The ninth edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International medical devices and supplies fair opens and continues through May 9 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair organised by HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association, features a record 280 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions.

"The Hong Kong International medical devices and supplies fair provides a leading business and sourcing platform for buyers, showcasing a wide variety of medical and healthcare products and services as well as breakthrough technologies," said HKTDC deputy executive director Benjamin Chau.

"The Fair continues to feature the Startup zone, creating a platform for start-ups to present innovative technologies and meet with potential manufacturers, buyers and investors. The zone also introduces new talents and ideas to the industry, in line with the HKTDC's commitment to supporting industry development."

Startup zone showcases innovative ideas. The Startup zone features various start-ups from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, together with their ideas and innovations, including:

Look Incorporation's (3F-F27) Clinicbot medical platform features artificial intelligence and such functions as chatbots and system management, allowing patients to book medical appointments online. It also helps patients find suitable doctors, reduce waiting time at clinics, advise patients on the use of drugs, and remind them of follow-up consultations. The platform offers convenience for patients while reducing the workload of doctors and nurses.

Sense (Asia) Limited's (3F-F28) I-Sense e-Massage is a portable massage device powered by a smart phone or tablet. It can be operated through an app. Featuring six massaging modes, the machine can be used anytime, anywhere.

Human Washer Ltd.'s (3F-E27) Sit & Shower is a shower system equipped with 13 water nozzles for automatic full-body cleaning. It features temperature control to prevent scalds, and a warm-air blower for drying the body. Designed for elderly users, the shower comes with handles and a bath chair for safety considerations.

Maxcare Trading Ltd.'s (3F-E29) Bicit exercise bike offers a mobile app control, allowing users to select from 12 speeds and five programmed cycling modes. There is also an add-in game mode. With this machine, users can work out while sitting on a chair or lying on the floor.

The Snore Circle Eye Mask from Shenzhen VVFLY Electronics Co., Ltd. (3F-E28) detects snoring through bone conduction and sound recognition, then generate vibrations to help stop the snoring and improve the quality of sleep. The device also comes with an app to monitor the quality of sleep.

Other thematic zones include the World of Health & Wellness, where lifestyle, cosmetology and fitness products, as well as functional foods and health supplements are presented. The medical supplies and disposables zone provides such medical supplies as antiseptics, alcohol and medical gloves.

The hospital equipment zone gathers an array of electro-medical equipment, including ultrasound and other imaging equipment as well as anesthetic equipment and surgical instruments. Showcasing the latest ideas in medical technology, the Tech Exchange zone connects exhibitors and buyers for the translation of concepts into applications.

To promote global industry exchanges, the HKTDC has organised 38 buying missions comprising about 1,500 buyers to the fair, including representatives of Lawsons Drugs from Canada, Medicion from Korea, HSC Medical Center from Malaysia, Vietnam Medical Equipment Corporation from Vietnam, and Al Razi Pharmacy Co from the United Arab Emirates.

The Fair features group pavilions from the Czech Republic, Pakistan, the Wielkopolska region of Poland, and Ningbo city of the Chinese mainland. They present cutting-edge medical technology from their regions, including a drug dispensing machine (3F-C14) from a Polish exhibitor that dispenses ointment and drugs. The Cardio First Angel device from a Czech exhibitor (3F-C02) offers advice to rescuers conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The Fair also welcomes new group pavilions from Taiwan, the Guangdong Association for Medical Devices Industry and the Southern California Biomedical Council, which offer a wide range of medical equipment and instruments. The Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association also presents a group pavilion comprising 38 local companies.