HKSTP and HYAB Announce New Edition for Youth Start-up Internship Programme to Offer 100 Placement Opportunities for Nurturing Future I&T Talent

(Hong Kong, 31 January 2024) - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), is set to launch the "HKSTP x HYAB: Youth Start-up Internship Programme" (YSIP) 2024. Building on the success of last year's programme, this initiative is designed to enrich Hong Kong's burgeoning Innovation and Technology (I&T) landscape by nurturing future tech leaders and attracting more tertiary students to join the sector. On top of internship placements, students will gain immersive experience in the thriving I&T ecosystem through networking sessions, workshops and visits to the cities in the Greater Bay Area.   

This year’s programme has already sparked an impressive wave of support, with 80 park companies offering 165 job opportunities within the first week of company applications. This underscores the community’s commitment to fostering the next generation of pioneers that will propel the city's I&T development forward.

Participating start-ups in HKSTP’s Incubation and Ideation programmes will receive funding support to provide around 100 cross-disciplinary internship opportunities for both STEM and non-STEM students. These internship roles include but not limited to data analysis, software engineering, marketing, design, among others.

In preparing the aspiring youths for the multifaceted nature of the modern I&T landscape, interns will gain practical industry experience complemented by skill-enhancing training sessions and entrepreneurship workshops organised by HKSTP. Visits to leading tech companies and state-of-the-art facilities will be arranged, along with the chance to build valuable professional networks with like-minded peers and leaders. Students will be joining a day trip to the cities in the Greater Bay Area including visits to Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch and key enterprises to know more about the GBA as a fast growing global I&T hub.   

Ms Fanny Wong, Head of Talents and Human Resources, HKSTP, said: "We are excited to join forces with HYAB on YSIP again, reaffirming our long-term commitment to nurturing future generations of innovation and technology leaders. Our collaborative efforts with various sectors are advancing talent development initiatives, further cementing Hong Kong's reputation as a leading I&T talent hub. The YSIP 2024 will open up more opportunities and equip students with the skills to meet the evolving demands of the I&T industry, priming them to be tomorrow's trailblazers."

The internships, set to commence in March 2024, will last three to six months, with the possibility of extension subject to mutual agreement. To be eligible, applicants must be Hong Kong permanent identity card or Hong Kong identity card holders, full-time students at local post-secondary or tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, between the ages of 18 and 30, and should not be participating in any other publicly funded internship or hold ownership in the start-up they are applying to during YSIP.

YSIP 2024 is now accepting internship applications. Interested parties can apply for the placements featured on the YSIP Programme Webpage. The companies will manage the application reviews and internship placements.

Photo 1: HKSTP and HYAB launch the Youth Start-up Internship Programme for the second year to offer around 100 job placement opportunities for post-secondary and tertiary students.