A participant takes a photo with a humanoid robot. [Photo/IC]

A study tour from July 2 to 5 across Zhejiang province brought together more than 260 young innovators from Hong Kong and Macao for an exchange focused on science and technology collaboration and industrial cooperation.

The 260 participants came from 12 universities and institutions, including the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the University of Macau. They presented 106 innovation and technology projects through roadshows and business matching sessions.

During the visit, the students toured key innovation sites across Zhejiang. At a humanoid robotics exhibition center, they watched robots prepare coffee and played chess with them. They also visited Star Vision Space Technology, where they observed satellite research and development processes in commercial aerospace.

The itinerary also included visits to industries in artificial intelligence, life and health sciences, and new energy and new materials, as well as the Zhejiang Innovation Exhibition Hall.

A one-on-one matching program connected Hong Kong and Macao youth teams with Zhejiang-based entrepreneurs, enterprises, and investment institutions to facilitate project cooperation.

Participants said the experience offered a clearer understanding of how technology is commercialized. One Hong Kong University graduate and startup founder noted that Hong Kong's strengths in research and international networks, combined with Zhejiang's manufacturing capacity and market scale, create strong complementarities.

Educators accompanying the delegation said the program helped students broaden their perspective through field visits and direct engagement with industry, encouraging them to deepen collaboration and translate research into practical applications.

A participant introduces his project in Hangzhou. [Photo/IC]