MTR Lab and ZGC Science City forge startup partnership

Tie-up targets AI and smart-city ventures.

MTR Lab and ZGC Science City Ltd have formed a cross-border partnership to back Chinese technology startups and support their global expansion.

The two organisations said the tie-up will focus on smart city and sustainable development, with investment and collaboration spanning AI, robotics, smart mobility, rail, retail, property, and construction.

Under the arrangement, ZGC Science City Ltd will introduce MTR Lab to high-potential startups in AI, smart city, and sustainability for prospective investment and collaboration, whilst both parties will explore pilot applications, technology implementation, and cross-border expansion.

MTR Lab said it received nearly double the number of AI and robotics investment proposals last year compared with 2024, with more than 30% coming from the Chinese Mainland. The release added that the Chinese Mainland had more than 5,300 AI companies as of September 2025, accounting for around 15% of the global total.

MTR Lab will also join ZGC Science City’s Z Hub scenario acceleration platform to deepen its presence in the Chinese Mainland and work with partners to build carbon-neutral smart communities. 

ZGC Science City said Haidian District, where it is based, had more than 1,900 AI companies and 26 unicorns as of December 2025.