HSITP

IGNITE@HSITP

Accelerate Prototype to Market

The IGNITE@HSITP Programme provides funding and comprehensive support to start-ups, aiming to commercialise their research outcomes

Programme offering

Technology Domain	Life & Health Technology	AI & Data Science, New Energy, New Materials, Microelectronics, Robotics
Programme Duration	4 years	2 years
Funding	Up to HK$ 6 million	Up to HK$ 1 million
Programme Partner	Incubation operators and industry players to guide your start-up journey
Smart Office	Rent-free office space at HSITP, with access to shared facilities such as meeting room, multi-function room and networking area.
Value-add Support	Nomination to GAS@HSITP Programme

Application Procedure

1. Complete the online application form, including project milestones, and upload the required documents such as the business plan, pitch deck, business registration certificate and company incorporation certificate.

2. Submitted applications will be reviewed to ensure all mandatory admission criteria are met.

3. Shortlisted applications will be invited to attend an admission panel meeting.

4. Selected startups must pass a due diligence process and sign an appropriate agreement with HSITPL. The start-up must move into and based in HSITP within six months after being admitted to the Programme.

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Eligibility

• Research and development content related to one of the six pillar industries of HSITP (Including: Life & Health Technology, AI & Data Science, New Energy, New Materials, Microelectronics, and Robotics); AND

• The start-up must be a Hong Kong-incorporated private company limited by shares, established for less than five years as of the application deadline; AND

• The company must have at least two full-time staff; AND

• At least 50% of the full-time staff based at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park are engaged in R&D-related work.

FAQ

1. When is the application period of IGNITE@HSITP Programme?

The IGNITE@HSITP Programme opens for application once a year.

2. If my company is currently or has been an incubatee of the Ideation/ Incubation/ Acceleration/ Elite Programmes of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks or the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund / Cyberport Incubation Programmes of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, am I eligible to apply for the IGNITE@HSITP Programme?

If you are currently an incubatee of another incubation programme, please note that simultaneous participation in multiple programmes is not permitted.

If you have previously participated in other incubation programmes, you may still apply to the IGNITE@HSITP Programme, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and make a full declaration of your prior involvement. However, the same project cannot be submitted again; all applications must propose a new research and development initiative.

3. Can overseas’ start-ups join the IGNITE@HSITP Programme?

Sure! We welcome applications from start-ups worldwide. To be eligible, you should establish a private company limited by shares incorporated in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) and must carry out both research and development as well as administrative functions within Hong Kong.

You may submit your application using the incorporation details of your overseas company at the time of application. If your application is successful, you will receive conditional approval. To secure full admission approval into the programme, you must duly establish a private company limited by shares in Hong Kong within two weeks from the date of the admission result announcement.

4. Can my company apply for the SPIN@HSITP, IGNITE@HSITP, and GAS@HSITP programmes at the same time?

No, each start-up can only apply for one incubation programme at the same time.

5. What are the assessment criteria for the IGNITE@HSITP Programme?

The evaluation focuses on 5 main areas:

1. Quality and competency of the management team

2. Capability in Research and Development

3. Technology innovativeness

4. Commercialisation

5. Soundness of the milestone plan

6. If my application is unsuccessful, can I apply again?

Yes, you can apply again in the next cohort. However, if the new application is substantially the same as a previous ineligible or unsuccessful application, HSITPL has the full and final discretion to decide whether to process the application.

7. How is the funding from the IGNITE@HSITP Programme disbursed? Are there any designated on its use?

The funding is disbursed in equal instalments, based on the satisfaction of milestone assessment held every six months. For instance, Life & Health Technology start-ups will receive eight equal instalments and other technology domain start-ups will receive four equal instalments. There are no specific restrictions on how the funds must be used, but they should be primarily allocated for research and development purposes of the start-up. It is also the responsibility of the start-up to submit financial statement that reflects the cash flow of the funding as a supporting document during the milestone assessment.

8. Does the IGNITE@HSITP Programme allow early graduation?

Yes, start-ups may graduate early and are allowed to apply for the GAS@HSITP Programme. However, start-ups must submit a new application and follow the approval procedures of the chosen programmes. If a start-up is successfully admitted to another programme, it will graduate early and no longer be eligible to receive the remaining subsidies from the IGNITE @HSITP Programme.

9. Is it necessary to base my company in HSITP?

Yes, start-ups admitted to the programme are required to move into and be based at HSITP within six months of acceptance. During the programme period, a rent-free arrangement will be provided.