Research Talent Hub for Technology Companies Conducting R&D Activities in Hong Kong (RTH-TC)

Research Talent Hub for Technology Companies Conducting R&D Activities in Hong Kong (RTH-TC) is a funding program launched in July 2020 to support technology companies conducting or planning R&D activities in Hong Kong by engaging research talents. Objectives: - Provide funding support to technology companies for engaging research talents in R&D work. - Promote R&D activities in Hong Kong by technology companies. - Merge previous Researcher Programme and Postdoctoral Hub for technology companies. Target Beneficiaries: - Applicant companies must: - Conduct or plan to conduct R&D activities in Hong Kong. - Have substantive business operations in Hong Kong. - Be registered/incorporated in Hong Kong. - Not be government subvented organizations or subsidiaries. - Research talents must: - Be legally permitted to work in Hong Kong. - Hold a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree in STEM disciplines from recognized institutions. - R&D activities must involve advancing science or technology through original investigation or application of research findings. Key Features: - Up to 4 research talents can be engaged simultaneously by an applicant company. - Maximum engagement period per talent is 36 months. - Monthly salary allowance: HK$20,000 (bachelor), HK$23,000 (master), HK$35,000 (doctoral). - Additional monthly living allowance of HK$10,000 for doctoral degree holders. - Full-time engagement required; no part-time or freelance. - Funding covers salary allowance only, excluding fringe benefits or overheads. Application Process: - Applications accepted year-round via the Innovation and Technology Commission Funding Administrative System. - Open, fair, and conflict-free recruitment process required. - Companies can employ talents before or after application but funding starts only after approval. - Related companies with separate registrations and different R&D activities can apply separately. Additional Notes: - Incubatees and tenants of HKSTPC and Cyberport should apply under RTH-SPC. - Companies subsidized under NIAS should apply under RTH-NIAS. Contact: - Tel: (852) 3543 5904 - Email: rthtc-enquiry@itc.gov.hk For detailed guidelines, applicants are advised to read the official application guide on the program website.