The five-day delegation programme brought 25 Macao enterprises and startups into contact with Portuguese technology companies, supporting the city’s wider diversification goals.
Sands China Ltd., known publicly as Sands China, led a 38-member delegation to Lisbon for the second Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon, a five-day programme designed to strengthen links between Macao’s technology businesses and Portugal’s innovation ecosystem. Jointly organised with the Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau and supported by the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund, the initiative connected representatives from 25 DSEDT-certified Macao enterprises with technology firms, investors and industry figures in Portugal. The programme illustrates how an integrated-resort operator is using business networks and incubation activity to support Macao’s technology ambitions beyond tourism alone.
The trip focused on exposure to emerging technologies, industry exchange and potential cooperation between Macao and Portuguese companies. Delegates attended the Web Summit in Lisbon, where sessions covered artificial intelligence, robotics and technology applications, while also providing opportunities to meet international technology leaders. The summit drew more than 71,000 visitors from 157 countries, according to Sands China, giving participating businesses access to a broad international setting for learning and relationship-building.
Sands China also hosted a Technology Business Networking Forum featuring presentations, panel discussions and a networking dinner involving Portuguese and Macao technology companies. The nine-panellist session included four Portuguese enterprises and five Macao tech companies, with firms including Vastcom and AKL discussing their experiences from the previous Lisbon trip. Delegates additionally visited Bhout, which develops an artificial-intelligence-powered smart punching bag with real-time performance analytics, and Lipolis, an innovation hub supporting technology and health-sector businesses through acceleration, training and networking programmes.
The programme concluded with a Concrete Opportunities Workshop hosted by Sands China, where delegates explored possible cooperation in innovation and technology. Manuel Tanger, a faculty member in disruption, innovation and entrepreneurship at Singularity University Portugal, introduced Lisbon’s innovation landscape and guided discussions on working with startups, mapping opportunities and identifying next steps. Sands China said the initiative forms part of its support for the Macao government’s promotion of smart tourism and high-tech industries, while the Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau described the visit as a two-way platform for international exchange and cooperation.
The Lisbon programme extends Sands China’s role from resort operator to connector between Macao businesses and overseas technology networks. A total of 42 local enterprises have travelled to Portugal through the 2024 and 2025 tours, according to the company. Sands China said it intends to continue using its Sands Resorts Incubation Centre to support the integration of tourism and modern technology, aligning the initiative with Macao’s effort to develop a more diversified economy and strengthen its position as a link between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
