Hong Kong ICT Awards 2026: ICT Startup Award Now Accepting Entries with New “Best Use of AI” Recognition
The Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA) has announced that the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2026: ICT Startup Award is now accepting entries, with a submission deadline of 20 July 2026 at 11:59 pm HKT. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong ICT Awards (HKICTA), one of the city’s most prestigious platforms for recognising home-grown technology innovation.
Organised by the Digital Policy Office (DPO) of the HKSAR Government and led by WTIA, the ICT Startup Award specifically supports early-stage Hong Kong companies across software, hardware, and social innovation that demonstrate exceptional growth, functionality, and market potential.
Three Award Streams
This year’s competition features three distinct award categories, each reflecting a different facet of Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem:
Digital Innovation Solution and Service
This stream recognises outstanding ICT and AI-native startups delivering products, services, or solutions in digital innovation. Evaluation criteria include growth performance, creativity, functionality, and market results across areas such as enterprise software, fintech, consumer platforms, and AI-powered applications.
Smart Device and Robotics
This stream recognises ICT startups developing products and solutions that leverage robotics, automation, and connected hardware. It supports innovators bridging digital and physical worlds — from intelligent devices and IoT systems to industrial and service robotics.
ESG and Social Innovation
This stream recognises ICT startups prioritising ESG integration and developing GreenTech solutions to address pressing social and environmental challenges, aligning with corporate sustainability mandates and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Special Recognition: “Best Use of AI”
In addition to the three core streams, a new “Best Use of AI” special recognition will be presented this year to teams across any category that have meaningfully harnessed artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems.
Eligibility Requirements
- Locally registered company incorporated after 20 July 2021
- Significant R&D contribution from Hong Kong-based resources
- Product or service commercially available for at least three months (crowdfunding prototypes excluded)
- Applicant must hold legitimate intellectual property rights over the submitted product or service
Winner Benefits
Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners will receive HKICTA trophies and promotional logo usage rights. Additional benefits include investment matching opportunities co-organised by the Hong Kong Business Angel Network (HKBAN) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), three months of rent-free co-working space for eligible SMEs, free participation in major I&T events including InnoEX, and support for entering regional and international awards. Grand Award winners will also receive a Green Channel Interview for up to HK$100,000 seed funding under City University of Hong Kong’s HK Tech 300 programme.
Key Dates
Entries are open until 20 July 2026. Adjudication runs from 17 August to 25 September 2026, with the Awards Presentation Ceremony tentatively scheduled for 19 November 2026. Applications can be submitted via the official portal at www.ictstartupaward.com.
WTIA Chairman Mr Keith Li noted that the HKICTA has witnessed Hong Kong’s transformation into a vibrant innovation hub over two decades, and encouraged all founders with bold ideas to participate.
