Government Funding Scheme & Support
The Hong Kong Government is committed to supporting startups and SMEs to help realize their vision and take their business to the next level. Find out about government funding schemes available to assist your business.
- Anti-Epidemic Fund – Support Measures for SMEs and Startups (Special Relief Measures)
- Supporting Research & Development
- Nurturing Tech Talent Pool
- Government Co-Investment with Private VCs
- Facilitating Technology Adoption/
Patent Application Grant - Marketing Development/Business Upgrading
- SME Loan Guarantee/Export Credit Insurance
- Industry Focus Funding Schemes
- Hong Kong Science & Technology
Parks Corporation (HKSTP) - Cyberport
- Government Support Bodies
- Fintech
- Fintech Sandboxes
- Innovation Solutions For Public Services Needs
Anti-Epidemic Fund - Support Measures for SMEs and Startups (Special Relief Measures)
The Government announced on February 14, 2020 the setting up of a HK$30 billion Anti-epidemic Fund in order to enhance the capability of the Government and other relevant parties in combating the COVID-19 epidemic, and to provide assistance or relief to enterprises and members of the public hard hit by the current epidemic or affected by anti-epidemic measures. For details of first round of Anti-epidemic Fund, please see here.
The second round of HK$137.5 billion of Anti-epidemic Fund measures are announced on April 8, 2020, to further support businesses and residents affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. For details, please click here.
First Round of Anti-epidemic Fund
Additional student study grant for 2019/20 school year
As part of the $19.1 billion relief measures announced by the Financial Secretary in August 2019, a one-off student grant of $2,500 will be provided in the 2019/20 school year for each secondary day-school, primary school and kindergarten student to alleviate parents’ financial burden in defraying education expenses.
Arts and Culture Sector Subsidy Scheme
The arts and culture sector has suffered severely due to the closure of arts, cultural and exhibition facilities of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, West Kowloon Cultural District and the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, etc. All shows and exhibitions during the period have to be cancelled.
Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme
The C&E industry has almost come to a complete halt with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, as visitors have cut down significantly on their travelling, including trips to Hong Kong. Starting from February 2020, almost all C&E events have been cancelled or postponed.
Enhancing Support to the Hospital Authority in Combatting the Epidemic
Public hospitals are one of our main lines of defence in Hong Kong’s anti-epidemic efforts. With the development of the novel coronavirus infection in Hong Kong, our frontline healthcare workers are facing additional workload and pressure.
Global Procurement of Personal Protective Equipment
To combat novel coronavirus infection, since January 2020 the Government has resorted to all possible means and channels worldwide to make direct procurement of PPE, including surgical masks, N95 masks, and face shield.
Home Quarantine Support
The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and Innovation and Technology Commission (Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech Research and Technology Centre (LSCM)) have been providing technology support for the Government’s home quarantine measures, particularly the 14-day compulsory home quarantine for people entering Hong Kong from the Mainland.
Rental waivers for tenants at the Science Park, industrial estates and Cyberport
The rental relief will cover all start-ups, incubatees, co-working space users, office tenants, partner companies, professional services companies and
merchant outlets at the Hong Kong Science Park, InnoCentre, industrial estates and Cyberport.
merchant outlets at the Hong Kong Science Park, InnoCentre, industrial estates and Cyberport.
Special Allowance for Eligible Working Family Allowance and Student Financial Assistance Households
The Chief Executive announced on 14 January 2020 that a time-limited special cash allowance would be provided to the unemployed/ under-employed who have received WFA ( Working Family Allowance) or SFA (Student Financial Assistance).
Subsidies for live marine fish wholesale traders and fishing vessels with Mainland deckhands
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, most of the Mainland deckhands working onboard fishing vessels and fish collectors operating in both Hong Kong and Mainland waters cannot resume duty, causing the concerned fishing vessels unable to operate.
Subsidy for the transport sector
In view of the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, under the first round of the Anti-epidemic Fund approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee on 21 February 2020, some $3.2 billion are earmarked to provide the fuel subsidy and one-off subsidy to the transport trades to help them cope with the operating pressure in the prevailing economic environment.
Support Cleansing and Security Staff Engaged by Government and Hong Kong Housing Authority Service Contractors in Anti-epidemic Efforts
In view of the development of the novel coronavirus, government departments and Housing Authority (HouA) have respectively enhanced cleansing and disinfection measures in government premises, public areas and HouA premises to upkeep good environmental hygiene with the assistance of the cleansing workers and toilet attendants engaged under service contracts
Support Construction Sector in Anti-epidemic Efforts
The Anti-epidemic Fund (Fund) set up by the HKSAR government is committed to supporting the construction industry to fight against the virus by improving the anti-contagion measures at construction sites and strengthening the workers’ personal protective equipment.
Support Local Mask Production
The HKSAR Government has decided to launch the “Local Mask Production Subsidy Scheme” (the Scheme) under the Anti-epidemic Fund, facilitating the start of local mask production as soon as possible to help address the imminent shortage as well as to build up some reserve stock.
Support Property Management Sector in Anti-epidemic Efforts
To support the property management (PM) sector in anti-epidemic efforts, the Government has established the “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector” (ASPM) under the “Anti-epidemic Fund”.
Support to Child Care Centres
A special grant to be given to CCCs, comprising $21 million per month to 258 aided CCCs (covering some 5 000 children) and $34 million per month to 299 non-aided CCCs (covering some 16 500 children), i.e., a total of $55 million per month or $220 million for the four-month period from February to May 2020.
Support to Training Bodies
A special grant to Employees Retraining Board ’s appointed training bodies is recommended to alleviate their imminent financial burden of mainly overhead expenses on rental and staff costs during the current suspension period.
Technology Applications to Enable Reusability of Masks
The demand on masks in Hong Kong has been increasing drastically recently, whilst the supply for disposable masks remains extremely short. It is our objective to enable technology applications in relation to mask reusability to cater for the urgent needs of the community.
Second Round of Anti-epidemic Fund
Job Retention, Job Creation and Job Advancement
COVID-19 Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Scheme
In anticipation of an upsurge of disputes arising from or relating to COVID-19, the COVID-19 Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Scheme aims to provide speedy and cost-effective means to resolve such disputes, especially for those involving micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that may be adversely affected or hard hit by the pandemic. The Scheme will engage eBRAM to provide ODR services to the general public and businesses, in particular MSMEs, involved in low value disputes.
Distance Business Programme
Remote working or service has become a new trend against the backdrop of the epidemic. Under the Anti-Epidemic Fund, the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) has launched the Distance Business (D-Biz) Programme to support enterprises to continue their business and services during the epidemic, the Programme provides funding support through fast-track processing for enterprises to adopt IT solutions for developing distance business. The Hong Kong Productivity Council is the Secretariat of the Programme.
Employment Support Scheme (ESS)
Employment Support Scheme provides time-limited financial support to employers to retain their employees who will otherwise be made redundant. The ESS should be used for paying wages to maintain employment for their staff currently in the job.
Job Creation
The public and private sectors will creat around 30 000 time-limited jobs in both the in the coming two years for people of different skill sets and academic qualifications. Each job placement will last up to 12 months.Extension beyond 12 months would be considered on an exceptional basis.
Law Tech Fund
LawTech Fund (the Fund) under the Anti-epidemic Fund is to assist some small and medium-size law firms and barristers’ chambers in procuring and upgrading information technology systems and arranging for their staff to attend lawtech training courses.
Matching Grant Scheme for Skills Upgrading
To secure skills upgrading opportunities for our workforce so that they can stay resilient amidst the prevailing economic headwinds and enhance their competitiveness, the Government proposes to collaborate with relevant statutory bodies, industry associations and related bodies by providing training funds on a matching basis to upgrade employees in various sectors, especially those hard-hit by the epidemic.
Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G
Launched by the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) under the second round of Anti-epidemic Fund, ,the Scheme aims to encourage various sectors, through the provision of financial incentives, to deploy 5G technology early to foster innovation and smart city applications.
Training Subsidies for Consultants in the Construction Sector
Under the second round measures of the Anti-epidemic Fund (AEF), a one-off subsidy of $7,500 will be offered to each eligible construction worker. At the same time, the Government will provide a one-off subsidy to about 30 000 construction-related enterprises, generally small-scaled, which cannot benefit from the first round of the AEF. The second round of the AEF will also provide training subsidies to the construction sector.
Provision of One-Off Relief for Specific Sectors
Cash Subsidy for Individual Licensees in the Estate Agency Sector
To reduce the impact of the epidemic on estate agents, the bureau propose to provide a one-off cash subsidy to each eligible licensee of a salesperson’s licence and an estate agent’s licence (individual).
Catering Business (Social Distancing) Subsidy Scheme
The Government has established the Catering Business (Social Distancing) Subsidy Scheme including Karaoke Establishments, nightclubs and bars or pubs which are concurrently holding a food licence under the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund.
One-off Grant to Registered Sports Coaches
The subsidy is to provide one-off grants to registered coaches under National Sports Associations (NSAs) and Sports Organisations (SOs)Note with proven record of active coaching in the past one year and who have not applied for relief grants under other schemes in the first and second rounds of the Anti-epidemic Fund.
Providing Relief to Creative Industries
The purpose of the “Cinemas Subsidy Scheme” (the Scheme) is to provide relief under the Anti-epidemic Fund (AEF) to cinema operators. The Scheme is established upon the approval for injection into the AEF by the Legislative Council Finance Committee on 18 April 2020.
Relief Grant for Tutorial Schools
A total of about $120 million has been allocated from the Anti-epidemic Fund to provide a one-off relief grant of $40,000 to each private schools offering non-formal curriculum (PSNFCs) (commonly called “tutorial schools”) registered under the Education Ordinance being in operation in the three months immediately before class suspension.
Relief Grants for Freelance Workers Hired by Subvented Non-governmental Welfare Organisations to Provide Training and Coaching for Service Users
To provide relief grants for freelance workers hired by subvented non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for providing training and coaching for service users of welfare service units such as youth centres, elderly centres, community centres, rehabilitation centres, etc. where the services have since February 2020 been suspended in the light of the epidemic situation.
Relief Grants for Providers of Catering Services for Schools and Post-secondary Education Institutions and Providers of Interest Group and School Bus Services for Schools
The Relief Grants provide relief grants to providers of catering services for schools and post-secondary education institutions, and providers of interest group and school bus services for schools as these services have been forced to cease since February 2020 with class suspension, generally followed by suspension of on campus teaching activities in post-secondary education institutions.
Relief Measures for Construction Sector
The Government has rolled out the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund (AEF) which includes, among others, enhancing support to the construction sector as well as offering subsidies to the non-profit-making organisations (NPOs) under several revitalisation schemes.
Special Subsidy to Exchange Participants and Securities and Futures Commission Licensees
To help reduce the financial burden of the small and medium-sized intermediaries and licensed individuals under the unprecedented business environment, we propose to offer the following special subsidy schemes to the trade.
Subsidies for Local Primary Producers
To provide immediate financial relief to local primary producers who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government will provide subsidies to local primary producers and provide an interest-free loan repayment deferral arrangement for loan borrowers under the Fisheries Development Loan Fund (FDLF) under the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund.
Subsidy for the Aviation Sector
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) announced today a new round of relief package worth up to HK$2 billion, providing further support to airlines and aviation support services operators through helping to ease their liquidity pressure.
Subsidy for the Passenger Transport Sector
In view of the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, under the first round of the Anti-epidemic Fund approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee on 21 February 2020, some $3.2 billion are earmarked to provide the fuel subsidy and one-off subsidy to the transport trades to help them cope with the operating pressure in the prevailing economic environment.
Subsidy for the Refuse Transfer Station Account Holders for Transporting Municipal Solid Waste
To help the municipal solid waste (MSW) transfer sector cope with the current economic situation and the operational difficulties arising from the COVID-19 epidemic, the Government initiated the Subsidy Scheme for the Refuse Transfer Station Account Holders for Transporting MSW under the newly-announced anti-epidemic measures to allocate financial support of about $7 million for the trade.
