Digital health solutions have revolutionized patient care, enabling non-invasive, connected, and personalized healthcare delivery. The global healthcare market is projected to reach USD 44,760.73 Billion by 2032, growing from USD 21,222.5 Billion in 2023.
With the vast potential of the healthcare industry, Hong Kong is poised to capitalize on this trend by leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, that harness its excellence in academic research, industrial partnerships, and strategic collaboration to accelerate the translation of research into applications
At CES, the Hong Kong pavilions will showcase GOOD Vision, PointFit, and ATG – three startups that embody the city’s potential as a launchpad for biotech breakthroughs.
Bringing Eye Care Within Reach
GOOD Vision, a spinoff from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, one of the leading research institutions for optometry, is poised to make an impact in global eye care services with its portable corneal topographer, K-Shape. This device provides highly accurate corneal measurements, enabling more practitioners to deliver tailored patient care and address the pressing issue of astigmatism.
For instance, known as OK Lens, orthokeratology has shown promise as a treatment option for improving vision in many children. However, a significant barrier to its widespread adoption remains: reliable corneal measurements. That’s where K-Shape comes in – this user-friendly device enables accurate lens prescription and detection of corneal anomalies from anywhere, even by a junior practitioner.
K-Shape deploys proprietary algorithms that enhance image stability and focus, overcoming challenges associated with handheld device measurements. With an ultra-portable design, it boasts an unprecedented 90% weight reduction compared to traditional topographic devices, making it the world’s most lightweight and accessible tool for advanced corneal assessments – especially in remote or underserved regions.
“We’re grateful to have a partner throughout our journey, providing support from concept through to prototyping, ergonomic design, and manufacturing. The expertise and guidance from HKSTP has been instrumental in helping us refine our approach,” said Jason Lau, Technical Director of GOOD Vision. “It’s been a big part that enabled the successful commercialisation of turning our project into a tangible solution.”
The Sweat That Unveils
As the wearable technology landscape continues to evolve, a new player is emerging with sweat-sensing tech that disrupts athlete health and biomolecule monitoring.
PointFit‘s proprietary nanomembrane skin patch harnesses expertise from a multidisciplinary team of local researchers, delivers accurate sweat analysis, and enables detection of specific biomarkers and vital biomolecule data, which were previously inaccessible to wearables.
Before sweat analysis becomes a reality, professional athletes has the endurance of steel undergoing frequent blood pricking to determine their lactate levels for optimal training. By integrating sensors into a sport wristband, PointFit is able to change this and democratize lactate detection with non-invasive and affordable wearable technology.
“The sensor detects continuous changes in lactate levels, providing actionable insights into fatigue, muscle cramping, or oxygen deprivation – crucial information for athletes seeking to mitigate injury risk.” Explained Kenny Oktavius, Co-Founder & CEO of PointFit.” We team up with sport scientists from Hong Kong Baptist University to enable early detection and intervention of heart failure in endurance sports, where timely action can be a lifesaver.”
However, PointFit’s potential extends far beyond sport science. Its modular design enables sensor swaps, allowing for the collection of a diverse range of biomarkers – from stress hormones to glucose, the platform is opening doors to new frontiers in health and wellness.
“We’re already exploring its application in chronic disease monitoring, precautionary diagnostics and medial fields, and we’re eager to expand our reach into the US market, a showcase at CES could be just the leg-up for it to work.”
Oktavius, a researcher at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), also shares why a “homegrown” technology carries special meaning to him. “We started out at HKSTP’s Incubation Programme in 2020,” Oktavius notes, “their support has been invaluable to our growth and what’s even more meaningful, is knowing that our technology is rooted in the local ecosystem, a testament to research excellence and eminence.”
Clinical Excellence Redefined by AI
ClinicONE EneHUB, is an all-in-one station for health check of BP, ECG, BMI, etc. All data will be real-time synchronized to AI-powered medical platform ClinicONE, offering a seamless and connected experience that make high-quality care accessible anywhere, anytime; while EneHUB enables remote consultations with doctors, providing timely support for individuals who require additional guidance.
As the global demand for mental health services continues to rise, ATG is taking a proactive approach to address this growing concern. The shortage of psychiatric professionals being a significant barrier, the healthtech advocate is collaborating with local medical schools to develop an innovative AI-powered counselling platform featuring personal assessments, mindfulness content, and personalized distractions in an immersive environment that ensure confidentiality.
“EneHUB is a point-of-care solution designed specifically for the healthcare industry and local corporations are also seeking to improve their employees’ wellness through our solutions.” Jonathan Linstow, Director of Business Development at ATG, said: “We’re looking for strategic partners who have experience, gathering valuable insights from others ensures that we create something that truly meets user needs.”
In Hong Kong, collaboration between establishments are the catalysts for innovation, creating a vibrant ecosystem of industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs, and setting off this chain reaction that empowers a new generation of innovators. The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at Eureka Park and Global Pavilion, with 51 rooted-in-Hong-Kong tech companies and institution, is ready to illustrate that notion.
