Hong Kong Startup Funding Guide 2025: The 5 Schemes That Actually Matter
- Derek Lee
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Why Hong Kong Funding Feels Overwhelming?
Hong Kong offers more than 200 government funding and support schemes — but most founders find themselves lost in fragmented websites and bureaucratic PDFs. The truth? Only a handful of programmes really matter if you’re building and scaling a startup in 2025.
This guide cuts through the noise. We focus on the 5 schemes that actually make a difference, compare them side by side, and show you when to apply. Whether you’re a founder seeking runway or an investor de-risking your portfolio, this guide will help you navigate funding in Hong Kong with clarity. (Updated quarterly for accuracy.)
Did you know? According to InvestHK, there are 4,200+ startups in the city as of 2024, employing over 15,000 people. Non-dilutive funding is often their first step to scale.
Why Does Startup Funding Matter in Hong Kong?
High operating costs: With some of the world’s highest commercial rents and salaries, non-dilutive funding is often the difference between survival and failure.
Investor confidence: Programmes like ITF, Cyberport, and HKSTP add credibility that reassures VCs and corporate partners.
Scaling signal: Export-oriented funds like EMF and BUD show traction beyond Hong Kong, a key milestone for global investors.
For founders: funding extends runway and enables testing without giving up equity.
For investors: funding reduces portfolio risk and accelerates adoption.
What Are the 5 Major Startup Funding Tracks in 2025?
Hong Kong’s funding landscape can be grouped into five categories that matter most:
R&D: ITF (ESS, PSTS, RTH)
Incubation & Ecosystem: Cyberport & HKSTP
Talent Subsidy: Research Talent Hub (RTH)
Export Marketing: SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF)
Expansion Abroad: BUD Fund
Simplified Funding Comparison Table
Programme | Eligibility | Funding Range | Stage Fit | Effort vs Reward |
ITF (ESS, PSTS, RTH) | HK-incorporated companies doing R&D | Up to HK$10M + talent subsidy | R&D heavy, technical | High effort, high reward |
Early-stage digital startups | HK$100k (CCMF), HK$500k + rental (Incubation) | Idea → MVP | Good entry point | |
Tech startups ≤5 yrs, scale-up ready | HK$1.29M (Incu-Tech), HK$6M (Bio), up to HK$15.6M equity (Acceleration) | Scale, deep tech | Competitive, high potential | |
ITF projects, incubatees, tenants | HK$20k–35k/month per researcher | R&D scaling | Strategic add-on | |
EMF | SMEs with HK incorporation | Up to HK$1M cumulative (matching) | Marketing, export | Fast reimbursement |
BUD Fund | Non-listed HK enterprises | Up to HK$7M cumulative (matching) | Mainland/FTA/IPPA expansion | Complex, batch approval |
(Download the Full Funding Comparison PDF for detailed subsidy ratios, documents, and timelines.) - Coming soon.
How Do These Programmes Compare in Real Life?
Founder Lens
Investor Lens
ITF = government-backed validation of R&D.
Cyberport/HKSTP = ecosystem strength and corporate partnerships.
EMF/BUD = export traction, proof of scalability.
Tip: Many successful founders combine two or more schemes. e.g., Cyberport Incubation for runway, then BUD Fund for expansion.
When Should You Apply? (Stage Map)
Idea → MVP: Cyberport CCMF (HK$100k).
Product Build: Cyberport Incubation / HKSTP Incubation.
R&D Heavy: ITF ESS + RTH (talent subsidies).
Scaling: HKSTP Acceleration (equity).
Exporting: EMF (marketing) + BUD (Mainland/FTA expansion).
Example pathway: Start with CCMF → join Cyberport Incubation → use RTH talent subsidies → apply EMF for global marketing → expand with BUD.
Common Pitfalls in Hong Kong Funding
Believing InvestHK provides funding
Applying to the wrong programme (misaligned stage/industry).
Copy-paste proposals with no localisation.
Weak commercialisation plan.
Ignoring time/resources — BUD/ITF take months.
(See our full post: 7 Common Mistakes That Get Funding Applications Rejected) - Coming Soon
Why Work With a Funding Consultant?
Government sites explain rules; we design roadmaps.
Save time: avoid chasing wrong programmes.
Reduce rejection risk: professional review before submission.
Maximise synergy: combine multiple schemes strategically.
For investors: give this guide to your portfolio companies. They’ll thank you for saving 6–9 months of wasted effort.
Navigating Hong Kong Funding in 2025
Founders: Dive deeper with Cyberport vs HKSTP — Which Is Better in 2025? to decide which incubator ecosystem fits you.
R&D‑heavy teams: Learn the exact process in How to Apply for the ITF in Hong Kong.
Before you apply: Avoid the traps in 7 Common Mistakes That Get Funding Applications Rejected.
🔗 Related Reads
Cyberport vs HKSTP: Which Is Better in 2025?
How to Apply for the ITF in Hong Kong? | ITF Hong Kong Application Guide 2025
7 Common Mistakes That Get Funding Applications Rejected - Coming Soon
FAQs on Hong Kong Startup Funding Guide 2025: The 5 Schemes That Actually Matter
Q1: What are the main funding schemes available for startups in Hong Kong?
The primary schemes include the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), Cyberport, HKSTP Incubation, BUD Fund, and Export Marketing Fund (EMF).
Q2: How can startups qualify for government funding?
Eligibility depends on incorporation in Hong Kong, innovative product or service offering, and a scalable business model. Each program has unique criteria.
Q3: What is the typical funding amount available through these schemes?
Grants range from HK$100,000 to HK$1 million+, depending on the program. Some are matching funds, while others are full grants.
Q4: Can a startup apply for multiple funding programs simultaneously?
Yes, but careful planning is required to avoid overlap in use of funds. Strategic sequencing improves approval chances.