Sands China leads a delegation comprising representatives from 25 DSEDT-certified Macao enterprises and Macao startups incubated within the National Co-working Space scheme on a trip to Lisbon for the company’s five-day Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon Nov. 10-14. The visit was jointly organised by Sands China and the Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau for the second consecutive year. It was supported by the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund and coordinated by the Sands Resorts Incubation Centre.
The second edition of the Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon concluded successfully, jointly organised by the Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) and Sands China.
Held Nov. 10–14 and supported by the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT), the initiative aimed to accelerate the long-term development of Macao’s technological innovation industry while deepening cooperation with Portugal. The Sands Resorts Incubation Centre coordinated the trip.
The 38-member delegation brought together representatives from 25 DSEDT-certified enterprises, startups incubated under the National Co-working Space scheme, and the organising entities.
Through structured exchanges, the visit offered participants exposure to global innovation trends, emerging technologies, and Lisbon’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Participants in the Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon learn about the latest innovations, explore cutting-edge technologies and industry applications, and exchange ideas with Portuguese tech enterprise representatives at the Web Summit.
Participants in the Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon learn about the latest innovations, explore cutting-edge technologies and industry applications, and exchange ideas with Portuguese tech enterprise representatives at the Web Summit.
Participants in the Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon learn about the latest innovations, explore cutting-edge technologies and industry applications, and exchange ideas with Portuguese tech enterprise representatives at the Web Summit.
Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., noted that the programme delivered greater impact in its second year. He highlighted the Web Summit—a global tech event drawing over 71,000 visitors from 157 countries—as a key highlight that enabled delegates to explore advanced technologies and form global connections. Chum emphasised the strategic importance of aligning with Macao’s “tourism + technology” policy and leveraging Macao’s platform role between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
In a written statement, the Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau underlined Macao’s advantages under “One Country, Two Systems,” its free-port status, and its links with Portuguese-speaking countries.
The bureau highlighted Macao’s planned technology research industrial park, which will serve as a launchpad for Chinese mainland tech enterprises going global, a hub for international high-tech projects, and a base integrating industry, academia, and research.
The visit, it said, facilitates two-way exchange, broadens international perspectives, and strengthens cooperation pathways for Macao enterprises.
Members of the Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon attend a Technology Business Networking Forum hosted by Sands China Nov. 12. Macao enterprises, who had both participated in last year’s inaugural Lisbon trip, joined a panel discussion to share their experiences and achievements with a Portuguese enterprise representative. Enterprises from Portugal and Macao also gave presentations that showcased their business models, opening up opportunities for collaboration.
Members of the Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon attend a Technology Business Networking Forum hosted by Sands China Nov. 12. Macao enterprises, who had both participated in last year’s inaugural Lisbon trip, joined a panel discussion to share their experiences and achievements with a Portuguese enterprise representative. Enterprises from Portugal and Macao also gave presentations that showcased their business models, opening up opportunities for collaboration.
The delegation’s programme began with participation in the Web Summit, where delegates attended keynotes, masterclasses, and forums on artificial intelligence and robotics. They also connected with international innovators to explore industry applications and business opportunities.
A Technology Business Networking Forum organised by Sands China facilitated exchange between Macao and Portuguese tech enterprises.
The nine-speaker forum featured four Portuguese companies and five Macao firms, including Vastcom and AKL, who shared their experiences from last year’s trip. AICEP board member Paulo Rios de Oliveira praised the initiative as a bridge for innovation and business development, reinforcing long-standing ties between Portugal, China, and Macao.
Delegates also visited leading Portuguese enterprises such as Bhout, a developer of AI-powered fitness technology, and Lipolis, an innovation hub supporting tech and health startups.
These structured visits enabled them to explore new models, gain practical insights, and identify collaboration opportunities.
Sands China hosts a Concrete Opportunities Workshop Nov. 14 for all delegates to seek opportunities for cooperation in innovation and technology.
The trip concluded with a Concrete Opportunities Workshop hosted by Sands China, featuring insights from innovation specialist Manuel Tanger of Singularity University Portugal. The session guided participants through collaborative discussions to identify innovation pathways and next steps.
The Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon forms part of Sands China’s continued support for the Macao SAR government’s strategy to advance smart tourism and high-tech development.
Across its 2024 and 2025 editions, the programme has enabled 42 Macao enterprises to explore opportunities in Portugal, supporting Macao’s ambition to integrate tourism with technology and strengthen its role as a world centre of tourism and leisure.