Subsidy to Operators of Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme, PMQ and Fly the Flyover Operation
It is our objective to provide relief measures to (a) cinema operators;(b) PMQ and its tenants; and (c) the printing and publishing sector, to help sustain their businesses which are suffering from unprecedented pressure caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Tourism Industry Support Schemes
Following the approval of the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council today (April 18), the Travel Agents and Practitioners Support Scheme and the Hotel Sector Support Scheme are now open for applications. The deadlines for applications are June 15, 2020, and May 18, 2020 respectively.
Subsidy Schemes for Premises Affected by COVID-19
Amusement Game Centres Subsidy Scheme
The Amusement Game Centres Subsidy Scheme provides a one-off subsidy of $100,000 to each of the eligible operators of AGCs licensed under the Amusement Game Centres Ordinance, eligible operators of e-sports venues that have been duly exempted (or have applied for but not yet obtained exemption) from the same Ordinance, and eligible operators of Internet computer services centres registered with the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) of the Home Affairs Department.
Club-house Subsidy Scheme
The Club-house Subsidy Scheme provides a one-off subsidy of $100,000 to eligible club-houses operating with a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued under the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance (Cap. 376).
Commercial Bathhouses Subsidy Scheme
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) is operating the Commercial Bathhouse Subsidy Scheme under the Anti-epidemic Fund. The Scheme is now open to applications from eligible Commercial Bathhouse Licence holders for a grant of one-off subsidy.
Fitness Centre Subsidy Scheme
Under the second round of Anti-epidemic Fund, the Government launches the Fitness Centre Subsidy Scheme to provide a one-off subsidy to the fitness centres with a view to easing their cash flow pressure and alleviating their financial burden arising from their closure pursuant to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation.
Mahjong/Tin Kau Licence Holder Subsidy Scheme
The Mahjong/Tin Kau (MJ/TK) Licence Holder Subsidy Scheme under the Anti-epidemic Fund aims to provide immediate financial relief to licence holders or persons-in-charge of the premises concerned whose businesses have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and have been ordered to close under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation.
Place of Public Entertainment Licence Holder Subsidy Scheme
The Scheme is now open to applications from eligible Places of Public Entertainment Licence holders for a grant of one-off subsidy.
Sports and Recreational Sites Subsidy Scheme
To provide immediate financial relief to the operators of Sports and Recreational facilities on Government sites, we propose to provide a subsidy of $100,000 to each affected site. The total amount of subsidy involved is around $8 million.
Subsidy Scheme for Beauty Parlours, Massage Establishments and Party Rooms
Under the Scheme, each eligible beauty parlour or massage establishment will receive a one-off tiered subsidy of $30,000, $60,000 or $100,000, depending on its number of workers. On the other hand, each eligible party room will receive a one-off subsidy of $40,000.
Support Places of Amusement in Anti-epidemic Efforts
A scheme that provides a $100,000 one-off subsidy to licensed billiard establishments, public bowling alleys and skating rinks opened for applications today.
Easing Cash Flow and Burden of Businesses and Individuals
A 20 per cent Fare Concession of MTR and Temporary Relaxation of the Monthly Threshold of the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme
The local economy is hard hit in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. With a view to easing the transport fare burden of passengers, and promoting business activities in general, it is the Government’s objective to put in place one-off, time-limited, but substantial, fare relief measures.
Loan Guarantee
Special 100% Loan Guarantee under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme
The Special 100% Loan Guarantee is applicable to all sectors. The loans will be fully guaranteed by the Government. Eligible enterprises should have been operating for at least three months as at end-December 2019, and have suffered at least a 30% decline in sales turnover in any month since February 2020 compared with the monthly average of any quarter in 2019.
Supporting Research & Development
Enhanced Tax Deduction for R&D Expenditures
The Enhanced Tax Deduction provides for expenditure incurred by enterprises on qualifying research and development (R&D) activities in order to encourage more enterprises to conduct R&D activities in Hong Kong.
Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS)
The ESS is a major funding initiative under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), which is designed to encourage the private sector to invest in research and development (R&D).
Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP)
Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) supports research and development (R&D) projects undertaken by designated local public research institutes and R&D Centres. ITSP invites applications for funding once a year.
Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme (MHKJFS)
MHKJFS aims to support and encourage further research and development (R&D) collaboration between Hong Kong and various provinces in the Mainland. It provides funding support for both platform and collaborative R&D projects.
Partnership Research Programme (PRP)
Partnership Research Programme (PRP) aims to support research and development (R&D) projects undertaken by private companies in collaboration with local universities and public research institutions.
Public Sector Trial Scheme (PSTS)
PSTS provides funding support for production of prototypes/samples and conducting of trial schemes in the public sector to facilitate and promote the realisation and commercialisation of R&D results.
Research and Development Cash Rebate Scheme (CRS)
The Research and Development Cash Rebate Scheme (the Scheme) aims to encourage more research and development (R&D) investment in the private sector and encourage companies to establish stronger partnership with local public research institutions.
Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU)
TSSSU provides funding to six universities to support their teams in starting technology businesses and commercialising their research and development (R&D) results.
Nurturing Tech Talent Pool
Development Fund for the Travel Industry
The fund aims to enhance the overall competitiveness of the local travel industry through subsidizing the training and promotional activities beneficial to travel agents
Maritime and Aviation Training Fund
Maritime and Aviation Training Fund (MATF) to sustain and enhance existing training schemes and scholarships, as well for launching new initiatives for the maritime and aviation sectors.
Postdoctoral Hub
Under the Post Doctoral Hub Programme, the following two categories of companies are eligible to apply for funding to recruit postdoctoral talent to assist in the R&D projects. The maximum monthly allowance is HK$32,000 for each postdoctoral talent, up to 2 postdoctoral talents within a maximum engagement period of 36 months.
Reindustrialisation and Technology Training Programme (RTTP)
The RTTP subsidises local companies on a 2:1 matching basis to train their staff in advanced technologies, especially those related to “Industry 4.0”. The Vocational Training Council (VTC) administers the RTTP and serves as its Secretariat. It replaced the New Technology Training Scheme (NTTS) which ceased receiving applications upon the launch of the RTTP.
Researcher Programme
Under Researcher Programme, the following two categories of companies are eligible to apply for funding to recruit graduates from local universities as researchers to assist in the R&D projects.
Talent List Hong Kong
The Talent List of Hong Kong has been drawn up with a view to attracting high quality talents in an effective and focused manner to support Hong Kong’s development into a high value-added and diversified economy. Currently the List comprises 11 professions.
Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
TechTAS provides a fast-track arrangement for eligible companies to admit overseas and Mainland technology talent to undertake research and development (“R&D”) work for them. Companies that are engaged in R&D in the areas of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, financial technologies, material science, robotics, 5G communications, digital entertainment, green technology, integrated circuit design, Internet-of-Things or microelectronics are eligible to make applications.
Youth Development Fund
The Youth Development Fund aims at supporting youth entrepreneurship and youth development activities through collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including working with NGOs in the form of a matching fund to help young people start their own business.
Government Co-Investment with Private VCs
The Innovation and Technology Venture Fund (ITVF)
The Innovation and Technology Venture Fund (ITVF) aims to stimulate private investment in local innovation and technology (I&T) start-ups. To facilitate monitoring and administration of the ITVF, a company named “The Innovation and Technology Venture Fund Corporation” (ITVFC) has been set up to serve as a special-purpose vehicle for co-investing with venture capital (VC) funds selected as Co-investment Partners (CP) in local I&T start-ups at a matching investment ratio of approximately 1 to 2.
Facilitating Technology Adoption/Patent Application Grant
Patent Application Grant
The Patent Application Grant is a funding scheme to assist local companies and individuals to apply for patents of their own inventions. All applications for functional patents and inventions with technology elements and susceptible of industrial application are eligible.
Retail Technology Adoption Assistance Scheme (ReTAAS)
The Retail Technology Adoption Assistance Scheme for Manpower Demand Management (ReTAAS) aims to help the retail industry to adopt relevant information and communications technology and other technologies that help manage manpower demand.
Technology Voucher Programme (TVP)
TVP is a regular funding programme under the Innovation and Technology Fund to subsidise local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in using technological services and solutions to improve productivity or upgrade or transform their business processes.
Marketing Development/Business Upgrading
Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund (TSF)
Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund (TSF) The Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund (TSF) provides financial support to non-profit-distributing organisations to implement projects which aim at enhancing the competitiveness of non-listed Hong Kong enterprises in general or in specific sectors. All
Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)
The BUD Fund provides funding support to individual Hong Kong enterprises in undertaking projects to develop brands, upgrade and restructure their business operations and promote sales in the ASEAN market and Mainland China market, so as to enhance their competitiveness and facilitate their business development in the ASEAN and Mainland China market.
General Support Programme (GSP)
GSP is a programme under the ITF catering for non-R&D projects that contribute to the upgrading and development of our industries as well as fostering an innovation and technology culture in Hong Kong.
SME Export Marketing Fund
The SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) aims to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to expand their markets outside Hong Kong by providing financial assistance to SMEs for participation in export promotion activities.
SME Loan Guarantee/Export Credit Insurance
Export Credit Insurance
Export Credit Insurance provides protection against the risks of non-payment involved when offering credit terms to your overseas buyers.
SME Financing Guarantee Scheme
The Scheme aims at helping local small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) and non-listed enterprises to obtain financing from participating lenders for meeting their business needs so as to enhance their productivity and competitiveness in the rapidly changing business environment. Under the Scheme, the HKMCI may provide guarantee coverage of 50%, 60% or 70% to the credit facilities of eligible enterprises approved by participating lenders.
SME Loan Guarantee Scheme (SGS)
The SGS is a loan guarantee scheme whereby the Government acts as the guarantor of individual SMEs to help them secure loans from the PLIs for (a) acquiring business installations and equipment and (b) meeting working capital needs of general business uses.
Industry Focus Funding Schemes
Chinese Medicine Development Fund
This programme mainly offers matching fund to practitioners and institutions to facilitate the development of Chinese Medicine Industry in Hong Kong.
Cleaner Production Partnership Programme
The Programme aims to encourage and facilitate Hong Kong-owned factories in Hong Kong / Guangdong to adopt Cleaner Production (CP) technologies and practices. They could make positive contribution to a cleaner environment by reducing emissions
Construction Innovatoin & Technology Fund (CITF)
The CITF is established to encourage wider adoption of innovative constructive methods and new technologies in the construction industry with a view to promoting productivity, uplifting built quality, improving site safety and enhancing environmental performance.
CreateSmart Initiative
The CSI aims at providing financial support to projects conducive to the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. It is administered by the Create Hong Kong (CreateHK)
Design Incubation Programme
The Hong Kong Design Incubation Programme (DIP) aims to nurture design start-ups at the early stage of their business development, with hardware and software support.
Fashion Incubation Programme – Hong Kong Design Centre
Open to 5 fashion brands per year (or 15 over three years), Fashion Incubation Programme (FIP) welcomes emerging, talented and committed fashion designer brands to apply to join the programme.
Film Development Fund (FDF)
The FDF aims to fund projects and activities which contribute towards the development of the Hong Kong film industry
Pilot Green Transport Fund
The Pilot Green Transport Fund subsidises the testing of green innovative technologies applicable to the public transport sector and goods vehicles.
Pilot Information Technology Development Matching Fund Scheme for Travel Agents (Pilot Scheme)
The fund aims to promote the adoption of information technology among SME-sized travel agents for upgrading their productivity and service quality, as well as strengthening their competitiveness in the local or overseas markets.
Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme (PASS)
Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme (“PASS”) is set up to support Hong Kong’s professional services sector to carry out worthwhile projects to spearhead pro-active outreaching promotion efforts and to improve service offerings.
Recycling Fund
The Enterprise Support Programme (ESP) under the Recylcling Fund provides matching funds for the projects to enhance the recycling value added chain covering source separation, collection, transportation, processing, product improvement, commercialization, marketing and sales of recycled products made from recyclables. Funding may also be provided for the training of staff to run the enhanced operation.
Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund)
The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund), as a catalyst for social innovation in Hong Kong, connects our community with different sectors, including businesses, NGOs, academics and philanthropies to create social impact through innovative solutions that address poverty and social exclusion.
The Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living (“FBL”)
The Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living (“FBL”) is a scheme for funding innovation and technology (“I&T”) projects which will make people’s daily living more convenient, comfortable and safer, or address the needs of specific community groups.
Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is a statutory body that has one simple goal – to transform Hong Kong into the regional hub for innovation and technology development. A hub that will diversify and grow the city’s economy, expand employment opportunities across a multitude of industries, raise Hong Kong’s status as a global powerhouse to a new level, foster talent and interest in STEM as well as offer them highly-sought-after tech careers, and most importantly, help create a sustainable world and brighter future for the younger generation.
Elevator Pitch Competition (EPiC)
Elevator Pitch Competition (EPiC), organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), is an exciting tech startup challenge drawing hundreds of brilliant minds from the globe to unleash their brain powers.
HKSTP Ventures
HKSTP Ventures (officially known as the Corporate Venture Fund) is an HKSTP-created fund that gives early-stage Hong Kong technology startups a chance to fully develop their ideas and create revolutionary new tech products and services.
Incu-App Incubation Programme
Incu-App is a 2-year Programme aiming to provide startup support to companies working on business innovation during their inception stages.
Incu-Bio Incubation Programme
The Incu-Bio Programme is a four-year Programme managed by the Biomedical Technology Cluster (BMT).
Incu-Tech Incubation Programme
Incu-Tech is a 3-year programme operated by HKSTP to provide a range of business and professional services to assist technology startups during their inception stages.
Leading Enterprises Acceleration Programme (LEAP)
The Leading Enterprises Acceleration Programme (LEAP) is a business acceleration programme that caters to startups’ distinctive needs for growth and accelerates their innovation onto the global stage.
Science and Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
The Science and Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is a one-year startup support programme designed to nurture tech-focused entrepreneurs to become successful startups and help them turn their brilliant ideas into reality.
TechnoPreneur Partnership Programme
HKSTP’s TechnoPreneur Partnership Programme (TPP) has a simple goal: to nurture Hong Kong’s technology startup community, and to promote and encourage entrepreneurship. The programme provides a wide range of starup supports services including investment support service, the soft landing centre, lab facilities, coaching, training, promotion, community outreach, business development support and incubation programmes.
Cyberport
Cyberport is an innovative digital community with about 1,400 technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government. With a vision to be the hub for digital technology thereby creating a new economic driver for Hong Kong, Cyberport is committed to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem by cultivating talent, promoting entrepreneurship among youth, supporting start-ups on their growth journey, fostering industry development by promoting strategic collaboration with local and international partners, and integrating new and traditional economies by accelerating digital adoption in the public and private sectors.
Cyberport Accelerator Support Programme
Cyberport Accelerator Support Programme prepares Cyberport incubatees and alumni for international markets and investors, providing up to HK$300,000 financial assistance to each successful applicant.
Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF)
Cyberport Creative Micro Fund encourages innovation and creativity in Hong Kong.
Cyberport Esports
Esports in Hong Kong is an emerging new sector with rapid development in recent years, with high economic potential. Cyberport has been endeavouring to establish a digital ecosystem for Hong Kong by inspiring the youth, nurturing start-ups, and empowering entrepreneurs for global connection, and is prepared to join hands with the industry players to foster the development of the esports sector.
Cyberport Incubation Programme
Cyberport Incubation Programme supports entrepreneurs and start-ups with resources that aim to accelerate their growth.
Cyberport Macro Fund (CMF)
We take pride in the vibrant creative digital cluster at Cyberport where we transform human potential into performance through championing innovative ideas, investing in the best minds, and embracing bright ideas in the digital world that shape the way we live and think.
Cyberport Tech Career Placement and Internship Programme (TCPIP)
Cyberport believes in the potential of Hong Kong’s burgeoning tech talents and supports entrepreneurs and dreamers alike. Therefore, the Cyberport Tech Career Placement Internship Programme is designed to provide opportunities for students who are enthusiastic about innovation and technology. The interns will engage in a field experience with an opportunity to learn with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Cyberport University Partnership Programme (CUPP)
The Cyberport University Partnership Programme (CUPP) is a life-changing experience to unleash participants’ full potential and gain insights into the global market! This financial technology (FinTech)-focused entrepreneurship programme offers students who are nominated by CUPP university partners of Cyberport a unique chance to participate in an Entrepreneurship Boot Camp overseas and receive mentorship from industry elites.
