Cyberport vs HKSTP | Which Funding Program Fits Your Startup?
- Derek Lee
- Oct 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 19
Why Cyberport vs HKSTP Matters for Startups
For Hong Kong startups and international founders entering the city, the choice between Cyberport and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) is one of the first strategic decisions. Both programmes are government backed, offering funding, incubation, and access to networks. Yet, they target different startup types and stages. Picking the right scheme can make the difference between accelerated growth and months of wasted effort.
This article provides a side by side comparison of Cyberport and HKSTP funding programmes, their strengths and weaknesses, and a framework to help you decide which is right for your startup.
Article Outline
Cyberport at a Glance: Funding, Focus, and Benefits
HKSTP at a Glance: Funding, Focus and Benefits
General Eligibility for Application
Cyberport vs HKSTP: Key Differences
Decision Framework: Which Program Fits Your Startup?
Benefits Beyond Funding
Common Mistakes Founders Make When Choosing
How Consultation and Support Services Can Help You Secure the Right Scheme?
Conclusion
Related Reads
FAQs
Cyberport at a Glance: Funding, Focus, and Benefits
Cyberport focuses on digital tech, creative industries, FinTech, e commerce, and Web3 projects. It is particularly strong in branding support, access to corporate partners, and visibility for consumer facing startups.
Key Programmes:
Programme | Funding / Support | Details |
Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF) | HKD 100,000 grant | For early stage digital tech startups at idea/MVP stage. |
Cyberport Incubation Programme | Up to HKD 500,000 over 24 months | Financial, technical, and advisory support for incubatees. |
Cyberport Accelerator Support Programme | Up to HKD 300,000 | For incubatees/alumni to join approved accelerator programmes. |
Blockchain and Digital Asset Pilot Subsidy Scheme | Up to HKD 500,000 per project | Subsidises up to 80% of costs for blockchain/Web3 projects. |
Cyberport Macro Fund (CMF) | HKD 1 million to 20 million investment | Provides equity investment for scaling digital tech startups. |
Source: Cyberport Official Site
HKSTP at a Glance: Funding, Focus, and Benefits
HKSTP focuses on hard tech, biotech, AI, robotics, medtech, and IoT. It is known for deeper funding packages, longer incubation periods, and strong ties to research institutions.
Key Programmes:
Programme | Funding / Support | Details |
HKSTP Ideation Programme | HKD 100,000 grant | One year seed funding plus coaching and coworking space. |
HKSTP Incubation Programme | Up to HKD 1.29 million | Supports tech and business development expenses. |
HKSTP Acceleration Programme / LEAP | Up to HKD 4.8 million subsidies | For scaling stage startups, covering professional services and marketing. |
HKSTP Elite Programme | Up to HKD 21.5 million | For high growth enterprises targeting regional and global markets. |
Source: HKSTP Official Site
General Eligibility for Application
Cyberport
Criteria | Details |
Must be a registered company limited by shares in Hong Kong, or agree to incorporate before funding disbursement. | |
Sector Focus | Digital tech, creative industries, FinTech, e-commerce, Web3 or related fields. |
Stage | Idea to early stage projects (CCMF), or more mature startups for incubation. |
Team Commitment | Founders must demonstrate innovation, scalability, and commitment. |
Required Documents | Application form with detailed proposal; pitch deck covering problem, solution, business model, traction, and financials; BR certificate (if incorporated); CVs of founders; product demo/prototype if available. |
HKSTP
Criteria | Details |
Must be a Hong Kong incorporated company limited by shares, or agree to incorporate upon acceptance. | |
Sector Focus | Technology or science driven innovation, including biotech, AI, robotics, medtech, IoT, or related fields. |
Stage | Incubation: less than 6 years old with fewer than 100 employees. Acceleration/Elite: must show clear traction, revenue potential, and scalability. |
Team Commitment | Demonstrated capacity to achieve milestones and long term growth. |
Required Documents | Application form with business and technology proposal; pitch deck covering technology, market, financials, and team; company incorporation documents; audited accounts if applicable; CVs of team members; IP/patent filings if any. |
Source: Cyberport Official Site | HKSTP Official Site
Cyberport vs HKSTP: Key Differences
Feature | Cyberport | HKSTP |
Sector Focus | Digital tech, creative industries, FinTech, Web3 | Hard tech, biotech, AI, robotics, medtech, IoT |
Early stage support | CCMF (HKD 100K) | Ideation (HKD 100K) |
Incubation | Up to HKD 500K | Up to HKD 1.29M |
Acceleration | Up to HKD 300K | Up to HKD 4.8M |
Advanced scaling | CMF: 1M–20M investment | Elite: Up to HKD 21.5M |
Ecosystem strength | Corporate access, consumer visibility | Research institutions, deep tech ecosystem |
Decision Framework: Which Program Fits Your Startup?
