Hong Kong Innovation
Gateway Programme
A curated market discovery programme · 2–6 November 2026
Market discovery, ecosystem exploration, strategic learning.
The Hong Kong Innovation Gateway Programme is a curated market discovery programme. It is structured, contextual and built around the specific questions your organisation is trying to answer. It is designed for organisations that want to understand Asia before making major commitments.
The programme treats Hong Kong as a platform from which the wider region can be understood — using the Greater Bay Area and selected Asian ecosystems as the broader strategic context. HK FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 serves as the backbone event, alongside curated company visits, structured introductions, and a pre-programme briefing that ensures participants arrive ready to engage.
What's included
Everything organised, from briefing to debrief. The programme combines conference participation, curated introductions, structured visits and practical market preparation in one integrated experience.
Ireland Pavilion Exhibition Presence
18–24 sqm branded exhibition space within the Ireland Pavilion. A curated presence alongside ambitious European tech companies — not a folding table in a crowded hall.
Global Fast Track (GFT)
Closed-door 1:1 meetings with 120+ pre-qualified buyers, institutional investors, and strategic partners. Warm introductions, not badge scanning.
Samantha AI Matching
AI-driven pre-event lead intelligence. An AI agent interviews you via WhatsApp, understands your objectives, and cross-matches you with the right investors and corporates. You land in Hong Kong with a calendar already full.
Pitch Stage
Prime-stage pitch opportunity on the official programme. Limited slots, allocated on a first-come basis. This is where conversations become commitments.
Complimentary InvestHK Advisory
Government advisory at no additional cost: company incorporation guidance, visa facilitation, and banking introductions — through InvestHK's Brussels office.
Full-Event Delegate Passes
Complete access throughout the week. Plus a pre-programme briefing on Asia market entry, regulatory landscape, and cultural business context.
Programme structure
A structured journey across Hong Kong, Shenzhen and beyond — designed so you arrive prepared, engage meaningfully, and leave with a clear next-step plan.
Pre-programme briefing
Market context, a counterpart shortlist, and practical preparation so you arrive ready to engage — not figuring things out on day one.
Conference & curated meetings
Main conference at HK FinTech Week x StartmeupHK, Ireland Pavilion exhibition, 1:1 meetings with investors and strategic partners, and pitch stage access.
Forum & company visits
Shenzhen Forum with government keynotes and round-table breakouts, plus visits to tech companies and R&D labs. Organised transport provided.
Debrief & next steps
A written debrief, a partner shortlist, a synthesis report, and clear recommendations for next steps — so the programme doesn't end when you board the flight home.
Beyond Hong Kong: Shenzhen & Hainan
Shenzhen Forum & Company Visits
On Wednesday 4 November, the official programme extends across the border into Shenzhen — China's technology capital. Keynote sessions with regional government leaders in the morning, followed by interactive roundtables in the afternoon. Plus visits to tech company R&D labs and offices. Two complimentary tickets included. Limited capacity.
Hainan Free Trade Port
A VIP extension to the Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP, China) — the country's designated sandbox for the next wave of financial liberalisation. Tour of the High-Tech Zone, briefing on independent customs territory policies, government matchmaking, and an overview of the zero-tariff low-tax operating environment. Early movers gain structural advantage.
Who it's for
The programme is designed for European organisations exploring Asia as a genuine commercial question. Two participation tiers reflect different stages of market readiness.
Startup Pass
€3,800 early enrolment
Standard €5,000 after 18 July
- Ireland Pavilion exhibition presence (18–24 sqm shared zone)
- Global Fast Track — 120+ investor 1:1 meetings
- Samantha AI pre-event lead matching
- 20-minute pitch opportunity
- Complimentary InvestHK advisory support
- Full-event delegate passes
- Pre-programme briefing on Asia market entry
- Hainan Free Trade Port extension option
- Grant application assistance
For post-revenue startups, early-stage tech companies, and organisations seeking a structured, cost-effective entry point into Asian markets.
