The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corp. (HKSTP), a government-backed innovation hub, is targeting Filipino fintech startups, offering access to its regulatory sandbox and potential capital injections of up to US$2 million (PHP 117.8 million).

Speaking at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, HKSTP Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer Eric Or positioned the hub as a “gateway” for companies looking to enter the Chinese market.

“Anybody who’s interested in looking at China as a market, we, Science Park, are the best location, a gateway, a springboard, a platform,” Eric stated.

He emphasised that all investments undergo a rigorous panel review because they involve public money.

“Since this involves the [Hong Kong] government, it’s still taxpayer money. So we are very careful when making investment decisions. Every company must go through that panel,” Eric added.

Despite supporting startups from 26 countries, HKSTP disclosed that there are currently no Filipino companies in its programmes. Eric noted that HKSTP has had insufficient resources to expand its reach into the Philippines.

To qualify for the general fintech funding programme, HKSTP mentioned that these startups in the Philippines must typically be under three years old, valued at up to US$5 million, employ at least two full-time staff, and have 50% of their employees in technical roles.

HKSTP also offers advanced, invitation-only programmes for startups with higher valuations.

Featured image by natika via Freepik.