PolyU GBA Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubation Programme

The PolyU GBA Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubation Programme is designed to empower young entrepreneurs eager to establish their presence in the Greater Bay Area and excel in the realms of innovation and technology. Over a transformative 2-year incubation program, the Programme will equip young entrepreneurs with the insights needed to navigate the dynamic innovation landscape, forge vital industry connections, and penetrate the mainland market.

Programme Benefits

• HKD 600,000 Seed Funding Accelerate your growth in the GBA market
• Comprehensive Incubation Support Mentorship, training, and expert advisory
• PolyU InnoHub Workspaces Access to co-working spaces in HK and mainland cities
• Exclusive Network Access Leverage PolyUs academic, corporate, and Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs)s partnerships for commercialization

Eligibility

A. Application can be made by a startup company or a team with at least two members, of which:

1. The Principal Applicant must be a PolyU member (student, staff or alumni). The PA should hold a key owner-operator role with substantial control in the applying or to-be-established startup company with 10% or more ownership, in the form of equity shares.
2. All the members (applicants) of each application must fulfil the eligibility criteria stipulated below: - Holder of a valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card - Aged between 18 and 39 upon the Application Deadline - Not be bankrupt or involved in bankruptcy proceedings - Never received the capital funding support from Entrepreneurship Matching Fund or first round of Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA under Youth Development Fund Shareholders of the start-up (who are outside the eligibility criteria of the Programme listed above) must not hold more than 20% of the start-up's equity as of the application deadline and throughout the funding period.

Business Proposal

The Business Proposal should:

• Deliver a specific business plan/idea in Hong Kong and/or Mainland GBA cities within one year
• Not be unlawful, illegal or involve tobacco, advocacy of gambling, obscenity, etc.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Programme, the Applicant shall complete an online application form and submit the following documents on or before the application deadline.

1. Pitch Deck (within 15 slides of PPT)
2. Link to a pitching video (maximum 5 minutes)
3. CVs of all members which state their academic qualification (college/institution attended and period thereof) and detailed working experience (position held, responsibility and period thereof)
4. Scanned copy of Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card (both sides) of all team members
5. Proof document(s) of relationship between the PA and PolyU A copy of student ID/graduation certificate/staff card
6. Company documents including BR, CI, AOA and latest NNC1 (for company applicant)
7. Declaration of Use of PolyU Knowledge/Innovations/Technologies (if applicable)

Important Dates

• 27 Jun 2025: Open for Application
• 14 Jul 2025 (Mon) 2:30 pm: Briefing Session
• 6 Aug 2025 (Wed) 4:30 pm: Online Briefing Session
• 25 Aug 2025 (Mon) 1:00pm: Application Deadline
• End of Aug 2025: Eligibility Screening
• 28 Sept 2025 (Sun): Networking Session & Bootcamp
• 30 Sept 2025 (Tue): Initial Assessment
• Early Oct 2025: Announcement of Shortlisted Teams
• 14 Oct 2025 (Tue): Mainland Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base Visit
• 25 & 26 Oct 2025 (Sat & Sun) (TBC): Market Validation Training
• 3 Nov 2025 (Mon): Final Presentation
• Mid-Nov 2025: Announcement of Awardees

Assessment Procedure

1. All applications will undergo an eligibility screening process.
2. Eligible applicants will be invited to participate in the Networking Session and Bootcamp organized by PolyU KTEO.
3. An initial assessment will be conducted at the end of the Bootcamp to select shortlisted teams.
4. Shortlisted teams will be invited to attend Market Validation Training and Mainland visit(s). Each team member must participate in both the training and the visits.
5. A final assessment will take place after the training and visits.
6. Seed funding of HK$600,000 will be granted to the successful applicant's limited company incorporated in Hong Kong. Funds will be disbursed in installments upon meeting specific milestones and requirements.

Assessment Criteria

• Innovation & Creativity (30%)
• Business Model & Commercial Viability (30%)
• Applicants Experience & Capabilities (20%)
• Potential Impact to Industry & Society (20%)

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

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Overview:

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a public research university located in Hong Kong. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong reputation in various fields, particularly engineering, design, and technology.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Teaching and Learning:

PolyU emphasizes a broad-based curriculum for holistic academic development, incorporating work-integrated education, service-learning, student exchange programs, and leadership programs.

Faculties and Schools:

PolyU has eight faculties and schools, offering a diverse range of academic programs.

Graduate School:

The university provides research postgraduate studies and a graduate school for further academic pursuits.

Admissions:

PolyU offers information on university rankings, student stories, and details about programs, tuition fees, and scholarships.

Research:

PolyU boasts a strong research focus, with various research centers, facilities, and initiatives, including the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Mainland Research Institutes.

Knowledge Transfer:

The university promotes innovation and technology development, technology transfer and commercialization, entrepreneurship, and showcases success stories.

Global:

PolyU fosters an international community, offers global perspectives in academic programs, and engages in international collaborations and partnerships.

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PolyU provides a vibrant campus life with opportunities for athletics and recreation, art and culture, and living on campus with access to counseling, wellness services, clinics, housing, and dining options.

About PolyU:

The university provides information about its motto, vision, mission, key facts, university identity, history, leadership, governance, organizations, and a campus map.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

PolyU offers a dynamic campus experience with a focus on applied learning and practical skills development. Students can participate in various extracurricular activities, engage in research opportunities, and benefit from the university's international connections. The campus provides a supportive environment with access to counseling, wellness services, and housing options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Reputation:

PolyU is recognized for its high-quality education and research, particularly in engineering, design, and technology.

Applied Learning:

The university emphasizes practical skills development and work-integrated education, preparing students for real-world careers.

International Focus:

PolyU fosters a global community and offers opportunities for international collaborations and partnerships.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic campus experience with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and events.

Research Opportunities:

PolyU offers extensive research facilities and opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

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Academic Programs:

PolyU offers a wide range of academic programs across its eight faculties and schools, including:

Business:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management

Construction and Environment:

Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management

Design:

Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interior Design

Engineering:

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Fashion and Textiles:

Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Marketing

Health:

Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy

Hospitality:

Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Culinary Arts

Humanities:

Languages, Literature, History, Philosophy

Science:

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Other: