HKSTP Ideation Programme
HKSTP's first non-dilutive seed money for very early ideas: up to HK$100K, disbursed in 3 milestone tranches over a 1-year support period, with co-working space and mentors. Low barrier — individuals (holding a HK ID card) or HK companies under 2 years old can apply — but there are only three recruitment windows a year, around January, May, and September.
You have a tech idea with genuine R&D content, still at a very early stage (individual / team / newly formed HK company), and want non-dilutive money to get a prototype and business plan off the ground.
You already have revenue and a product to scale (see HKSTP Incubation / Cyberport CIP); or you run a non-tech business (see BUD).
- Deadline / window
- By cohort — opens around January, May, and September each year
- Duration
- 1-year support period
- Company age
- Individuals must hold a HK ID card and be 18+; companies must be HK limited companies under 2 years old (a HK company must be set up within 2 weeks of approval)
- For whom
- Very early / pre-seed innovative ideas with real R&D content; individuals / teams / companies under 2 years old
- Apply online via HKSTP's Partners Connect platform
- Idea description + business plan (assessment covers team capability, commercialisation potential, innovation, and R&D)
What you get
A non-dilutive seed grant of up to HK$100K (paid across 3 milestones), plus co-working space at the Science Park, training and coaching, a mentor platform, and a start-up network. The goal is to push an idea with real R&D content to the point where it can produce a prototype and articulate a clear commercialisation path.
- 1
Catch the recruitment window
Opens around Jan / May / Sep each year; miss it and you wait for the next round.
Pitfall: The windows are fixed slots, not rolling year-round — don't miss them.
- 2
Prepare your idea and business plan
Spell out the innovation, R&D content, team capability, and commercialisation potential.
Pitfall: An idea with no R&D content and no business plan will struggle to pass assessment.
- 3
Submit online via Partners Connect
Submit via partnersconnect.hkstp.org; assessment takes about 3 months after the deadline.
- 4
Approved → register a HK company within 2 weeks
Team applicants must set up a Hong Kong limited company within 2 weeks of approval.
Pitfall: Not allowing time for registration leaves you stuck at the final step.
- 5
Draw the 3 tranches by milestone
Each tranche is released as you hit a milestone, with stage deliverables required.
Pitfall: Miss a milestone and you won't get the later tranches.
- 01Only have an idea → watch for the next Jan / May / Sep window and nail down the R&D content and business plan first.
- 02Also early-stage → Cyberport CCMF is also a HK$100K seed but accepts applications year-round; compare the timing of both.
- 03Once it's working → go for HKSTP Incubation for a larger amount and full incubation.
Amounts, recruitment windows, and eligibility change with each official cohort announcement; before applying, rely on HKSTP's official programme page and application guideline.