HKSTP and HYAB Ignite Future Talent Pipelines with “HYAB Youth Start-up Internship Programme 2026” Offering 100 Internship Positions

(Hong Kong, 16th January 2026) – The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), announces the launch of the HYAB Youth Start-up Internship Programme (YSIP) 2026. Now in its fourth year, the programme continues to connect post-secondary students with early-stage startups through meaningful paid internships and impactful engagement within Hong Kong’s largest innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem.

YSIP directly addresses Hong Kong’s talent needs by empowering startups with salary subsidy provided by HYAB to hire emerging talent, while giving students experience in the fast-paced I&T landscape. Since 2023, HKSTP and HYAB have collectively empowered 215 startups and over 300 young individuals through the programme, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a talent hub. By aligning funding support with talent development, the programme enables startups to engage early with potential hires while providing students with firsthand exposure to rising career pathways in I&T. Through this dual focus, YSIP strengthens workforce readiness, fosters a motivated pipeline of career starters, and contributes to the broader development of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.

Ms Fanny Wong, Chief Talent Officer of HKSTP, said, “We are proud to witness YSIP’s growing impact. 22% of final-year interns were converted to full-time employees, 52% of student interns received return offers and 98% of student participants are more likely to pursue their future career in the I&T ecosystem after experiencing the YSIP influence. This tangible success affirms the programme’s role as a launchpad for future I&T professionals and a powerful driver of talent sustainability for Hong Kong. We look forward to supporting another promising cohort in 2026 as they take their first steps into the I&T sector.”

YSIP 2026 is open to both STEM and non-STEM students, offering three-to-six-month internship for full-time students aged 18 to 30 from all academic backgrounds. Given YSIP’s strong reputation, demand from park companies to join the programme continue to raise, leading to diverse talent needs across technical and non-technical areas such as data analysis, software engineering, research and development, business development, and marketing. These placements are designed to provide young individuals with practical experience in a startup environment, while encouraging long-term interest in I&T careers. At the same time, it enables startups to engage with emerging talent at an early stage, creating opportunities for sustained collaboration and growth.

During the internship from March to August 2026, participants will also attend enriching workshops, company visits, industry-sharing sessions with technology leaders, and networking events designed to foster professional growth and broaden their horizon within the ecosystem. A highlight of YSIP 2026 will be a two-night, three-day visit to the Greater Bay Area (GBA), offering direct exposure to the region's entrepreneurial environment and cross-border career prospects.

HKSTP remains dedicated to positioning Hong Kong as a leading centre for I&T through targeted talent initiatives, together with the HKSAR government. YSIP 2026 aims to further strengthen the bridge between academic learning and real-world innovation, creating transformative opportunities for young people to grow and immerse in the I&T ecosystem.

The HYAB Youth Startup Internship Programme 2026 (YSIP) is now accepting applications. Interested students can apply for jobs and park companies can secure YSIP spots via the programme webpage. Interview arrangements will be directly handled by the participating park companies.