To continuously advance the “1+4” strategy for moderate economic diversification, the SAR Government has actively improved the technological innovation system in recent years, introduced the Technology Enterprise Certification Scheme, and continuously enhanced the funding system, effectively promoting enterprise R&D, industry-academia collaboration, results transformation, and synergy with Hengqin, driving the development of the technology industry.

33 Local Enterprises Certified as Technology Enterprises
The Economic and Technological Development Bureau launched the Technology Enterprise Certification Scheme in 2023 to support the development of local technology enterprises. To date, 33 enterprises have been certified, covering areas such as integrated circuits, information technology, artificial intelligence, and traditional Chinese medicine. These 33 enterprises employ approximately 1,300 staff and have a combined annual revenue exceeding MOP 3 billion.
To strengthen the synergy of the technology industries in Macau and Hengqin, as of 2024, the qualifications of Hengqin-related enterprises associated with certified enterprises will be included in the scoring criteria. The SAR Government is progressively introducing targeted support measures, including funding schemes, business matching opportunities, and alignment with Mainland China’s policy measures, to foster the growth of these enterprises.

Four Consecutive Years of SME Digital Upgrade Program
To encourage SMEs to accelerate transformation and upgrading, the Bureau has launched the SME Digital Upgrade Program annually since 2021, supporting over 1,600 enterprises to upgrade in total. Additionally, this year saw the hosting of the “Macau Catering Industry Smart Upgrade Solutions Exhibition” and related sharing sessions, connecting the industry with smart equipment suppliers from the Greater Bay Area. These events have attracted more than 2,700 industry representatives to date.

“China-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Science and Technology Centre” Promotes Exchanges and Cooperation
In 2022, Macau, Zhuhai, and Hengqin jointly established the “China-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Science and Technology Centre,” which has organized various activities for the science and technology industries in Portuguese-speaking countries, including innovation competitions, visits to the Greater Bay Area, and matchmaking sessions with institutions from various provinces and cities in Mainland China. Notably, the “Brazil-Portugal Technology Enterprise (Macau) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition” has been held annually since 2021, attracting nearly 130 Brazilian and Portuguese innovation projects. Award-winning teams were invited to visit the Greater Bay Area. With the Bureau’s assistance, five technology enterprises from Portuguese-speaking countries have established a presence in Macau, facilitating cooperation among Macau, Mainland China, and Portugal.

Significant Increase in Enterprise R&D Activities
Since the establishment of the Enterprise R&D Funding System in 2023, it has effectively driven technological enterprise R&D. In 2023, the number of approved projects increased by 44% year-on-year, and the funding allocation proportion rose nearly threefold, mobilizing over MOP 32 million in enterprise investments. By October this year, the number of enterprise applications increased by 28% compared to the total of the previous year, further strengthening enterprises’ momentum in conducting R&D.

Increasingly Active Industry-Academia Collaboration and Results Transformation
Through an online matchmaking platform and dedicated follow-up services, collaborations between enterprises and universities have been facilitated. From 2021 to October this year, the platform published 96 technological demands and 314 research results, achieving 86 successful matches.
Synergies between universities and Macau-Hengqin enterprises have created conditions for R&D cooperation, results promotion, and talent exchanges. From 2021 to October this year, six industry-academia collaboration matchmaking sessions involved 122 research results from four local universities, with over 330 innovation entities participating in discussions. These sessions led to the signing of 155 letters of intent for cooperation. In 2024, two technology talent matchmaking events were held, where 62 enterprises offered nearly 270 positions, providing over 690 vacancies and internship opportunities.

Funded Project Results Gradually Achieve Transformation
Several results of previously funded projects have been transferred or are in the process of transformation, including: 3 RNA new drug technologies transferred for over MOP 1 billion; innovative drugs based on traditional Chinese medicine entering Phase II clinical trials; a startup established on research results securing nearly MOP 1 billion in Series A+ financing; and nano-foam concrete applications in various engineering projects.

"Macau R&D, Hengqin Transformation" Takes Shape
With the development concept of “Macau R&D, Hengqin Transformation,” a total of 19 projects were supported for application or transformation in Hengqin from 2021 to October this year, including eight key projects in areas such as chip design, biomaterials, IoT for energy, and stem cells.

Group photo at the Technology Enterprise Certification Scheme certificate presentation ceremony

Group photo at the Technology Enterprise Certification Scheme certificate presentation ceremony

SMEs participating in digitalization training

Showcasing various smart catering equipment

Organizing visits to Macau and the Greater Bay Area for Brazilian and Portuguese technology enterprises
 

Demonstration of R&D enterprise product application in iris and palm print recognition

Technology talent supply-demand matchmaking session



RNA new drug technology transfer signing ceremony


Presentation of final products from Hengqin transformation projects