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. The most recent was Cohort 26-23 (January 2027 intake), with applications from 31 August 2026 12:00 to 14 September 2026 12:00, now closed; vetting generally takes about three months, with results due around late November 2026. The next window is pending official announcement (customarily around January, May and September, and each window is only about two weeks long — easy to miss)
- 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.