{
  "id": 7792781,
  "title": "10 AI, biotech firms in Northern Metropolis to get early cross-border data access",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/10-ai-biotech-firms-in-northern-metropolis-to-get-early-cross-border",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-16T13:31:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post - Hong Kong",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post-hong-kong",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367756/10-ai-biotech-firms-northern-metropolis-get-early-cross-border-data-access"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ten AI and biotechnology firms in Hong Kong's Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park will be the first to benefit from a pilot scheme granting cross-border data access, giving them a competitive edge over approximately 100 other firms established in the area. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced this initiative during his final policy address. The government plans to roll out the data flow scheme this year, while a \"white list\" of over 1,000 workers authorized to cross the border will be ready by mid-next year alongside the completion of a connection bridge over the Shenzhen River. The project is part of the Northern Metropolis development initiative aimed at diversifying Hong Kong's economy. The 100 firms include major players like AstraZeneca and Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology, along with around 100 mainland and overseas start-ups selected from hundreds of applicants. The HSITP, located in the Hetao cooperation zone, spans 87 hectares on the Hong Kong side and 302 hectares on the mainland Chinese side. The bridge, one of two cross-boundary corridors, will facilitate personnel and data movement between the two parks. The government will establish dedicated boundary control facilities at the Western bridge for those on the \"white list,\" who will still need to undergo immigration and customs clearance. The remaining cross-border flows of capital and materials, such as biological samples, are also being considered, with strong interest already noted in the recent land tender. The project's success is evident in the high number of agreements signed by over 100 innovation and technology entities since the park's launch last December, with wet laboratory buildings already leased and the first two buildings set for completion by year-end.",
  "summary": "About 10 artificial intelligence (AI) and biotech companies will be the first to access cross-border data flows under a new pilot scheme, securing an early edge over roughly 100 other firms set up in Hong Kong’s flagship tech hub at the border. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed on Wednesday during the final policy address of his term that more than 100 innovation and technology firms have…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "10 AI, biotech firms in Northern Metropolis to get early cross-border data access",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/10-ai-biotech-firms-in-northern-metropolis-to-get-early-cross-border-7799852",
        "published": "2026-09-16T13:31:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}