Research Talent Hub (ITF Projects)

It is a funding program launched in July 2020 by the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) in Hong Kong. It aims to support organizations and companies undertaking ITF-funded R&D projects by enabling them to engage qualified research talent to conduct research and development work. The program merges the previous Researcher Programme and Postdoctoral Hub for ITF projects.

Objectives:

• Provide funding support to organizations/companies for engaging research talent in ITF-funded R&D projects.
• Foster talent development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Applicant organizations/companies must be undertaking ITF-funded R&D projects.
• Research talent must be legally permitted to work in Hong Kong.
• Research talent must hold a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree in STEM from a recognized local or non-local university (or jointly awarded degrees).

Key Features:

• Each ITF project can engage up to 4 research talents simultaneously.
• Maximum engagement period per research talent is generally 36 months.
• Monthly salary allowance: HK$20,000 for bachelor’s degree holders, HK$23,000 for master’s, and HK$35,000 for doctoral degree holders.
• Additional monthly living allowance of HK$10,000 for doctoral degree holders for up to 36 months.
• Research talents must be engaged full-time and remuneration is separate from fringe benefits or overhead expenses.

Application Process:

• Applications are accepted year-round.
• Applications must be submitted through the Innovation and Technology Commission Funding Administrative System (ITCFAS).
• Applicants should read the RTH-ITF Application Guide before submission.
• The selection process must be open, fair, and free from conflicts of interest.

Contact for enquiries is available via phone, fax, or email.

This program supports the nurturing of research talent to enhance R&D capabilities in Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem.