Innovation and Technology Fund — Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS)
創新及科技基金 企業支援計劃（ESS）
Status not published
Applications are accepted all year round through the ITF electronic submission system, with assessment by vetting panels held periodically.
Funding on a matching basis of up to HK$10 million per project, covering up to 50% of total project cost, for in-house R&D by Hong Kong companies. The company owns the resulting IP. Project duration is normally up to 24 months.
You must co-fund 50%.
Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), Government of the HKSAR
public · national
Deadline: rolling — Applications are accepted all year round through the ITF electronic submission system, with assessment by vetting panels held periodically.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Major bid — written case, budget, possibly partners.
You fund 50% yourself.
Who can apply
- Sectors: deeptech, ai, health, manufacturing, fintech, energy
- Stage: seed, series_a, growth
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
Companies registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance with substantive business operations in Hong Kong. The project must be conducted mainly in Hong Kong and must not be a routine upgrade. Shell companies and companies without a track record of operations are not eligible.
How to apply
- Prepare the R&D project proposal with technical objectives, deliverables and budget.
- Submit through the ITF online system with company and financial information.
- Preliminary screening and, where required, a presentation to the vetting committee.
- Approval and signing of the project agreement.
- Milestone reporting and reimbursement of the government share of actual expenditure.
What you will need
- Project proposal with technical detail and deliverables
- Detailed budget
- Business Registration Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation and NAR1
- Audited financial statements for the past two years
- CVs of the project team
- Evidence of the company's matching funds
Source. https://www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding-programmes/supporting-research/ess/index.html — checked 2026-08-14 · not human-checked
"The Enterprise Support Scheme provides funding support to private companies for their in-house R&D on a matching basis."