Three homegrown tech companies set for first listings

Currently, three Macau-founded tech firms have entered the pre-listing stage and are expected to debut on the main board of the stock exchange this year.

This was mentioned during a “Project Funding Program Briefing Session,” where approximately 300 representatives from Macau universities, technology associations, and tech enterprises attended.

During his opening speech, Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) administrative committee president Vincent U noted that the outcomes of Macau’s industry-academia-research collaborations are gradually becoming evident.

According to him, the initiative highlights Macau’s long-term push to diversify its economy beyond gaming and tourism. It also validates the “Research and Development in Macao, Achievement Transformation in Hengqin” model and provides benchmarks for the local startup ecosystem.

FDCT has been linking its funding programs and services to the upcoming IPOs, allowing a clear pathway from initial investments and plans to demonstrating tangible success, building credibility for the fund and encouraging more applications.

Following the pre-listing announcement, FDCT representatives outlined six funding programs under four main themes: platform, research and development, talent, and cooperative research, providing researchers and entrepreneurs with a clear menu of options.

The six established schemes are: Funding Scheme for Scientific Research Platforms, Funding Scheme for Scientific Research and Innovation, Funding Scheme for Enterprise Innovation and R&D, Funding Scheme for External Science and Technology Cooperation, Funding Scheme for Macao Science and Technology R&D Talent, and the Science and Technology Awards Scheme.

Additionally, FDCT aims to attract talent through state key laboratories and other research platforms, deepen collaboration with European and Portuguese-speaking countries, and increase funding for international projects.

At the end of the briefing, stakeholders shared feedback, enabling FDCT to continue optimizing project management and improve services. Applications for the funding programs will open successively throughout the year via FDCT’s online system. Ricaela Diputado