Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS)

Objective:

• Launched in 2015 to encourage private sector investment in R&D.
• Provides funding support for local companies to conduct in-house R&D work.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Companies incorporated in Hong Kong.
• Must hold a current business registration certificate.
• Not government subvented organizations or subsidiaries thereof.

Key Features:

• Funding on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis.
• Maximum funding support: HKD 10 million per approved project.
• Maximum project duration: generally 24 months.
• Intellectual Property Rights belong to the recipient company.
• No requirement to recoup government contribution.
• No mandatory benefit sharing of commercialized R&D results.
• Procurement quotation limit revised to HKD 1,360,000 (effective from 31 Jan 2024).

Application Process:

• Applications accepted year-round via the Innovation and Technology Commission Funding Administrative System (ITCFAS).
• Submission requires a duly completed and signed application form with supporting documents including company incorporation certificate, business registration, latest annual return, and organizational chart.
• Applications are screened for eligibility and completeness.
• Assessed by an independent expert panel based on:
• innovation,
• technical and management capability,
• project cost reasonableness,
• commercial viability, and
• community/government policy relevance.
• Applicants may need to address panel comments and submit revised proposals within three months.
• Upon approval, applicants enter a funding agreement and comply with reporting and auditing requirements.

Assessment Criteria:

• Innovation and Technology Component (25%)
• Technical and Management Capability (20%)
• Reasonableness of Project Cost (15%)
• Commercial Viability of Project Deliverables (30%)
• Relevance to Community Interest or Government Policies (10%)

Typical notification of vetting results takes about 2 months after full submission.

For detailed guidelines, application forms, and FAQs, applicants are advised to consult the official ESS webpage and related documents.

Contact: ess@itc.gov.hk, Tel: (852) 3543 5906

This scheme supports Hong Kong companies in advancing innovation through funded R&D projects with flexible terms and strong intellectual property rights protection.