HKSAR Government Funding
Hong Kong Government Funding Schemes Directory
Compiled by GBAAIIA (Greater Bay Area Artificial Intelligence Industry Association) · Empowering Enterprises to Seize I&T Funding Opportunities
14
Funding Schemes
200M+
Max Funding Cap (HKD)
AI
Smart Technology Focus
01
R&D & Innovation
Enterprise Support Scheme
Objective
To fund local enterprises conducting in-house research and development (R&D) activities, with the aim of encouraging private sector investment in R&D.
Eligibility
- Incorporated in Hong Kong
- Holding a valid Business Registration Certificate
- Not a government-subvented organisation
- Not a subsidiary of any government-subvented organisation
Key Features
- Funding granted on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis
- Each approved project may receive up to HK$10 million in funding
- Project duration generally does not exceed 24 months
- The funded company owns the intellectual property generated from the project
- No requirement for recovery of government funding
- Benefit-sharing arrangements upon commercialisation of R&D outcomes are not mandatory
02
New Industrialisation
New Industrialisation Funding Scheme
Objective
To subsidise manufacturers in setting up new smart production lines in Hong Kong.
Eligibility
Companies incorporated in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) are eligible to apply.
Key Features
- The proposed production line, in whole or in its majority, should meet the criteria for "smart production"
- Government funding is provided on a 1 (Government) : 2 (Company) matching basis
- Funding cap: one-third of the total approved project expenditure or HK$15 million, whichever is lower
- Each company may submit up to 3 applications concurrently, with a combined maximum funding of HK$45 million
- Project duration is generally within 24 months
03
Training & Internship
New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme
Objective
To subsidise local enterprises on a 1 (Government) : 1 (Enterprise) matching basis, enabling their employees to receive advanced technology training, particularly training related to "New Industrialisation".
Eligibility
- Training institutions applying to register open courses must have at least two years of relevant experience
- Enterprises applying for training subsidies must be registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance
- Not a government or government-subvented organisation
- Nominated employees must be Hong Kong permanent residents with relevant background/experience
Key Features
- Up to HK$250,000 per enterprise per financial year
- Funding mode: reimbursement (with an option to receive 50% of the approved funding in advance)
- Each employee may receive subsidised funding for one course per financial year
- Both local and non-local courses are supported
- Two types of training are supported: open courses and tailor-made courses
04
New Industrialisation
New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme
Objective
To subsidise enterprises engaged in strategic industries — namely Life and Health Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and Advanced Manufacturing and New Energy Technology — to establish new smart production facilities in Hong Kong.
Eligibility
- Incorporated in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)
- Not a government-subvented organisation or a subsidiary thereof
- Committed to investing no less than HK$100 million within the approved funding scope
- Establishing new smart production facilities in Hong Kong under three designated technology areas
- Total project cost must be at least HK$150 million, with the enterprise contributing no less than HK$100 million
- The smart production facilities must incorporate high-end advanced technologies
Key Features
- Matching fund: Government provides funding on a 1 (Government) : 2 (Enterprise) matching basis
- Government funding cap is one-third of the total approved project expenditure or HK$200 million, whichever is lower
- Funding scope: direct costs related to establishing new smart production facilities in Hong Kong
- Project duration is generally within 36 months
05
SME Support
General Support Programme
Objective
To support non-research and development (non-R&D) projects that contribute to enhancing and promoting Hong Kong's industries, fostering an innovation and technology culture, and promoting popular science.
Eligibility
Applicants must be local organisations (e.g. non-profit trade and industry associations, public bodies, charitable organisations, local universities, local companies, etc.).
Key Features
- Supports non-R&D projects
- Sponsorship: at least 10% of the total project cost (higher proportion required for repeat applications)
- Eligible projects include conferences, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, promotional events, popular science activities, etc.
- Projects promoting products/services of specific commercial entities are generally not eligible for funding
06
Talent Programmes
Research Talent Hub (For Technology Companies Conducting R&D Activities in Hong Kong)
Objective
To provide funding to technology companies that are conducting or planning to conduct research and development (R&D) activities in Hong Kong, enabling them to hire research talent for R&D work.
Eligibility
- Currently conducting or planning to conduct R&D activities in Hong Kong
- Having substantive business operations in Hong Kong at the time of application
- Registered or incorporated in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance or the Companies Ordinance
- Not a government-subvented organisation or a subsidiary of such
Key Features
- Each company may employ up to 4 research talents concurrently
- Employment period generally up to 36 months
- Bachelor's degree holders: maximum monthly salary allowance of $20,000
- Master's degree holders: maximum monthly salary allowance of $23,000
- Doctoral degree holders: maximum monthly salary allowance of $35,000
- Doctoral research talents receive an additional monthly living allowance of $10,000
07
Talent Programmes
Research Talent Hub (For Companies Approved under the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme)
Objective
To provide funding to companies with approved projects under the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme, enabling them to hire research talent for R&D work and technicians to set up or operate smart production facilities.
Eligibility
- Companies with approved projects under the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme
- Research talent must be Hong Kong permanent residents or persons authorised to work legally in Hong Kong
- Research talent must hold a STEM-related bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree awarded by a local university
- Technicians must hold a Higher Diploma/Higher Certificate (Level 4 or above on the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework) with at least four years of relevant work experience
Key Features
- Employment period generally up to 36 months
- Each company may employ up to 4 research talents concurrently
- Bachelor's $20,000 / Master's $23,000 / Doctoral $35,000/month
- Doctoral research talents receive an additional monthly living allowance of $10,000
- Additional research talent may be hired on a 1:1 matching basis
- Up to 10 technician positions, with a maximum monthly allowance of $10,000 each
08
SME Support
SME Export Marketing Fund
Objective
To provide funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to encourage their participation in export promotion activities, thereby assisting them in expanding markets outside Hong Kong.
Eligibility
- Non-listed enterprises registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance
- Having substantive business operations in Hong Kong at the time of application
- Not an organiser, co-organiser, or service provider of the promotional activity in the application
Key Features
- Matching fund: Government provides funding on a 1 (Government) : 3 (Applicant Enterprise) matching basis
- Maximum funding per approved application is 25% of the approved expenditure or HK$100,000, whichever is lower
- Cumulative funding cap per enterprise is HK$1 million
- Activities related to building or optimising a company website/mobile application are subject to a funding cap of 50% of the cumulative ceiling
09
SME Support
Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund
Objective
To enhance the competitiveness of non-listed enterprises in Hong Kong, across all sectors or specific industries, by funding projects implemented by non-profit-distributing organisations.
Eligibility
- All non-profit-distributing organisations are eligible to apply
- Applicant organisations must be statutory bodies or organisations registered under the laws of the HKSAR
- Non-profit-distributing organisations refer to entities that do not distribute dividends, such as trade and industry associations, professional bodies, or research institutes
Key Features
- Each approved project may receive up to HK$5 million or 90% of the total approved project expenditure, whichever is lower
- The funded organisation must bear at least 10% of the total project expenditure (in cash, in-kind contributions, or sponsorship)
10
R&D & Innovation
CreateSmart Initiative
Objective
To provide funding for projects that are conducive to the development of Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries.
Eligibility
- Organisations/entities registered in Hong Kong, including: local academic institutions, industry support organisations, trade and commerce bodies, professional associations, research institutes, and companies
- The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and other government bureaux/departments are also eligible to apply
- Applicants must have a substantive connection to Hong Kong, with principal development, production, management, or general activities conducted locally
- Each application may only be submitted by a single organisation
Key Features
- Funding is granted as a subsidy equal to the balance after deducting projected income and other sponsorships during the project period
- Applications are accepted year-round, with themed calls for applications issued from time to time
11
SME Support
Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)
Objective
To fund individual non-listed Hong Kong enterprises in implementing projects related to branding, upgrading and restructuring, and expanding marketing channels, with the aim of enhancing competitiveness and promoting business development in markets covered by free trade agreements (FTAs) and/or investment agreements.
Eligibility
All non-listed enterprises registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) with substantive business operations in Hong Kong are eligible, regardless of whether they are in the manufacturing or services sector.
Key Features
- Funding is provided on a 1 (Government) : 3 (Enterprise) matching basis, with the government funding up to 25% of the total approved project expenditure
- Enterprises must bear no less than 75% of the total approved project expenditure in cash
- Combined cumulative funding cap for the "Mainland Programme" and the "FTA & Investment Agreement Programme" is HK$7 million per enterprise
- Funding cap per project is HK$800,000
- Projects must be completed within 24 months
12
SME Support
Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme
Objective
To fund non-profit projects that strengthen exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong's professional services sector and their counterparts in external markets, promote related promotional activities, and enhance the standards and external competitiveness of Hong Kong's professional services.
Eligibility
- Eligible beneficiaries are Hong Kong professionals from eligible professional services sectors
- Non-profit-distributing organisations operating as trade and industry associations, professional bodies, research institutes, etc. are eligible to apply
- Government-subvented organisations must obtain cash sponsorship (no less than 5% of the approved project cost) from non-subvented professional bodies, trade and industry organisations, or private enterprises
Key Features
- Maximum funding per approved project is 90% of the approved project cost or HK$3 million, whichever is lower
- Only direct expenditure for implementing the project is eligible for funding
- Remaining government funding (if any) will be recovered
13
New Industrialisation
Manufacturing and Production Line "Upgrade" Support Pilot Scheme
Objective
To support enterprises engaged in manufacturing operations or operating production lines in Hong Kong in formulating smart production strategies and introducing advanced technologies to their existing manufacturing operations or production lines.
Eligibility
- Registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) or incorporated under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)
- Not a listed company in Hong Kong, nor a government-subvented organisation or a subsidiary thereof
- Engaged in manufacturing operations or operating one or more production lines in Hong Kong for at least one year, relevant to the application project
Key Features
- Matching fund: Government provides funding on a 1 (Government) : 2 (Enterprise) matching basis
- Each enterprise may receive up to HK$250,000 or one-third of the total approved project cost, whichever is lower
- Each applicant may receive funding for a maximum of one project
- Funding may be used for consultancy and strategy formulation, equipment procurement and installation, and training services
- Project duration is generally within 12 months
14
Training & Internship
STEM Internship Scheme
Objective
To encourage STEM students to gain hands-on experience in innovation and technology-related work during their studies, nurturing their interest in pursuing I&T careers after graduation, and strengthening their confidence in building I&T careers in Hong Kong.
Eligibility
- Internship positions may be newly created or part of a company/organisation's existing internal internship programme
- Must be a local or non-local full-time position lasting no fewer than 28 consecutive calendar days
- Providing substantive and meaningful work related to innovation and technology
- Students must be enrolled in a full-time eligible STEM-related programme offered by a participating university
Key Features
- Participating institutions: designated local universities (including GBA branch campuses), five government-funded R&D centres, and the Hong Kong Productivity Council
- Allowance per intern is HK$11,190 per month (effective from 1 April 2023)
- Maximum allowance period is determined by each participating institution, not exceeding 90 days per academic year
- The Innovation and Technology Commission disburses funding to participating institutions on a reimbursement basis
- Employers may offer additional remuneration on top of the scheme allowance
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