Linthin Technology Leverages Science Park for Growth in Sports Tech Market

Linthin Technology Expands with Hong Kong’s Global Connections

Linthin Technology, a Chinese start-up focusing on sports science, is banking on Hong Kong’s global connections and talent networks to bolster its services across various markets. The Shanghai-based company, leveraging big data, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence technologies, strives to improve athletes’ performance and rehabilitation. Participating in the Science Park incubation programme since last year, Linthin looks forward to augmenting its spending on research and development (R&D) in the impending months.

Investment and Partnerships Drive Innovation

InvestHK, the government agency directing foreign investment, supports Linthin’s move to promote sports technologies amid heightened market awareness. Following Hong Kong athletes' impressive performances at the recent summer Olympics in Paris, the company’s founder, Justin Zhao, expressed gratitude towards InvestHK for facilitating partnerships with local enterprises and promoting the company’s offerings.

Approximately 70% of Linthin’s R&D workforce is anticipated to operate from Hong Kong this year, fostering connections with global talents and international markets. Zhao, a former engineer at Huawei and Motorola, established Linthin in 2020. The company notably provided its products to China’s modern pentathlon teams at the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021.

Collaborations and Future Directions

Despite being a burgeoning entity, Linthin already formed links with coaches in Australia and plans to enhance collaboration with local universities in Hong Kong for ongoing research initiatives.

The Science Park incubation programme has successfully nurtured over 850 companies, leading to four initial public offerings. The prioritization of sports technologies aligns with Hong Kong's recent commitment to train local sports talent, especially with 29 major sports events, including the Hong Kong Sevens and FIVB Volleyball World League, slated for this year.

Looking forward, Andy Wong, the head of innovation and technology at InvestHK, highlighted the city's pivotal role as a “superconnector” with elite universities and top research centres attracting investors to establish their presence.

“We are open to all business sizes across diverse industries to bolster Hong Kong’s economy and increase employment rates,” Wong noted. Road shows in Europe and Australia aim to showcase the advantages the city offers to potential investors seeking opportunities.