Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) - Platform

Objectives:

• Support applied research and development (R&D) projects by R&D Centres or designated local public research institutes.
• Facilitate transfer of R&D results to local industries.
• Focus on industry-oriented applied R&D projects with commercialisation potential.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Lead applicants must be R&D Centres or designated local public research institutes.
• Industry sponsors (at least 10% of total project cost) are required for platform projects.
• Companies (local or non-local) can participate as sponsors but do not own IP rights.
• Collaborative projects involve partnerships between R&D Centres/public institutes and industry co-applicants.

Key Features:

• Platform projects: max duration 24 months, require minimum 10% industry sponsorship, IP rights owned by lead applicant.
• Seed projects: exploratory, max funding HK$2.8M (R&D Centres) or HK$1.4M (others), max duration 18 months, no mandatory industry sponsorship, IP rights owned by lead applicant.
• Collaborative projects: max duration 36 months, require at least 50% industry sponsorship, IP rights owned by industry co-applicant if contributing ≥50% of project cost.
• Majority of R&D work must be conducted in Hong Kong; up to 50% can be in Mainland China with justification.
• Industry sponsors may receive benefits like early access to results or licensing discounts.

Application Process:

• ITSP (Platform & Seed) applications accepted once a year (next period: 25 Nov 2024 to 28 Feb 2025); R&D Centres can apply year-round.
• ITSP (Collaborative) applications accepted all year round.
• Applicants must follow detailed guides and submit via the Innovation and Technology Commission Funding Administrative System.
• Applications undergo preliminary screening, possible external review, and assessment by the Innovation and Technology Fund Research Projects Assessment Panel.

Contact:

• Tel: (852) 3655 5678
• Email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk

This programme aims to foster innovation by bridging research and industry needs, supporting projects with commercial potential, and encouraging collaboration between research institutions and industry partners.