A Hong Kong-based robotics training company is set to expand in the booming Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) – a dynamic region encompassing 11 cities and a population over 87 million – following strategic support by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Specialising in robotics education, the Robotics Institute of Hong Kong (RIHK) offers general interest classes to primary and secondary school students on building and coding robots. With over 100 schools already in its network, the organisation’s vision is to nurture Hong Kong’s next generation of creative and tech-savvy youth.
In addition to providing training classes, it holds robot design challenges and competitions for young people to stimulate their creativity and broaden their horizons.
The rapid rise of the robotics industry in the GBA and its soaring demand for manpower first caught the eye of RIHK Director Jacky Yau in 2024.
While Mr Yau knew the region had immense potential for his training products and events, he hesitated to proceed without a clearer understanding of the policies and procedures for starting a business in the mainland.
Visit proves turning point
This changed when he learned of the GoGBA business support programme, an initiative run by the HKTDC to help Hong Kong companies seeking to expand into the area.
Mr Yau joined a business delegation to Shenzhen, where he and other Hong Kong SME representatives were given first-hand insights into the region’s innovation ecosystem.
The itinerary included stops at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, a local robotics enterprise and a data centre operated by shopping delivery giant Meituan.
The trip proved decisive. "During the visit, we gained information on local policies for supporting innovation and technology and learned about business opportunities and the latest market developments as well as connected with Shenzhen enterprises and industry associations,” recalled Mr Yau.
“Meeting high-tech enterprises in person gave us a vivid sense of the rapid development of the mainland's tech sector and its huge market potential. It was a rare opportunity for us to interact directly with local officials, trade association representatives and Shenzhen tech enterprises."
Following the trip, the HKTDC’s GoGBA team arranged a second visit for Mr Yau and his team to visit the Inno Link business incubator in Hetao and learn about the preferential policies for Hong Kong businesses setting up in the zone.
Within a few weeks, RIHK registered a wholly foreign owned enterprise, marking its first formal subsidiary outside of Hong Kong.
Connecting to possibilities
In March, the GoGBA team brokered an introduction to the Shenzhen logistics robotics firm Youibot, which led RIHK to arrange a visit for Hong Kong school students eager to learn more about the city’s robotics industry.
We also introduced the organisation to the Hong Kong Productivity Council to learn about the opportunities for SMEs under the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales Fund to support expansion into Mainland China.
The academy then launched a joint venture in AI in June, also based in Hetao. The venture plans to hire 10 staff in the mainland to manage sales and marketing, while event planning and coordination will continue to be managed in Hong Kong.
In another exciting development, RIHK obtained the China-affiliate rights for the Minoan Robotsports Competition Global Olympiad and, as a preliminary event to the Olympiad, will hold the GBA Junior Robotics Competition in January next year.
Students from across the GBA will compete in Olympic-style challenges - such as wrestling, weightlifting and archery - using robots. Winning students will go on to represent China at the global finals in Greece next April.
GoGBA: a catalyst for success
From Hong Kong to Hetao, RIHK’s journey to mainland success has shown how the city’s enterprises can tap into vast opportunities, aided by initiatives, such as GoGBA.
Mr Yau gave full dues to the GoGBA team for their unwavering support, especially in helping the academy navigate issues when setting up a mainland entity.
“HKTDC’s services were professional and comprehensive,” said Mr Yau. “They connected us with the right bodies to expedite critical steps, such as registering an address and opening a bank account, which were essential to enter the mainland market.”
Since its launch in 2021, GoGBA has held over 130 events and supported more than 13,000 businesses, empowering them to harness the region’s dynamic growth potential.
The initiative provides policy updates, expert advice, training and networking activities, backed by a network of GoGBA support centres in all mainland GBA cities and Macao as well as the GoGBA website and WeChat mini programme.