The 14th Business of IP Asia Forum (BIP Asia Forum) and the 16th Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) successfully concluded on December 6, 2024, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Jointly hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), these events drew over 160 global IP experts, 400 exhibitors, and 14,800 participants, fostering innovation, IP growth, and high-quality economic development.
Driving Innovation Through IP
This year’s BIP Asia Forum, themed “Reimagining IP for Impact and Growth”, highlighted the critical role of IP in sustainable business growth and fostering global collaboration.
Key Highlights:
- Policy Dialogue: Global IP leaders, including Wang Binying, Deputy Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), discussed IP trends and innovation financing.
- Plenary Sessions: Industry leaders like Jake Hwang from Kakao Entertainment Corp and Dr Na Wei from Xiaomi shared insights on leveraging IP for brand value and innovation.
- IP Financing: Experts explored the growing potential of IP as collateral, emphasizing its role in raising capital and boosting company valuations.
The Innovation & IP Market showcased 20+ projects in smart living, AI, robotics, and sustainability, drawing over 40 inquiries from top IP and tech firms globally.
E-Day: Where Start-up Dreams Take Flight
Entrepreneur Day 2024 provided a platform for 340+ start-ups and 13 countries to connect with investors and industry leaders.
Key Exhibitions:
- Sustainable Footwear by Lacess Limited: Upcycled farm and factory waste showcased innovative materials and business models.
- Thailand Pavilion: Debuting with 10 key start-ups, it highlighted Thailand’s growing role in the global start-up ecosystem.
- Australian Pavilion: Showcased health tech, green tech, and smart city solutions, expanding New South Wales’ market reach.
The Start-up Express International Programme supported global start-ups exploring Greater Bay Area opportunities, providing them with networking sessions and market insights.
Hong Kong as a Global Innovation Hub
The events reinforced Hong Kong’s position as a hub for IP trading and technology innovation. Jimmy Ng, Investment Director at Gobi Partners, praised Hong Kong’s policies fostering university-industry collaboration and funding, creating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Replay Availability:
- BIP Asia Forum highlights: December 7, 2024 – January 6, 2025
- E-Day highlights: Available after January 7, 2025
By championing IP and supporting start-ups, the BIP Asia Forum and E-Day 2024 continue to drive innovation and global business growth.
