’s third  time on a Techscaler international programme: 
  • Participant funds flights and accommodation
  • Techscaler funds remaining items (workspace and mentorship)

If you’re unsure where you sit on the International Programme eligibility criteria, please get in touch with the International team at education@thisiscodebase.com

What’s expected from you

  • Attend all Techscaler-arranged pre-departure activities
  • Complete your own independent outreach and schedule your own meetings ahead of time
  • Engage fully throughout the time in-market
  • Complete post-programme reporting and follow-up activities
  • Undergo a mandatory background check by a third party, on behalf of the Scottish Government (we reserve the right to revoke programme acceptance, should a prospective participant fail this background check).

Ready to apply?

Places are limited and competitive and reserved for Techscaler members (see above). Please note that you can't apply on behalf of someone else, you have to apply for yourself and be a Techscaler member at the time of application. We encourage applicants with clear commercial traction, strong sector alignment, and active regional engagement to apply.

To complete your application, you will need a pitch deck, along with up-to-date sales and revenue figures, your international expansion plan, and details of your existing and planned engagement with the markets in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Apply now!