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Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon

The second edition of the Macao Technological Innovation Exploration held in Lisbon recently concluded with significant success. This five-day event was co-organized by Sands China and the Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), and it aimed to bolster the growth of Macao's tech industry by fostering international collaboration and innovation.

The event took place from November 10 to 14, 2025, with support from the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) and coordination via the Sands Resorts Incubation Centre. Notably, the delegation consisted of representatives from 25 DSEDT-certified Macao enterprises and startups that have benefitted from the National Co-working Space scheme. This year’s exploration was particularly noteworthy for its alignment with the renowned Web Summit, which is recognized as the world’s largest technology conference.

Highlights of the Event

Web Summit Participation

The Web Summit attracted over 71,000 attendees from 157 countries, providing an unparalleled platform for learning about advanced technologies. Macao's delegation had the chance to attend keynote speeches, engage in masterclasses, and participate in forums focusing on fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics. Such participation allowed delegates to gather vital insights and establish connections with global tech leaders and entrepreneurs.

Dedicated Networking Opportunities

Sands China organized a Technology Business Networking Forum that served as a major networking hub for both Macao and Portuguese tech firms. With a panel comprised of representatives from five Macao and four Portuguese enterprises, the forum showcased experiences and highlighted collaboration opportunities between the two regions.

As stated by Paulo Rios de Oliveira from the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP), the emphasis on building bridges for innovation and business partnerships resonated throughout the event, reflecting a long-standing historical connection between Portugal and China.

Workshops and Collaboration

In addition to the networking forum, a hands-on Concrete Opportunities Workshop was conducted by Sands China. This involved engaging discussions that explored collaboration opportunities in various technological areas. Through these interactive sessions, participants could directly understand the innovative models utilized by Portuguese businesses.

Tech Visits and Exchange

Throughout the trip, delegates had the chance to visit prominent Portuguese companies like Bhout, a developer of smart fitness technologies, and Lipolis, an innovation hub championing startup growth in the tech and health sectors. Such visits allowed for a deep dive into successful entrepreneurial practices and innovation strategies prevalent in Portugal.

Long-term Impacts on Macao's Tech Sector

According to Grant Chum, CEO of Sands China, the success of this year’s exploration further enriched the experience brought to Macao enterprises compared to the inaugural event. By providing a forward-looking international platform, these initiatives sought to invigorate the spirit of innovation within Macao while forging substantial links with Portuguese firms.

Chum also expressed gratitude towards the supporting bodies that made this exploration possible, emphasizing the necessity to harness Macao's unique positioning as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking nations. With ongoing support for technology-driven tourism and business innovation, Macao aims to evolve into a global hub for tourism and tech integration.

The Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau reiterated the importance of facilitating such initiatives in enabling Macao's tech-driven transformation. By creating environments conducive to international partnerships, they are advocating for enhanced innovation and economic development in the region.

Through this exploration, Macao not only embraced advanced technologies but also reaffirmed its role as a pivotal axes connecting Asian and European markets. As firms look to the future, they are encouraged to utilize Macao's unique advantages to deepen connections and broaden their entrepreneurial horizons.

In summary, the Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon has not only succeeded in showcasing the capabilities of Macao's tech firms but has also laid the groundwork for future collaborations, facilitating a vision for sustained international partnership in innovation.