HONG KONG, where people are crazy about their pets and known to the world for their innovation, inspired Wong Pan-ben’s smart pet feeder, but he drove to neighboring Shenzhen to make his dream a reality.

    With the help of Shenzhen engineers, Wong, 35, made a prototype of his device, which dishes up doggy dinners automatically and allows owners to interact with their pets via a webcam and screen.

    Wong is one of an increasing number of people from Hong Kong who are looking to Shenzhen and other mainland cities to develop their ideas. They perceive the mainland as having a vast reservoir of generous investors and a market which is almost without limits. Another appeal is the government-backed business incubators that have sprung up to provide services and expertise for startups.

    In Shenzhen’s Qianhai area, new Hong Kong businesses can apply for a government subsidy of up to 2 million yuan (US$312,500) along with tax refunds and preferential loans, while the city’s booming IT industry and its proximity to the country’s manufacturing heartland only add to its allure.

    Rex Sham is the founder of Insight Robotics, based in Hong Kong. For him, the lower thresholds for starting businesses in Shenzhen are a major attraction.

    “All you need to do is to find an incubator and rent a space,” he said. In theory at least, once a project shows promise, investors will follow.

    “Now college graduates are very willing to work for new companies, starry-eyed with the prospect of fast growth and a dazzling future,” Sham said.

    Chen Liwen of Hong Kong’s City University started a young entrepreneurs’ club that has helped over 50 Hong Kong teams “go north” to exploit the mainland market, combining the mainland’s abundant resources with the innovative prowess of Hong Kong’s youth.

    Still dreaming of a healthy bank account and legions of contented pets being watched online by distant owners, Wong is looking to the future. “Shenzhen has a complete industrial chain that can turn ideas into products quickly and at low cost. Pet health care will be an explosive market here in China.” (Xinhua)