创业者必看攻略：香港政府创业补贴百万港币

Many entrepreneurs are unaware of the various subsidies the Hong Kong government offers. In fact, with proper planning, a startup can simultaneously apply for multiple government schemes—such as venture capital funding, R&D talent subsidies, and talent visas—accumulating millions of Hong Kong dollars in support.

👇 Below, we've compiled the four most noteworthy schemes currently available for tech startups:

1️⃣ Cyberport Incubation Programme

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

🎯 Positioning:The go-to incubation programme for startups in fields like AI and Web3.

💰 Funding Amount:HK$500,000 in cash grant + up to HK$200,000 in market development subsidies, along with office space, mentorship, investor connections, and business network support.

✅ Advantages:Substantial funding, and based on publicly available information, no SAFE is required.

⚠️ Disadvantages:The HK$500,000 is not disbursed in one lump sum. Several milestones must be completed during the incubation period, along with periodic progress reports.

📌 Eligibility Criteria:

·A technology company incorporated (or in the process of incorporation) in Hong Kong, established less than 7 years at the time of application

·Founding team holds more than 51% equity or has controlling interest

·A viable business plan, with product/services ready for marketing within 12–18 months

·At least one local authorized representative must be physically working in Hong Kong during the incubation period (personally tested—achieving this by the first milestone is acceptable)

👉 Recommendation Rating:5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📅 Application Timeline:Applications accepted year-round with batch reviews (e.g., the June 2026 intake closes on April 1, 2026; the October intake closes on August 3, 2026).

🔗 Application Link:https://cyberport.hk/en/entrepreneurship/cyberport_incubation_programme/ (Submit via the Cyberport Entrepreneurship Management System)

2️⃣ HKSTP Incubation Programme

💡 Overview:A 3-year (up to 4 years for biomedical) deep-tech startup incubation programme.

🎯 Positioning:For hardcore tech companies with established R&D capabilities and meaningful scale.

💰 Funding Amount:Up to approximately HK$1.29 million in support (general business: ~HK$840,000 cash + ~HK$450,000 rent subsidy).

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

⚠️ Disadvantages:High entry barriers; some tracks require evaluation and signing a SAFE.

📌 Eligibility Criteria:

- Incorporated as a limited company in Hong Kong

- At least 2 full-time employees, with half engaged in R&D

- Company valuation capped at approximately US$5 million

- Possesses disruptive technology/MVP or prototype with some market validation

- Founding team typically required to hold controlling equity

👉 Recommendation Rating:4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📅 Application Timeline:Applications accepted year-round.

🔗 Application Link:https://hkstp.org/en/programmes/incubation/incubation-programme (Submit business plan online)

3️⃣ Research Talent Hub (RTH)

💡 Overview:A talent subsidy programme funding eligible companies/organizations to hire STEM research talent for R&D work.

💰 Funding Amount:Monthly salary allowance up to: HK$20,000 for Bachelor's, HK$23,000 for Master's, HK$35,000 for PhD; PhD holders also receive an additional HK$10,000 monthly living allowance. Generally, a maximum of 4 researchers per company/project, with each supported for up to 36 months.

✅ Advantages:Pure cash subsidy. With a full team of 4 Master's degree holders, that's nearly HK$100,000 in monthly subsidies—hard to beat.

⚠️ Disadvantages:The process is extremely lengthy. Applications take about nine months, and receiving the funds takes another six months. Salaries and MPF contributions must be paid on time throughout.

📌 Eligibility Criteria:

- The applying company must meet the requirements;

- The talent must be a Hong Kong permanent resident or legally authorized to work in Hong Kong;

- Hold a Bachelor's/Master's/PhD degree in STEM from a local or recognized non-local university.

👉 Recommendation Rating:5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📅 Application Timeline:Applications accepted year-round.

🔗 Application Link:https://itf.gov.hk/sc/funding-programmes/nurturing-talent/research-talent-hub (Submit via the Innovation and Technology Fund Management System; different versions have corresponding pages)

4️⃣ TechTAS (Technology Talent Admission Scheme)

💡 Overview:A fast-track scheme enabling eligible companies to bring in overseas and Mainland tech talent to Hong Kong for full-time R&D work. Companies first apply for a quota, then sponsor talent for work visas/entry permits. This is a talent attraction policy, not a funding subsidy.

✅ Advantages:Simplified process (no need to prove local talent shortage case-by-case); faster processing; dedicated channels for Science Park/Cyberport tenants; quota and visa applications can be submitted concurrently.

⚠️ Disadvantages:Restricted to specific tech R&D roles (e.g., AI, biotech, fintech, robotics); talent must meet stringent academic/experience requirements; limited quotas requiring company approval first; salaries must meet market levels.

📌 Eligibility Criteria:

- Company: Has substantive business operations and valid business registration in Hong Kong, engaged in tech-related R&D. Must be an incubatee or tenant of Cyberport or HKSTP.

- Talent: STEM degree (from specific globally top-100 universities); Master's/PhD holders exempt from experience requirements, Bachelor's holders need at least 1 year of relevant experience; full-time engagement in designated R&D work; salary not below market level (exceptions may be considered based on professional competence).

👉 Recommendation Rating:3 stars ⭐⭐⭐

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

🔗 Application Links:

Scheme Overview & Quota:https://itc.gov.hk/ch/fund_app/techtas/about_techtas.html

Visa Application:https://immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/TECHTAS.html (Science Park/Cyberport tenants may submit via 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 early as possible to continuously reduce R&D team costs.

🥉 HKSTP Incubation Programme: Better suited for startups with strong R&D capabilities in hard-tech sectors. After CIP ends, you can also apply to HKSTP—getting the best of both worlds.

🏅 TechTAS: Focus on this when your team starts international hiring.

Are any of you starting a business in Hong Kong? Feel free to share your startup or subsidy application ideas in the comments—and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! 👇🔥