Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS)

Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS) - Hong Kong - 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.