IDEATION



What is The Ideation Programme ?

Turn your brilliant ideas into reality and begin your entrepreneurial journey with the Ideation Programme - a year-long startup support programme for tech-focused entrepreneurs. 

Through the programme, learn the fundamental skills you need to kickstart your business idea. We will provide all-round support for startups, from designing your business model to finding investment. We will guide you every step of the way, fine-tuning your ideas for technical development. We will also provide mentors for business advice and networking opportunities for you to connect, grow, and navigate your entrepreneurial journey.

What will The Ideation Programme give you ?

Seed Funding

  • HK$100,000 financial grant

Coaching

Training

  • Topics include: Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem, Business modelling, Pitching and investment etc.

Centre Facilities

  • Co-working space access*

Potential to bridging programmes

  • Prepare for HKSTP incubation programmes admission

*Subject to availability

Is The Ideation Programme right for you ?

We’re looking to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs. You are welcome to join The Ideation Programme​ if you:

  • Have an innovative idea supported by R&D and business planning AND
  • Are an HKID holder aged 18 and above, OR
  • Have a limited company incorporated in Hong Kong for less than 2 years by the application start date, OR
  • Have a team (must incorporate a limited company in Hong Kong before the programme starts)

How do you apply for The Ideation Programme ?

  • Submit your proposal for the assessment of evaluation criteria with with reference to the template provided below.
  • Complete the online application with supporting documents.
  • Evaluation Criteria
    • Team competency
    • Business development potential
    • Innovativeness
    • Research & Development

Application Timeline

The Ideation Programme is open for applications every January, May, and September.

Details of the upcoming 2 Cohorts are as follows:

Cohort 23-14 (September 2023 Intake)

  • Application Period: 1 September 2023 noon to 29 September 2023 noon
  • Panel Assessment (shortlisted applicants only): Late October to early November 2023
  • Result Announcement: Late November 2023
  • Programme Start Date: 1 January 2024

Cohort 24-15 (January 2024 Intake)

  • Application Period: 2 January 2024 noon to 31 January 2024 noon
  • Panel Assessment (shortlisted applicants only): Late February to early March 2024
  • Result Announcement: Late March 2024
  • Programme Start Date: 1 May 2024

* Detailed application schedule will be shared with applicants after application submission.

* To prevent application delays, please contact us at least 1 week before the deadline for any technical issues you encounter.

* All applications must be submitted via the online application portal. Late or email submissions will NOT be considered except for technical issues that informed us in advance.

 

FAQ

Applications

No, you don’t have to. As long as you’re aged 18 or above and interested in pursuing a career in the Innovation and Technology industry, you’re welcome to join the programme on a part-time basis! We want to help you turn your amazing ideas into reality!

Our programme is designed to nurture aspiring tech-focused entrepreneurs. There is no limit to admission numbers.

At the application stage, you may apply as a team applicant without a company. When your team application has been approved by the IDEATION admission panel, then you must incorporate a limited company in Hong Kong before starting the programme.

In general, it takes around 2 months after the application deadline to complete the process.

Application process
1. Application submission made before the deadline
2. Pre-screening by the admission panel
3. Shortlisted applications will be invited to an Admission Panel Meeting / Material Review Session
4. Panel selected applications will be invited to conduct a Due Diligence Meeting
5. Result Announcement

 

Programme offers

We will assist in the formation of a development 1-year plan, the funding will be released in 3 tranches according to the progress of the plan.

IDEATION offers 10 themed training sessions. Topics range from crafting a compelling business plan to securing venture capital. This ensures participants grasp the essentials of business management and Hong Kong's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Participants must complete all 10 designated courses during the one-year programme duration, or they may not be able to obtain the full seed funding.

The participants can enjoy partners’ offerings, providing essential services to boost their development in the entrepreneur journey.

Participants will have access to the HKSTP startup community through meetups and networking opportunities too.

Potential participants will be recommended to apply for HKSTP Incubation Programmes for further support on their entrepreneurial journey.

In addition to the online application, the admission panel will also evaluate an IDEATION company’s achievements during the programme to evaluate their suitability for admission into other Incubation programmes.

View other programmes

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