Objectives:
- Launched in September 2024 to support enterprises in strategic industries.
- Focus on life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, advanced manufacturing, and new energy technologies.
- Aim to fund the setup of new smart production facilities in Hong Kong.
Target Beneficiaries:
- Enterprises incorporated in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
- Not government subvented organizations or subsidiaries.
- Must commit at least HKD 200 million investment within approved funding scope.
- Projects must involve high-end, advanced smart production technology.
- Minimum total project cost: HKD 300 million per project.
- Each enterprise can have up to two approved projects.
Key Features:
- Funding on a matching basis: Government provides 1 part for every 2 parts from the enterprise.
- Government funding covers up to one-third of total approved project cost or HKD 200 million, whichever is lower.
- Funding scope includes expenses for establishing smart production facilities and necessary specialized and auxiliary equipment.
- Project duration typically within 36 months.
- Smart production facilities must integrate technologies like IoT, real-time data acquisition, AI/machine learning, automation, robotics, sensors, and sustainable tech.
- Facilities funded cannot be transferred outside Hong Kong or to other parties within five years without government approval.
- Legal charge on facilities in favor of the government to ensure compliance.
Application Process:
- Applications accepted year-round via the Innovation and Technology Commission Funding Administrative System (ITCFAS).
- Applicants must submit all required documents including a guide and checklist.
- Initial assessment by ITC, followed by vetting by the New Industrialisation Vetting Committee.
- Final funding approval by the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology.
Additional Support:
- Research Talent Hub (RTH-NIAS) allows engagement of additional research talents on a matching basis.
- Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS-NIAS) permits hiring of non-local technical personnel with up to five quotas per enterprise, valid for two years, on a pilot basis.
Contact:
Tel: (852) 3655 5678
Email: nias@itc.gov.hk
This scheme is designed to accelerate Hong Kong's industrialisation with cutting-edge smart manufacturing technologies and substantial investment commitments from enterprises.
