Public Sector Trial Scheme for Technology Companies Conducting Research and Development (R&D) Activities in Hong Kong (PSTS-TC)

Objective

Launched in March 2020, PSTS-TC aims to fund the production of prototypes/samples and/or conducting of trials in the public sector by technology companies conducting R&D activities in Hong Kong.

Eligibility

The applicant should be a technology company incorporated in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) or registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) which is conducting R&D activities in Hong Kong. The technology company must not be a government subvented organisation or a subsidiary of any government subvented organisation. The R&D outcomes for trial need to be owned by the applicant company and developed by the applicant company primarily in Hong Kong and should align with its business plans.

Key Features

Maximum Funding Support: $1 million per project.
Maximum Project Duration: 12 months.
Deployment of samples/prototypes and conducting of trials are generally confined to the local public sector which includes Government bureaux and departments, statutory bodies and/or Hong Kong Government subvented non-governmental bodies in the welfare sector.
The project should aim to facilitate the development of new products not already available in the market, and should employ the R&D results/deliverables developed and owned by the applicant itself.

Application

PSTS-TC invites applications for funding all year round. Please read the "Guide to Filling in the Application Form for Public Sector Trial Scheme for Technology Companies Conducting Research and Development (R&D) Activities in Hong Kong" before submitting an application.

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Assessment

Upon receipt of an application, the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) will check the applicant"s eligibility. Ineligible applications will be returned to the applicant companies. ITC will consider all information and supporting documents provided by the applicant company in assessing an application. All applications would be vetted based on their individual merits in accordance with the major vetting criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What does "R&D activities" mean?

In general, an R&D activity takes place when a project seeks to achieve an advance in science or technology. Any activity which does not directly contribute to achieving this advance in science or technology through the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty is not an R&D activity. Please refer to the "Guide to Filling in the Application Form for Public Sector Trial Scheme for Technology Companies Conducting Research and Development (R&D) Activities in Hong Kong" for details.

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) in which the trial(s) are conducted or any other parties are not allowed.

Can the trials be conducted outside Hong Kong?

In general, the trials can only be conducted in the local public sector. The applicants are required to provide justifications to demonstrate the needs or the reasons if part of the project is to be conducted outside Hong Kong for ITC"s consideration and approval.

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

Others

Technology companies which are current incubatees or graduate tenants of HKSTPC or Cyberport should apply under the PSTS-SPC.

ENQUIRY

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