It is possible to apply to both Cyberport and HKSTP programmes during your startup journey. However, according to official guidance, an entity cannot benefit from both at the same time. Founders may apply to both, but ultimately need to select one programme to pursue.
Choose Cyberport:
If you are building a consumer facing digital solution, FinTech, or Web3 product that needs branding, corporate partners, and visibility.
Choose HKSTP:
If you are building hard tech, biotech, or deep tech solutions that need heavy R&D, lab access, and larger long term subsidies.
Hybrid approach:
Some startups start with Cyberport incubation for visibility and later move to HKSTP for scaling support, but this is only feasible if the company exits one programme before entering the other. An entity cannot benefit from both simultaneously. The decision is always subject to the latest guidelines and discretion of Cyberport and HKSTP.
Benefits Beyond Funding
Participating in either Cyberport or HKSTP offers more than just monetary support. Startups gain official recognition from the Hong Kong government, which strengthens credibility with investors and partners. Both programmes also open doors to extensive networks, industry events, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities that can accelerate growth and visibility.
Common Mistakes Founders Make When Choosing
Applying to both without a clear strategy, which weakens applications.
Misaligning sector focus, for example a biotech startup applying to Cyberport.
Underestimating resource commitment, as both programmes require milestones, reporting, and active participation.
How Consultation and Support Services Can Help You Secure the Right Scheme
Every startup has unique strengths and gaps. Choosing the wrong programme can cost you months of time and missed funding. Consultation with Mr. Discovery helps:
Assess programme eligibility quickly.
Match your startup’s ICP and sector to the right scheme.
Avoid application mistakes that lead to rejection.
Position your startup strategically for long term growth.
Beyond consultation, Mr. Discovery also provides hands on services along the funding application journey, including:
Documentation drafting and review to ensure compliance with programme requirements.
Business proposal preparation tailored to highlight innovation, scalability, and market fit.
Financial projections and cashflow models that align with incubator expectations.
Pitch deck design for submission and presentation to panels.
Founder coaching and mock Q&A sessions, simulating panel interviews and providing feedback on delivery.
These services transform application preparation from a stressful process into a structured, high probability submission that showcases your strengths effectively.
Next Step:
Book a consultation with Mr. Discovery today to determine whether Cyberport or HKSTP is the best fit for your startup. Do not risk missing out on millions in potential subsidies by choosing the wrong path.
Conclusion
Both Cyberport and HKSTP are powerful gateways into Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem. The right choice depends on your startup’s sector, maturity, and long term goals. With funding opportunities ranging from HKD 100,000 seed grants to over HKD 20 million in growth support, the decision is critical. Strategic consultation ensures you choose wisely and unlock the resources that matter most.
Next Step:
Need help deciding between Cyberport and HKSTP? Book a 30 minute consultation with Mr. Discovery and start maximising your funding potential today.
Related Reads
BUD Fund Case Studies (upcoming)
FAQs on Cyberport vs HKSTP - Which Funding Program Fits Your Startup?
Q1: Can I apply to both Cyberport and HKSTP?
Yes, but it is not always strategic. Choosing based on your sector and maturity increases approval chances.
Q2: Which programme gives more funding?
HKSTP generally offers larger funding packages, but Cyberport provides strong branding and market access benefits for digital startups.
Q3: How long do the programmes last?
Cyberport incubation lasts 24 months. HKSTP incubation can last up to 3 years depending on the scheme.
Q4: Does consultation include full application writing?
No. Consultation provides strategic guidance. Full application writing and project management are separate paid services.