Overseas/Mainland Market Development Support Scheme (MDSS)
The Overseas/Mainland Market Development Support Scheme (MDSS) is announced by Hong Kong Government to provide a financial subsidy for graduates of Cyberport Incubation Programme (CIP) and Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF) to develop Mainland and Overseas market.
Government Support Bodies
The Hong Kong Government is committed to supporting startups and SMEs to help realise their vision and take their business to the next level. Find out more about support services provided by various government departments and statutory bodies.
“Four-in-One” SME Centres
To strengthen support for SMEs and to raise SMEs’ awareness of the various funding schemes, the Government has consolidated the services of existing SME centres.
CreateHK
The CreateHK is a dedicated agency set up under the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau on 1 June 2009 to lead, champion and drive the development of the creative economy in Hong Kong.
Cyberport
Cyberport is an innovative digital community with about 1,400 technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government.
Hong Kong Design Centre
As the Hong Kong government’s advisor on design, Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) sets its mission to champion design’s many possibilities, to constantly remind our community what great, intelligent designs can achieve and to lead the way for our next generation of designers.
Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC)
Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a multi-disciplinary organisation established by statute in 1967, to promote productivity excellence through integrated advanced technologies and innovative service offerings to support Hong Kong enterprises.
Hong Kong R&D Centres
The Hong Kong R&D Centre Programme is the core initiative driven by the Innovation and Technology Commission of HKSAR Government with the aim to harness Hong Kong’s advantages in applied research, intellectual property protection, business-friendly environment and proximity to the manufacturing based in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, to thrive as a regional technology service hub.
Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is a statutory body that has one simple goal – to transform Hong Kong into the regional hub for innovation and technology development.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade.
InvestHK
InvestHK’s vision is to strengthen Hong Kong’s status as the leading international business location in Asia.
Trade and Industry Department (TID) of the HKSAR Government
Based on Hong Kong’s free trade policy and our strengths as an open economy, TID works to facilitate and support the development of trade and industry in Hong Kong.
Fintech
InvestHK FintechHK
InvestHK is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government Department responsible for Foreign Direct Investment. It has set up a dedicated FinTech team in Hong Kong with correspondents located in London and San Francisco.
Fintech Sandboxes
Financial regulators in Hong Kong have set up three supervisory sandboxes to enable financial institutions to conduct pilot trials of innovative applications, enabling them to obtain real market data and information on user experience before the launch of any formal product, thereby reducing development time and costs.
Fintech Supervisory Sandbox (FSS)
The Fintech Supervisory Sandbox (FSS), launched by the HKMA in September 2016, allows banks and their partnering technology firms (tech firms) to conduct pilot trials of their fintech initiatives involving a limited number of participating customers without the need to achieve full compliance with the HKMA’s supervisory requirements.
Insurance Authority Insurtech Sandbox (“Sandbox”)
The IA launched an Insurtech Sandbox on 29 September 2017 to facilitate a pilot run of innovative Insurtech applications by authorized insurers to be applied in their business operations.
SFC Regulatory Sandbox
The SFC Regulatory Sandbox (Sandbox) is established to provide a confined regulatory environment for qualified firms1 to operate regulated activities under the SFO before Fintech is used on a fuller scale.
Innovation Solutions For Public Services Needs
The Government has launched two major initiatives to encourage startups and SMEs to put forward innovation solutions in I&T and engineering areas to enhance the quality and efficiency of public services.
EMSD E&M InnoPortal
EMSD launches E&M InnoPortal which is a platform for I&T collaboration and maintains a list of the technology development needs of various government departments, public bodies and the E&M trade.
Smart Government Innovation LAB
The Smart LAB provides a platform to connect government departments with the information technology (IT) sector, particularly local start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help departments leverage on the innovation and technical solutions from the industry to formulate innovative measures for enhancing the quality and efficiency of public services.