Essential Guide for Entrepreneurs: Hong Kong Government Offers Startup Subsidies of Up to HKD 1 Million

Author: Biteye

Many aspiring entrepreneurs are unaware that the Hong Kong government provides numerous subsidies. With proper planning, a startup can apply for multiple government programs, including startup funding, R&D talent subsidies, and talent visas, potentially receiving millions of HKD in support.

👇 Below, I have compiled four key programs that tech startups should pay attention to:

1️⃣ Cyberport Incubation Programme

💡 Overview: A 24-month incubation program for digital tech startups, helping transform solutions into market products and expand businesses.

🎯 Target Audience: The preferred incubation program for startups in AI, Web3, and similar fields.

💰 Subsidy Amount: HKD 500,000 cash grant + up to HKD 200,000 in market subsidies, along with support for office space, mentorship, investor resources, and business networks.

✅ Advantages: Substantial subsidies; currently available information indicates no SAFE signing required.

⚠️ Disadvantages: The HKD 500,000 is not disbursed in one go; multiple milestones must be achieved during the incubation period, along with submitting progress reports.

📌 Eligibility Requirements:

• Technology companies registered (or in the process of registering) in Hong Kong, established for less than 7 years at the time of application.
• The founding team must hold over 51% of the shares or have control.
• A viable business plan, with products/services ready for marketing within 12-18 months.
• At least one local authorized representative must work in Hong Kong during the incubation period (achieving the first milestone within this timeframe is acceptable).

👉 Recommendation Rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📅 Application Period: Applications are accepted year-round, with batch approvals (e.g., recruitment ending in June 2026 will close on April 1, 2026; recruitment ending in October 2026 will close on August 3, 2026).

🔗 Application Link: https://cyberport.hk/zh-hk/entrepreneurship/cyberport_incubation_programme/ (Submit through the Cyberport Entrepreneurship Management System)

2️⃣ HKSTP Incubation Programme

💡 Overview: A 3-year (4 years for biotech) in-depth incubation program for tech startups.

🎯 Target Audience: Established tech companies with R&D capabilities.

💰 Subsidy Amount: Up to approximately HKD 1.29 million in funding (general business: approximately HKD 840,000 in cash + approximately HKD 450,000 in rent subsidies).

✅ Advantages: High funding amounts; strong support for R&D laboratories/equipment; continued access to the park ecosystem after graduation.

⚠️ Disadvantages: High entry barriers; some tracks require assessment and signing of SAFE.

📌 Eligibility Requirements:

• Hong Kong registered limited company.
• At least 2 full-time employees, with half engaged in research work.
• Company valuation cap of approximately USD 5 million.
• Must have disruptive technology/MVP or prototype, with some market validation.
• The founding team typically needs to maintain control of shares.

👉 Recommendation Rating: 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📅 Application Period: Applications are accepted year-round.

🔗 Application Link: https://hkstp.org/zh-hk/programmes/incubation/incubation-programme (Submit business proposals online)

3️⃣ Research Talent Hub (RTH)

💡 Overview: Subsidies for eligible companies/institutions to hire STEM research talent for R&D work.

💰 Subsidy Amount: Monthly salary subsidies up to HKD 20,000 for bachelor's, HKD 23,000 for master's, and HKD 35,000 for PhDs; an additional HKD 10,000 living allowance for PhDs. Each company/project can have a maximum of 4 talents at a time, for up to 36 months.

✅ Advantages: Pure cash subsidies; a full team of 4 master's graduates can net nearly HKD 100,000 in subsidies monthly, which is very attractive.

⚠️ Disadvantages: The process is lengthy, taking about nine months to apply, and another six months to receive funds, during which salaries and MPF must be paid regularly.

📌 Eligibility Requirements:

• The applying company must meet the requirements;
• Talents must be permanent residents of Hong Kong or authorized to work legally in Hong Kong;
• Hold a local or recognized non-local university degree in STEM (bachelor's/master's/PhD).

👉 Recommendation Rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📅 Application Period: Applications are accepted year-round.

🔗 Application Link: https://itf.gov.hk/sc/funding-programmes/nurturing-talent/research-talent-hub (Submit through the Innovation and Technology Commission's fund management system, with corresponding pages for different versions)

4️⃣ Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)

💡 Overview: A fast-track program allowing eligible companies to bring in overseas and mainland tech talents to work full-time in R&D in Hong Kong. Companies apply for quotas first, then sponsor talents for work visas/entry permits. This program is part of the talent import policy, not a funding subsidy.

✅ Advantages: Simplified process (no need to prove local talent shortages case by case); faster processing; dedicated channels for tenants of Science Park/Cyberport; quotas and visas can be applied for simultaneously.

⚠️ Disadvantages: Limited to specific tech R&D positions (e.g., AI, biotech, fintech, robotics); talents must meet strict educational/experience requirements; quotas are limited and must be approved for the company first; salaries must meet market levels.

📌 Eligibility Requirements:

• Company: Must have substantial business operations and valid business registration in Hong Kong, engaged in tech-related R&D. Must be a tenant or incubator project of Cyberport or Science Park.
• Talent: STEM degree (from specific top 100 global universities); master's/PhD with no experience required, bachelor's must have at least 1 year of relevant experience; must work full-time in designated R&D roles; salaries must not be below market levels (exceptions can be considered based on professional capabilities).

👉 Recommendation Rating: 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐

📅 Application Period: Applications accepted year-round (quota application + visa application).

🔗 Application Links:

Program introduction and quotas: https://itc.gov.hk/ch/fund_app/techtas/about_techtas.html

Visa application: https://immd.gov.hk/hkt/services/visas/TECHTAS.html (Tenants of Science Park/Cyberport can submit through the park)

💡 Biteye's Recommendations:

🥇 Cyberport Incubation Programme: The top choice for most AI, Web3, and software startups.

🥈 Research Talent Hub (RTH): Once eligible, apply as soon as possible to continuously reduce R&D team costs.

🥉 HKSTP Incubation Programme: More suitable for teams with strong R&D capabilities and hard tech directions. After CIP ends, you can continue to apply for the Science Park, achieving two benefits with one application.

🏅 TechTAS: Focus on this when the team starts international recruitment.

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