TSSSU@HKU
Technology Startup Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU)
Introduction
The Technology Startup Support Scheme for Universities at HKU (TSSSU@HKU) is an award program aimed at fostering entrepreneurship within the HKU community. It offers funding support to technology start-ups founded by HKU members. Recipients of the award may receive up to HK$1.5M per year for a maximum of 3 consecutive years under TSSSU–O and 3 consecutive years for TSSSU+, respectively. Turn your innovative ideas and research breakthroughs into commercially viable products and services! Make a tangible impact on society today! ACT NOW!
For further information, please reach out to us at tsssu@hku.hk.
-
What Do We Offer?
-
Funding ranging from HK$400K to HK$1.5M per year
-
One-year iDendron Membership
-
HKU TEA (Qianhai Base) Grant Matching Opportunity (Up to CNY1M)
-
Access to Community, Networking and Public Exposure Opportunities
-
-
Eligibility
The applicant shall be a start-up company of at least two members, in which Person-in-Charge (PIC) must be an HKU member (student, staff, or alumnus of HKU), HKU members should own at least 20% ownership in total in the applying or to-be-established company.
Other details under TSSSU-O and TSSSU+ are as follows:
TSSSU-O TSSSU+ (a) Year of establishment - Registered for not more than two years as of the Cut-off Date (15 January 2026)
- The two-year eligibility requirement does not apply to a start-up which is recommended for TSSSU-O funding for the second or the third year
- Registered for not more than seven years as of the Cut-off Date (15 January 2026)
- The seven-year eligibility requirement does not apply to a start-up which is recommended for TSSSU+ funding for the second or the third year
(b) Secured private investment - Not required
- Start-ups should submit document proofs (e.g. agreement/ letter of undertaking issued by the private investor, etc.) together with the applications
- Recognised matching period for private investment shall be from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
-
Selection Process & Criteria
Process
The selection process consists of two stages: Initial Selection by the Initial Selection Panel and Final Pitching by the Final Selection Panel
How to Apply
- The applicant should review the Operation Plan for TSSSU@HKU. The checklist for submission electronically to tsssu@hku.hk is provided below.
Application Closing Date
(31 October 2025)(a) a 3–5-minute Pitch Video on YouTube link or other kind of file-sharing link (e.g. Dropbox) introducing the technology and business of the company (b) a Pitch Deck of no more than 15 slides introducing the technology and business of the company (c) Proof document(s) of the relationship between the PIC and HKU, such as copies of graduation certificates or student/ staff ID cards of all HKU team members (d) the completed application form provided in Annex A with duly signed signature, company’s chop and all relevant supporting documents in its Section C including, but not limited to: (e) CVs of all team members (a template is provided at Annex A(i) (f) Investment agreement/ term sheet issued by the private investor(s) on details of the cash contribution, along with a brief introduction of the investor(s). Proofs of cash injection (e.g. cheque records and bank statement(s) showing the receipt of the private investment amount within the recongised matching period), and returns to the Company Registry showing the latest shareholding position of the start-up upon the completion of the share allotment (if any) (for TSSSU+ only) - Upon electronic application, the applicant should provide the following supporting documents if applicable:
(a) Signed Declaration Form to use HKU IP and copies of IP licensing agreements if the start-up is utilizing or intend to utilize HKU technology (b) the Certificate of Incorporation under the Companies Ordinance and the Business Registration Certificate of applicant start-up companies (c) A detailed business plan (for applicants applying for the first year TSSSU-O/ TSSSU+ funding) (d) Other supplementary information required by HKU TEC Note: One set of signed hard copies of the application materials for all the teams selected after the Final Pitching, must be submitted to below address within a week after result announcement:
G.02, Run Run Shaw Building,
Techno-Entrepreneurship Core,
The University of Hong Kong
Pokfulam, Hong Kong -
Important documents
2026-27 TSSSU@HKU
- ITC TSSSU Guidelines [Jul 2025 edition], FAQ [Jul 2025 edition] & All Annexes [Jul 2025 edition]
- HKU TSSSU Operation Plan [Sep 2025 edition] (to be updated)
- Annex A – Application Form [Jul 2025 edition]
- Annex A(i) – CV templates [Jul 2025 edition]
- Declaration Form of Use HKU IP [Oct 2024 edition]
2025-26 TSSSU@HKU
- ITC TSSSU Guidelines [Aug 2024 edition], FAQ [Aug 2024 edition] & All Annexes [Aug 2024 edition]
- HKU TSSSU Operation Plan [Sep 2024 edition]
-
Programme Timeline
Application Closing Date: 31 October 2025 (Friday) 5:00 pm (Hong Kong Time)
Demo Day to HKU Super Angel Network: 23 September 2025 (Tuesday)
Final Pitching Day: Mid-December 2025
Cut-off Date: 15 January 2026
-
Information Sessions
2026–27 TSSSU@HKU Briefing Session + TSSSU Awardee Sharing Date: 10 September 2025 (Wednesday) Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Venue: Innovation Wing 2, G/F Run Run Shaw Building 2026–27 TSSSU@HKU Briefing Session (repeat) Date: 8 October 2025 (Wednesday) Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Venue: Zoom Briefing Deck: Here
Briefing Video: Here