Public Sector Trial Scheme – ITF Projects (PSTS-ITF)

Objective

Launched in March 2011, PSTS-ITF aims to provide funding support for production of prototypes/samples and/or conducting of trials in the public sector to facilitate and promote the realisation and commercialisation of research and development (R&D) results under ITF projects.

Eligibility

All completed ITF R&D projects undertaken by R&D Centres¹ and designated local public research institutes² are eligible for funding support under the Scheme. The applicant should either be the R&D Centre/designated local public research institute undertaking the project; or the company owning the intellectual property (IP) of the project deliverables.

Key Features

Maximum Funding Support: 50% of the actual cost of the original R&D project (and up to 100% for projects initiated by R&D Centres).
Maximum Project Duration: 24 months.
Industry sponsorship: NOT mandatory.
Use of samples/prototypes and conducting of trials are confined to the public sector which includes Government bureaux and departments, public bodies, non-profit-making trade associations, charitable organisations, etc.
Trial projects should aim to facilitate the development of new products not already available in the market currently, and should employ the R&D results/deliverables of the completed ITF projects.

Application

PSTS-ITF invites applications for funding all year round. Please read the following document before submitting an application:

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Assessment

Vetting will be conducted by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC). ITC may seek clarification or supplementary information from the applicant if necessary. Eligible applications will be submitted to the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology for approval of funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who can be the trial organisation under PSTS-ITF?

Use of samples/prototypes and/or conducting of trials are confined to the public sector which includes Government bureaux and departments, public bodies (e.g. Housing Authority, Airport Authority), non-profit-making trade associations, charitable organisations, etc.

What kinds of projects will be funded by PSTS-ITF?

PSTS-ITF supports production of prototypes/samples and/or conducting of trials which could enhance the realisation and commercialisation of R&D results under ITF projects, including enhancing the chance of adoption in the public sector or technology transfer to the industry or product development, and bring wider benefits to the community by putting the R&D results into application.

Can I apply for PSTS-ITF if I do not own the IP of the ITF project?

If you do not own the IP of the ITF project, you must enclose a letter of consent from the relevant IP owner for using the IP in the trial project when submitting the application.

Are there any restrictions in using the project funds?

Project funds would only cover costs incurred exclusively for the production of prototypes/samples (including the cost to customise the project deliverables) and/or conducting of trials. Internal administrative charges and overheads (except insurance costs) incurred by the applicant, organisation(s) receiving the trial(s) or any other parties are not allowed.

Can the trials be conducted outside Hong Kong?

The trials can be conducted outside Hong Kong but are similarly confined to the public sector of the economies concerned. The scale of such trials must be within reasonable limits and in general no more than 50% of the approved funding for the trial project could be used outside Hong Kong.

PSTS Helpdesk

The Helpdesk aims to assist in matching eligible PSTS applicants with suitable Government bureaux/departments and public bodies for trial of their R&D outcomes, which may arise from completed R&D projects funded by the ITF, technology companies and incubatees or graduate tenants of the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation or Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited.

Submit a referral request

ENQUIRY

Tel: (852) 3655 5678
Fax: (852) 2957 8726
Email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk