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Innovation and Technology CommissionActive

R&D Cash Rebate Scheme (CRS)

A 40% rebate on eligible enterprise expenditure in qualifying ITF or partnership R&D projects.

Visit official websiteLast verified: 2026-08-25

Official facts

Quick Facts

Provider
Innovation and Technology Commission
Programme type
Subsidy / rebate
Target stage
Seed / Early growth / Series A
Maximum support
40% cash rebate of eligible enterprise expenditure
Duration
Application generally within 2 years after project completion
Matching required
No
Equity required
No
Hong Kong company required
Yes
Company age limit
Not publicly specified
Team requirement
Not publicly specified
Application status
Active
Application model
Rolling

Editorial analysis

Who is it for?

This fit analysis is based on published eligibility and programme positioning. It is not an admission guarantee.

Hong Kong enterprises that have funded qualifying R&D and maintain complete evidence.

Founder profile
Founder teamExisting business ownerInternational founder
Stage fit
SeedEarly growthSeries A
Sector fit
AI / Machine LearningSaaSSoftwareDeep TechRoboticsHardwareFinTechGreenTechSemiconductorsNew MaterialsManufacturingLogisticsSupply ChainBiotechnologyHealthTech
These fit tags are our interpretation of published eligibility, not an official commitment.

Who is probably not a good fit?

Teams outside the published applicant, sector, stage or company conditions should not apply solely because of the headline support. Check the current guide and weigh administration, cash-flow and reporting costs.

Financial and operating support

Maximum support
40% cash rebate of eligible enterprise expenditure
Payment model
Reimbursement-based
Stackability
The rebate is expressly linked to eligible ITF or partnership R&D expenditure, including eligible ESS in-house R&D.
Double funding and cash flow
Only qualifying expenditure is rebated; ordinary product customisation, business automation and non-scientific work are excluded for partnership projects.

Eligibility

Published requirements

  • Hong Kong enterprise contributing eligible expenditure to qualifying R&D projects
Practical recommendation

Before investing in an application, verify applicant entity, company age, team, IP, budget, matching cash and eligible costs. Ask the programme directly about anything not published.

Editorial analysis

Application process

Unless an official guide says otherwise, this is an application-preparation framework, not an official assessment sequence or timing promise.

  1. 1

    Read the latest programme page and guide

  2. 2

    Confirm applicant, stage and sector eligibility

  3. 3

    Prepare project, team, budget and supporting evidence

  4. 4

    Apply through the official channel and answer assessment requests

  5. 5

    After admission, follow the agreement for milestones, reporting and claims

Sources

Official Resource Library

We provide official links, versions and structured explanations only. Original documents are not rehosted.

This page provides a plain-language interpretation of official materials. The official source remains authoritative.

Official webpage

Research and Development Cash Rebate Scheme official programme source

The provider's official programme page for checking current purpose, eligibility, support and application access.

Original language
English
Version
Application Guide, Jul 2025
Published
2025-07-01
Last verified
2026-08-25
View official document
Application guide

Research and Development Cash Rebate Scheme Application Guide

Supplementary official material. Check the source document, version and latest programme notice before applying.

Original language
English
Version
July 2025
Published
2025-07-01
Last verified
2026-08-25
View official document

Related programmes

Pilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator Scheme (PITAS)Funds experienced accelerator operators to establish Hong Kong bases. The 2026 call is closed, and ordinary startups are not the direct funding applicants.Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS)Dollar-for-dollar support for in-house R&D by Hong Kong companies; it is not general operating capital.Research Talent Hub for Technology Companies (RTH-TC)Reimburses eligible full-time R&D talent remuneration. