Funding

Grant

Entrepreneurship•Hong Kong

HKSTP Ideation Programme

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)

Application Deadline

Closed · May 18, 2026

Expected to reopen

Official Page

The Ideation Programme is run by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), the public body that operates Hong Kong Science Park. It is the entry rung of HKSTP’s startup ladder, sitting below the Incubation and Co-Acceleration programmes. Over one year, an individual, a team or a newly incorporated company works a technology idea into a testable business, with seed money going to prototype development, R&D and business validation.

Account managers and industry mentors handle the coaching side. HKSTP puts in the funding without taking equity. Founders who make good progress are recommended to apply for the HKSTP Incubation Programmes afterwards.

Benefits & funding

  • Seed funding of up to HKD 100,000, released in stages as milestones are assessed
  • No equity is given up in exchange for the funding
  • Use of co-working space, subject to availability
  • Training and coaching from an assigned account manager, covering market validation, business modelling and pitching
  • Mentorship from industry professionals and access to the HKSTP startup network
  • Recommendation to apply for the HKSTP Incubation Programmes for further support

Eligibility

  • Every applicant needs an innovative idea supported by R&D and business planning
  • Individual route: an HKID holder aged 18 or above
  • Company route: a limited company incorporated in Hong Kong for less than two years as at the application start date
  • Team route: the team must incorporate a Hong Kong limited company within two weeks of approval by the Ideation admission panel
  • No nationality requirement is stated. Founders living outside Hong Kong can qualify through the company or team route, which turns on where the company is incorporated rather than where the founder lives
  • No degree level or years of work experience are required
  • Applications are assessed on team competency, business development potential, innovativeness, and research and development

Can you apply?

Here's who can apply

Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.

  • Age requirement

    ≥ 18 yrs

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Application process

  1. 1
    Wait for an open window: HKSTP accepts Ideation applications every January, May and September.
  2. 2
    Submit the application through the HKSTP Partners Connect portal.
  3. 3
    Pre-screening by the admission panel.
  4. 4
    Panel assessment meeting or material review, for shortlisted applications only.
  5. 5
    Online due diligence meeting.
  6. 6
    Results are announced. A team applicant then incorporates a Hong Kong limited company within two weeks.

Program timeline

  1. 4 May 2026

    Applications open for cohort 26-22, the September 2026 intake

  2. Application deadline for cohort 26-22

    18 May 2026, 12:00 noon

  3. Panel assessment

    Late May to late June 2026

  4. Due diligence meetings

    Mid to late July 2026

  5. Results announced

    Late July 2026

  6. Cohort 26-22 begins; the next application window is expected in the same month, with exact dates not yet published

    September 2026

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