MTR Lab and ZGC Science City Ltd Form Ecosystem Partnership for Smart City and Sustainable Development
MTR Lab Company Limited ("MTR Lab", a wholly owned subsidiary of MTR Corporation) and Beijing Zhongguancun Science City Innovation Development Co., Ltd. ("ZGC Science City Ltd") have joined forces to create a powerful ecosystem partnership.
Accelerating Investment and Global Expansion
The partnership aims to accelerate investments in and global expansion of frontier tech enterprises across AI, robotics, smart mobility, rail, retail, property, and construction.
- Focus on smart city and sustainable development
- Enable cross-border partnerships and collaborations
- Drive investments in frontier tech enterprises
- Support global expansion of Chinese startups
Chinese Mainland's Rapid Advancements in AI
The Chinese Mainland's innovation ecosystem has grown significantly, with rapid advances in AI and related technologies powering smart city and sustainability development.
- 5,300+ AI companies in the Chinese Mainland (as of September 2025)
- Beijing's Haidian District home to over 35% of China's AI companies
- Significant concentration of "specialised and sophisticated" enterprises and unicorns
MTR Lab's Strategic Investments
MTR Lab has seen a significant increase in investment proposals and opportunities in AI and robotics, with proposals from the Chinese Mainland accounting for over 30%.
- Nearly double the number of investment proposals and opportunities in AI and robotics compared to 2024
- Over 30% of proposals originated from the Chinese Mainland
Partnership Objectives
The partnership aims to:
- Deepen innovation ecosystem development
- Drive high-quality growth of Haidian District
- Support Chinese tech enterprises in accessing overseas opportunities
- Strengthen the broader industry ecosystem
Quote from Jing Shi, Head of Investment of MTR Lab
"Our investment portfolio spans Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and developed markets. We strategically help Chinese innovators expand overseas."
"We look forward to combining our strengths to help tech startups land in Hong Kong and scale internationally."
Quote from Mary Huang, Ecosystem Partnership Division Deputy Division Manager of ZGC Science City Ltd
"AI is a key engine for sustainable development. As of December 2025, Haidian District is home to more than 1,900 AI companies."
"We look forward to leveraging MTR Lab's global network and extensive international market experience to help Chinese tech enterprises access overseas opportunities."
About MTR Lab
MTR Lab Company Limited ("MTR Lab") is a wholly owned subsidiary of MTR Corporation Limited. MTR Lab creates strategic value through investment in technologies and formulates innovative solutions that support the long-term growth of communities.
About Beijing ZGC Science City Innovation Development Co., Ltd
Beijing ZGC Science City Innovation Development Co., Ltd is a technology investment and sector services platform driven by ecosystem development, dedicated to supporting the construction of a world-leading science and technology park.