SEED
SEED is a joint co-ideation programme in partnership with HKSTP for students and graduates.
SEED is an early-stage startup support programme designed specifically for innovative or startup projects in any discipline or industrial sector. Awardees will be provided with training and coaching opportunities, as well as be supported in participating in various startup competitions.
This Programme runs twice a year with cut-off dates on the last Sundays of February and August. Please contact Tim Cheung at 3910 2726 or tim.cheung@hku.hk for more details.
* For the August 2026 cohort, the application deadline will be August 30.
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What Do We Offer?
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Structured Entrepreneurship Training
Three-week training for entrepreneurial skills, incl. business modelling and market validation
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Opportunity to receive up to HKD100K Funding from HKSTP Ideation Programme
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Opportunity to receive 6-month iDendron Membership for HKSTP Ideation Programme Awardees s
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Community and Networking
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Nomination for External I&E Competitions
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Public Exposure
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Eligibility
- Principal Applicant must be an HKU member (student, staff*, or alumnus of HKU or its affiliated institutions) with at least 20% ownership in the applying or to-be-established company AND
- Have an innovative idea from any discipline, including class work, final year projects, research initiatives, or self-initiated projects AND
- For Individual applicants: Are an HKID holder aged 18 or above, OR
- For Company applicants: Have a limited company incorporated in Hong Kong for less than 2 years by the application start date, OR
- For Team applicants: Have a team (must incorporate a limited company in Hong Kong within 2 weeks once approved by the HKSTP IDEATION admission panel).
Notes: HKU Staff shall observe and adhere to all relevant policies and regulations related to knowledge transfer and external activities. Prior approval must be obtained from the university management before engaging in any startup and outside activities, including consultancy work. For detailed information, please refer to the HKU Staff Handbook regarding Regulations Governing External Activities.
Professoriate, academic-related, and research staff who engage in startup activities are required to complete the Online Form of Declaration of Interest (Startup Activities) via the designated HKU online system.
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Selection Process & Criteria
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Process
The selection is based on paper-based assessment; for those that are interested in HKSTPIdeation Programme, there will be an additional interview or pitch recording evaluation by a vetting committee.
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Criteria
- Individual or Team Competency
- Business Development Potential
- Innovativeness
- Research & Development
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Programme Timeline
