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 Ms. Laura Yu at 3917 3194 or laurayu@hku.hk, and Ms. Cherry Chung at 3917 3104 or cherrychung@hku.hk.
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What Do We Offer?
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Funding ranging from HK$500K to HK$1.5M per year
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One-year iDendron Membership
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HKU TEA (Qianhai Base) Grant Matching Opportunity (Up to CNY1M)
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Access to Community, Networking and Public Exposure Opportunities
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Eligibility
- A start-up company or a team applicant of at least two members, in which 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
- For Company applicants: Have a limited company incorporated in Hong Kong for less than 2 years by the Cut-off Date (15 January 2025), for TSSSU-O, or less than 7 years by the Cut-off Date (15 January 2025) for TSSSU+, OR
- For Team applicants: Have a team (must incorporate a limited company in Hong Kong by the Application Closing Date)
- TSSSU+ applicants should submit document proofs of external investment (e.g., agreement/letter of undertaking issued by the private investor, etc.) together with the applications
- For more information about TSSSU-O and TSSSU+, please refer to the ITC Guidelines
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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 2024)After Initial Selection and before Final Pitching
(Late November 2024)One presentation video of around 3-5 minutes introducing the technology and business of the company with a file-sharing link (e.g., YouTube/Dropbox) A detailed Business Plan (BP) Application form (a template is provided at Annex A) with all relevant supporting documents (except Section C(6) – business proposal) A complete Financial Plan with budget, revenue and cash flow forecasts covering at least the next three years of operation Investment Pitch Deck introducing the technology and business of the company CVs of all team members (a template is provided at Annex A(i)), which state their academic qualifications and detailed working experience Proof document(s) of relationship among the HKU Members and HKU, such as copies of student ID cards/graduation certificates/ staff cards Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate (“BR”) Certificate of Incorporation (“CI”) - Upon electronic application, the applicant should provide the following supporting documents if applicable:
(a) Signed Declaration Form of use HKU IP (the form is provided in the TSSSU website) and copies of IP licensing agreements (b) Investment Document proofs (i.e. investment agreement / term sheet) issued by the private investor(s) of the secured private investment (for TSSSU+ only) (c) Proofs of cash injection to the funded start-up company bank account within the recognised matching period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 (for TSSSU+ only) (d) Shareholding proofs from Company Registry showing the latest shareholding position of the start-up company (i.e. NNC1/NAR1) (for TSSSU+ only) (e) Introduction of the investor(s) of the secured investment (for TSSSU+ only) Note 1: 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:
2/F, Pao Siu Loong Building,
iDendron,
The University of Hong Kong
Pokfulam, Hong Kong -
Important documents
- ITC Guidelines on Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities [Aug 2024 edition]
- Operation Plan for TSSSU@HKU [Sep 2024 edition]
- Annex A – Application Form [Aug 2024 edition] & Annex A(i) – CV templates [Aug 2024 edition]
- TSSSU Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) [Aug 2024 edition]
- Declaration Form of Use HKU IP [Oct 2024 edition]
Please refer to the Operation Plan for TSSSU@HKU to find out more about TSSSU@HKU including the objectives, the eligibility, the assessment criteria, the financial arrangement and audit requirement.
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Programme Timeline
Application Closing Date: 31 October 2024 (Thursday) 5:00 pm (Hong Kong Time)
Pitching Day: Mid-December 2024
Cut-off Date: 15 January 2025
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Information Sessions
2025/26 TSSSU@HKU Briefing Session + TSSSU Awardee Sharing Date: 19 September 2024 (Thursday) Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Venue: Innovation Wing 2, G/F Run Run Shaw Building 2025/26 TSSSU@HKU Briefing Session (repeat) Date: 10 October 2024 (Thursday) Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Venue: Zoom Briefing Deck: Here
Briefing Video: Here