Hong Kong Invests $125 Million in AI, Expands Cyberport’s Supercomputing Capabilities

Hong Kong is stepping up its commitment to becoming a global technology leader with a $125 million investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technologies. The funding, which will be directed to Cyberport, a government-backed business hub dedicated to emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, and Web3, is set to strengthen the city’s position at the forefront of technological innovation.

On February 27, Cyberport hosted the "AI Safety, Trust, and Responsibility" forum in collaboration with international AI academic institutions. The event focused on AI governance, safety, and fostering responsible innovation. As part of the ongoing expansion, Cyberport is home to over 270 blockchain-related enterprises and more than 350 startups working in AI and big data research and development.

Cyberport’s Role in AI and Web3 Innovation

The Hong Kong government’s 2025–2026 budget, announced on February 26, placed a significant emphasis on advancing emerging technologies. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po highlighted the need to capitalize on technological advancements, especially in AI, to drive the city’s future growth.

As part of this strategy, the government has allocated 1 billion Hong Kong dollars (approximately $125.5 million) to establish the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute. This initiative will focus on advancing AI research and transforming R&D outcomes into real-world applications, particularly in the areas of AI governance and innovation.

Strengthening Cyberport’s Supercomputing Power

A key part of this initiative is the enhancement of Cyberport’s Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre (AISC), which was launched on December 9, 2024. With the new funding, the AISC will expand its computing power to 3,000 petaFLOPS, enabling it to process 3,000 quadrillion floating-point operations per second. This will significantly enhance Cyberport’s ability to support AI and blockchain development by providing cutting-edge computational resources.

In addition to supercomputing power, the Hong Kong government has allocated $3 billion Hong Kong dollars (approximately $385.6 million) for the launch of a three-year AI Subsidy Scheme. This initiative aims to support AI innovation across various sectors, providing financial backing for companies working on AI-driven solutions.

Fostering AI Talent and Research Collaboration

In addition to technological advancements, Cyberport is also focusing on nurturing AI talent. The World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA), a co-organizer of the AI forum, announced the establishment of the “WDTA Asia-Pacific Institute (Preparatory)” at Cyberport. The institute’s mission is to develop a “safety-native” technological framework, establish a “human-oriented” value system, and promote responsible innovation in AI.

To further enhance AI research and talent development, Cyberport has signed numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with universities and institutions. These agreements are aimed at providing students with internship and employment opportunities, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to drive AI and Web3 innovation in Hong Kong.

Conclusion

Hong Kong’s commitment to emerging technologies is clear, with significant investments in AI, blockchain, and Web3 development. Cyberport’s expansion, coupled with the establishment of new research institutions and talent programs, will ensure that Hong Kong remains a global leader in technological innovation. With a focus on responsible AI development and fostering local talent, the city is positioning itself as a hub for the future of digital technologies.