Express InterestFintech Premium Pass
€6,500
All-inclusive premium tier
- Everything in Startup Pass, plus:
- Shenzhen Forum — 2 VIP tickets
- Shenzhen company visits — priority access
- Priority media exposure via official media list
- Dedicated closed-door investor roundtable
- Custom pre-event briefing: Asia regulatory & banking
- Enhanced booth branding options
- Post-event 6-month business follow-through
- EI-scale grant application support
For fintech, regtech, insurtech, and wealthtech companies seeking regulatory introductions, banking partnerships, and premium investor access.
Express InterestWhy two participation tiers?
Different companies, different needs
A 10-person AI startup exploring Asia for the first time has fundamentally different requirements than an established fintech firm seeking regulatory introductions and banking partnerships. One price doesn't fit both.
Different grants available
European governments offer varying levels of export and trade mission support depending on your company's stage and home country. We help you identify and apply for the right programme — whether it's an Irish LEO grant, Enterprise Ireland support, or your own country's export scheme.
HK FinTech Week x StartmeupHK
The event itself is two programmes combined. FinTech Week serves financial technology and established companies. StartmeupHK serves the startup ecosystem. Our two tiers mirror this structure, so you get the right experience for your stage.
Pricing & grants
€6,500
All-inclusive tier
Shenzhen Forum + VIP access + premium support
Express InterestGrant support available
We assist with government grant applications. Depending on your company's location and profile, you may qualify for substantial reimbursement of programme fees, travel, and accommodation costs — significantly reducing your total investment. We guide you through the process from day one.
| Going solo | Cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Booth | $2,000 | 2 sqm, no programming |
| Standard Sponsor | $10,000+ | Starting tier |
| This programme — Startup | €3,800 | 18–24 sqm + GFT + AI matching + pitch + Hainan |
| This programme — Fintech Premium | €6,500 | All of the above + Shenzhen Forum + VIP investor roundtable |
Built through real programmes, trusted introductions and practical market access
Frequently Asked Questions
Which participation tier should I choose?
If you're a fintech, regtech, insurtech, or wealthtech company seeking regulatory introductions and premium investor access, the Fintech Premium Pass is the best fit. If you're a post-revenue tech startup exploring Asia for the first time, the Startup Pass gives you everything you need. Not sure? Book a conversation and we'll recommend the right fit.
Is the programme limited to Irish companies?
No. The programme is open to post-revenue tech companies from across Europe. The Ireland Pavilion branding reflects the programme's organisational base, not a nationality requirement.
What grants are available?
Depending on your location and company stage, various government export and trade mission grants may apply. Irish companies may qualify through Local Enterprise Office or Enterprise Ireland programmes. Companies from other European countries may use their own national export schemes. We assist with the application process.
What are the Shenzhen Forum and company visits?
On Wednesday 4 November, the official programme extends into Shenzhen for government keynotes and interactive roundtables, followed by visits to tech company R&D labs. Two complimentary tickets are included in the Fintech Premium Pass. Limited capacity.
What happens after I express interest?
We'll be in touch within 48 hours to understand your objectives and discuss the right participation tier for your organisation. If the programme is a fit, you'll receive an invoice and onboarding materials.
Can I move from Startup to Premium later?
Yes, subject to availability. Premium tier capacity is limited by Shenzhen Forum tickets and closed-door session slots. Early confirmation is recommended if you're considering the Premium tier.
Book a Conversation
Tell us about your organisation and what you're looking to explore. We'll get back to you within 48 hours.
What happens next
After you send your enquiry:
1. You'll receive a confirmation email.
2. We'll be in touch within 48 hours to understand your objectives.
3. If the programme is a good fit, we'll discuss the right participation tier, pricing, grants, and logistics.
4. Once confirmed, you'll receive an invoice and onboarding kit.
Questions? info@zatino.ie
Programme overview
Want more detail before getting in touch? Contact us for the full programme overview with pricing breakdown, venue details, and the official HK FinTech Week x StartmeupHK prospectus.