Deadline: 17-Jul-2026
The Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) supports applied R&D projects in Hong Kong that promote innovation and technology transfer to local industries.
The programme is designed to:
- Bridge research and commercial application
- Strengthen collaboration between academia and industry
- Support innovation-driven economic development
- Promote technology transfer and commercialization
It is structured into three project types: platform, seed, and collaborative projects.
Key Project Types
Platform Projects (Industry-Oriented Applied R&D)
These projects focus on commercialisation-ready research.
Key features:
- Industry-oriented applied R&D with commercial potential
- Maximum duration: 24 months
- Minimum industry sponsorship: 10% of total cost
- Intellectual property (IP) owned by lead applicant
- Strong focus on market application and technology transfer
Seed Projects (Exploratory R&D)
These are early-stage or experimental research projects.
Key features:
- Exploratory and forward-looking R&D
- Supports future applied research development
- Maximum duration: 18 months
- Funding limits:
- Up to HK$2.8 million (R&D Centres)
- Up to HK$1.4 million (other eligible applicants)
- No mandatory industry sponsorship
- IP owned by lead applicant
Collaborative Projects (Industry–Research Partnerships)
These projects support joint development between research institutions and industry.
Key features:
- Joint R&D between research bodies and industry partners
- Maximum duration: 36 months
- Minimum industry sponsorship: 50% of total project cost
- Strong commercialization and co-development focus
- IP ownership:
- Belongs to industry co-applicant if it contributes ≥50% funding
Funding Structure Summary
- Seed projects: up to HK$2.8M / HK$1.4M depending on applicant type
- Platform projects: industry co-funded (≥10%)
- Collaborative projects: industry co-funded (≥50%)
Who is Eligible?
For Platform and Seed Projects
Eligible applicants include:
- R&D Centres in Hong Kong
- Designated local public research institutes
For Collaborative Projects
Eligible structure:
- Lead applicant: R&D Centre or designated public research institute
- Co-applicant: Industry partner, such as:
Intellectual Property (IP) Rules
- Platform projects: IP owned by lead applicant
- Seed projects: IP owned by lead applicant
- Collaborative projects: IP ownership depends on funding share
- If industry co-applicant contributes ≥50%, it owns IP
Project Duration
- Seed projects: up to 18 months
- Platform projects: up to 24 months
- Collaborative projects: up to 36 months
Programme Objectives
The ITSP aims to:
- Translate research into real-world industrial applications
- Strengthen Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem
- Encourage industry-research collaboration
- Support commercialization of technologies
- Build capacity in R&D institutions
Why This Programme Matters
The ITSP strengthens innovation by connecting research institutions with industry needs.
It helps:
- Accelerate commercialization of research outputs
- Improve industry competitiveness
- Encourage public-private innovation partnerships
- Support long-term technological development in Hong Kong
- Foster a strong applied R&D ecosystem
Conclusion
The Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) in Hong Kong provides structured funding for applied R&D through platform, seed, and collaborative projects. By supporting both early-stage research and industry-driven innovation, the programme enhances technology transfer and strengthens collaboration between research institutions and industry partners.
For more information, visit Innovation and Technology Commission.
