Essential Guide for Entrepreneurs: Hong Kong Government Entrepreneurship Subsidy of HKD 1 Million Many people start businesses without knowing that the Hong Kong government provides a lot of subsidies. And if planned properly, a startup company can apply for multiple government programs such as startup funding, R&D talent subsidies, and talent visas at the same time, accumulating millions of Hong Kong dollars in support. Below, the editor has compiled the four most noteworthy plans for technology startups: one ️⃣ Cyberport Incubation Programme Introduction: A 24 month digital technology startup incubation program that helps transform solutions into market products and expand business. Positioning: The preferred incubation program for startups such as AI and Web3. Subsidy amount: HKD 500000 cash assistance+up to HKD 200000 market subsidy, as well as support for office space, mentorship, investor resources, and business networks. ✅ Advantages: The subsidy is considerable, and according to current public information, it is not safe to sign. ⚠️ Disadvantage: 50W is not a one-time distribution, multiple milestones need to be completed during the cultivation period, and periodic reports need to be submitted. Threshold requirements: ·Technology limited companies registered (or currently registered) in Hong Kong, established for less than 7 years at the application deadline ·The founding team holds over 51% of the shares or has control ·There is a feasible business plan, and the product/service can be marketed within 12-18 months ·At least one local authorized representative shall actually work in Hong Kong during the cultivation period (personal testing within the first milestone is also acceptable) Recommended rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Application time: Applications will be accepted throughout the year and will be approved in batches (e.g. recruitment in June 2026 will end on April 1, 2026; recruitment in October will end on August 3, 2026). Application link: https://www.cyberport.hk/zh-hk/entrepreneurship/cyberport_incubation_programme/ (Submitted through the Cyberport Entrepreneurship Management System) two ️⃣ Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Innovation Incubation Programme Introduction: A 3-year (up to 4 years for biopharmaceuticals) deep technology start-up cultivation program. Positioning: A hardcore technology enterprise with a certain scale and research and development capabilities. Subsidy amount: Provide a maximum subsidy of approximately HKD 1.29 million (general business: cash of approximately HKD 840000+rental allowance of approximately HKD 450000). ✅ Advantages: High funding amount; Strong R&D laboratory/equipment support; After graduation, one can still access the park ecosystem. ⚠️ Disadvantages: High threshold, some tracks require evaluation and signing of SAFE. Threshold requirements: -Hong Kong registered limited liability company -At least 2 full-time employees, with half engaged in scientific research work -The company's valuation cap is approximately $5 million -There are disruptive technologies/MVPs or prototypes that have been validated in the market -The founding team usually requires shareholding control rights Recommendation index: 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Application time: Applications are accepted throughout the year. Application link: https://www.hkstp.org/zh-hk/programmes/incubation/incubation-programme (Online submission of business plan) three ️⃣ Research Talent Hub, RTH (Research Talent Pool) Introduction: A talent subsidy that supports qualified companies/institutions to hire STEM research talents for research and development work. Subsidy amount: Monthly maximum salary allowance: 20000 yuan for bachelor's degree, 23000 yuan for master's degree, and 35000 yuan for doctoral degree; The doctor will receive an additional monthly living allowance of 10000 yuan. Generally, each company/project can have a maximum of 4 people at the same time, with each person having a maximum of 36 months. ✅ Advantages: Pure funding subsidy, with 4 master's degree holders earning nearly 100000 yuan in net subsidies per month, which is more valuable than anything else. ⚠️ Disadvantages: The process is very long, taking about nine months to apply and another six months to receive the money. During this period, the salary MPF must be paid normally. Threshold requirements: -The application company needs to meet the requirements; -Talents need to be permanent residents of Hong Kong or authorized to work legally in Hong Kong; -Hold a bachelor's/master's/doctoral degree in STEM from a local or recognized non local university. Recommended rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Application time: Applications are accepted throughout the year. Application link: https://www.itf.gov.hk/sc/funding-programmes/nurturing-talent/research-talent-hub (Submitted through the Innovation and Technology Agency Fund Management System, with corresponding pages for different versions) four ️⃣ TechTAS (Technology Talent Admission Scheme) Introduction: The Fast Track Program allows qualified companies to import overseas and mainland technology talents to Hong Kong for full-time research and development work. The company first applies for quotas, and then sponsors talent to apply for work visas/entry permits. This plan belongs to the talent introduction policy, not a funding subsidy. ✅ Advantages: Simplified process (no need to prove local talent shortage on a case by case basis); Processing is fast; Tenants of science parks/digital ports have exclusive channels; Can apply for quotas and visas simultaneously. ⚠️ Disadvantages: Limited to specific technology research and development positions (such as AI, biotechnology, fintech, robotics, etc.); Talents must meet strict educational/experience requirements; Quotas are limited and require prior approval from the company; The salary must reach the market level. Threshold requirements: -Company: has substantial business and valid business registration in Hong Kong, engaged in technology related research and development. Incubation projects or tenants in digital ports or science and technology innovation parks. -Talent: STEM degree (specific top 100 universities globally); Master's/PhD programs do not require experience, while Bachelor's programs require at least 1 year of relevant experience; Full time engagement in designated research and development work; The salary shall not be lower than the market level (special cases may be considered based on professional ability). Recommendation index: 3-star ⭐⭐⭐ Application time: Accepted throughout the year (quota application+visa application). Application link: Plan introduction and quota: https://www.itc.gov.hk/ch/fund_app/techtas/about_techtas.html Visa application: https://www.immd.gov.hk/hkt/services/visas/TECHTAS.html (Science Park/Cyberport tenants can transfer through the park) Biteye suggests: Cyberport Incubation Program: The top choice for most AI, Web3, and software startups. Research Talent Hub (RTH): Once eligible, it is recommended to apply as early as possible to sustainably reduce the cost of the R&D team. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Innovation and Technology Incubation Program (HKSTP) is more suitable for entrepreneurial teams with strong research and development capabilities and a focus on hard technology. After CIP, you can continue to apply for the Science and Technology Innovation Park, where you can eat two fish. TechTAS: When the team starts international recruitment, focus on it again. Are there any entrepreneurs in Hong Kong! Welcome to discuss ideas about entrepreneurship or applying for subsidies in the comment section. Don't forget to connect with three buttons!