HSITP

SPIN@HSITP

Transform Innovative Ideas into Business

The SPIN@HSITP Programme aims to support innovative entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into successful ventures. This programme focuses on nurturing entrepreneurs dedicated to technology R&D, providing seed funding alongside comprehensive startup support to encourage them in turning promising concepts into viable business plans.

Programme Offering

Programme Duration	1 year
Seed Funding	Up to HK$150,000 grant
Entrepreneurship Academy	Extensive training covering business planning, project pitching, and other core areas
Programme Partner	Incubation operators and industry players to guide your start-up journey
Smart Office	Connect with our ecosystem with access to co-working spaces in HSITP
Value-add Support	Nomination for IGNITE@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 teams or start-ups must pass a due diligence process and sign an appropriate agreement with HSITPL.

APPLY NOW (coming soon)

Eligibility

• Have an innovative idea 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

• For company applications: it must be a Hong Kong-incorporated private company limited by shares, established for less than two years as of the application deadline; OR

• For team applications: all applicants must be aged 18 or above. Upon approval, a private company limited by shares must be incorporated in Hong Kong within two weeks.

FAQ

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

The SPIN@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 SPIN@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 SPIN@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 SPIN@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 initially apply as a team. If your application is successful, you will receive conditional approval. To secure full admission into the programme, you must duly establish a private company limited by shares incorporated in Hong Kong within two weeks from the date of 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. Does the SPIN@HSITP Programme allow early graduation?

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

6. What are the assessment criteria for the SPIN@HSITP Programme?

The evaluation focuses on four main areas:

1. Quality and competency of the management team

2. Technology innovativeness

3. Research & Development content

4. Business development potential

7. How is the HKD 150,000 seed funding from the SPIN@HSITP Programme disbursed? Are there any designated on its use?

The HKD150,000 seed funding is disbursed in two equal instalments, based on the satisfaction of milestone assessment held every 6 months. There are no specific restrictions on how the funds must be used, as long as the expenditure is related to the development of the start-up.

8. 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.