Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme

This funding and support initiative organized by the Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) of The University of Hong Kong (HKU), supported by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) under the Youth Development Fund (YDF), aims to empower young tech entrepreneurs to transform their innovative concepts into viable business ventures in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Objectives:

• Provide seed funding, mentorship, and access to key resources to young tech entrepreneurs.
• Facilitate the development and commercialization of tech innovations.
• Promote entrepreneurship and business growth in Hong Kong and the GBA.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Start-up companies or teams with at least two members.
• The Person-in-Charge (PIC) must be an HKU member (student, staff, or alum) owning at least 20% equity or an existing/prospective HKU IP licensee.
• Applicants must be young entrepreneurs aged 18-39, holding a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card.
• Start-ups must be incorporated in Hong Kong for less than 3 years or plan to incorporate before funding starts.
• Non-eligible businesses include unlawful, illegal, tobacco-related, gambling advocacy, or obscene businesses.

Key Features:

• Seed funding up to HK$600,000 (HK$480,000 grant + HK$120,000 interest-free loan).
• Up to 24 months incubation support including mentorship, legal and financial services, and training workshops.
• Structured entrepreneurship training such as Lean Launcher Programme and HKU TEC’s Entrepreneurship Academy.
• Access to iDendron co-working spaces at HKU and Shenzhen.
• Opportunities for learning, exchange, and participation in competitions, forums, exhibitions, and online showcases.
• Emphasis on team competency, creativity, business model viability, market potential, and social impact in selection criteria.

Application Process:

• Submit an online application by July 6, 2025, including pitch deck (max 15 slides), 3-5 minutes pitching video, CVs of PIC and team, and signed declaration for HKU IP use if applicable.
• Shortlisted applicants submit detailed business plans and supporting documents.
• Due diligence meetings may be conducted.
• Selected teams undergo Lean Launcher training and final assessment before funding approval.

This program offers comprehensive support to young innovators to accelerate their start-ups from prototyping to market launch within the GBA ecosystem.