Policies and publicity

That point was reinforced by Irene Wong Oi-ling, CEO of Ix Fintech, an incubatee at Cyberport. She said she wanted to apply for assistance from the Postdoctoral Hub plan under the Technology Talent Scheme, but found the details hard to follow.

Wong's company has fewer than 10 employees, and she would like to see the government encourage large companies and institutions in different sectors to have more regular communication with startups in relevant areas, making it easier to spot their achievements.

"And there has to be a body to steer and coordinate resources in certain industries ... to make strategic decisions on how to better explore the market and strike a balance on the different interests of each market player," she said.

Wong also urged the government to facilitate business exchanges and collaboration with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The Chinese mainland is home to world-class technology and manufacturing industries, while Hong Kong has the edge when it comes to art, design and innovation, she said. "The combination of both would stimulate unimaginable power," she added.