Inframe News – The Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2026 officially opened at Cyberport in Hong Kong on Friday, August 28. Running through August 30, the three-day event brings together technology companies, creators, academics, investors and entertainment professionals. This year’s forum focuses on artificial intelligence, immersive technology and their growing role in creative industries.
The event carries the theme “The Dreamatic Circus,” reflecting its focus on technology as a creative partner rather than simply a production tool. More than 60 industry leaders, creators, academics, experts and investors from Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas are taking part. The program covers digital entertainment, culture and arts, smart living and business, as well as robotics and drones.
More than 35 technology showcases, interactive experiences and programs are being presented throughout the forum. Visitors can explore AI-powered creative tools, immersive installations, robotics demonstrations and other emerging technologies. The event also includes workshops, film screenings, drone performances and competitions.
One of the featured attractions is an immersive exhibition based on the Hong Kong animation intellectual property Another World. The experience uses projection tracking, motion interaction and surround sound to create an interactive environment for visitors. The exhibition allows audiences to move through a digital world inspired by the animation’s characters and story.
Another attraction is Harbour Dreams, an XR experience that combines virtual reality with cinematic storytelling and Hong Kong landmarks. Visitors can use VR equipment to explore locations including Victoria Harbour, the Big Buddha and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The experience incorporates visual, audio, motion, wind, tactile and scent effects.
Artificial intelligence is also a major focus of the forum’s industry discussions. Sessions examine AI digital clones, virtual celebrities, biomimetic humans and AI-assisted filmmaking, while another panel looks at how agentic AI can help individual creators produce and distribute content. Speakers are also discussing the impact of AI on gaming, film, music and other entertainment sectors.
The Hong Kong government is using the event to highlight its broader AI development strategy. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor Sun Dong said Hong Kong is moving from AI strategy planning toward practical implementation across different industries. The government is also developing an AI research institute and expanding computing infrastructure to support future applications.
During the opening day, Cyberport signed memoranda of understanding with Alibaba Cloud, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Hong Kong Shue Yan University. The agreements cover areas including AI innovation, art-tech development, entrepreneurship, skills training and talent cultivation. The partnerships are intended to strengthen cooperation between technology companies, universities and creative institutions.
The forum is also showcasing robotics and low-altitude technology. Combat robots and drone performances are among the attractions available to visitors, while an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft project involving Cyberport, KC Smart Mobility and EHang completed its inaugural test flight at Cyberport’s waterfront on August 28. The eVTOL demonstration is part of the event’s wider focus on emerging technologies beyond digital entertainment.
The second and third days will continue with additional public activities and professional sessions. Saturday’s program includes an accessible gaming and esports experience, an AI game creation workshop, an Art-Tech Concert, a K-pop performance by XODIAC and synchronized drone performances. Sunday will feature creator events, an elderly esports tournament, an AI student challenge and additional drone shows.
