Linthin Technology, a Chinese start-up specializing in sports science, is leveraging Hong Kong’s global connections and talent networks to expand its services to markets across the region, with the support of the city’s top investment agency.

The Shanghai-based company, which uses big data, the Internet of Things and artificial technology to improve athletes’ performance and rehabilitation, joined the science park’s incubation program last year and expects to increase its research and development (R&D) spending in the coming months.

InvestHK, the agency tasked with attracting foreign investment, is doing its part to promote sports technologies to capitalize on greater market exposure. Hong Kong’s athletes won two gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Paris earlier this month.

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“InvestHK has helped us by introducing partnerships with local companies and promoting our products through various activities,” founder Justin Zhao said at a press conference in Hong Kong on Friday. About 70 percent of the R&D staff will be based in Hong Kong this year as the city has good connections with global talent and overseas markets, he added.

Zhao, a former engineer and senior manager at Huawei and Motorola, founded the company in 2020. Linthin’s products have been used by China’s modern pentathlon teams at the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021 and some e-sports teams, he added.

“We have already established contacts with some trainers in Australia and the company will further cooperate with local universities in Hong Kong to conduct research there,” said Zhao.

The incubation program managed by the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks (HKSTP) has helped more than 850 companies expand their presence, according to the company’s website, with four of them now applying for IPOs.

The focus on sports technologies reflects Hong Kong’s pledge this week to “spare no effort” to train local sports talent.

The city will host 29 major sporting events this year, including Hong Kong Sevens, FIVB Volleyball World League and Hong Kong Cyclothon. A new Kai Tak Sports Park will also be used for training and global events next year, according to InvestHK.

Andy Wong, head of innovation and technology at InvestHK, said the city’s role as a “super connector” as well as its top-ranking universities and advanced research centers are important pillars for investors looking to set up shop there.

“We are open to companies of all sizes from different industries to boost Hong Kong’s economy and increase employment,” said Wong. “We are holding roadshows in Europe and Australia to make more companies aware of the city’s advantages.”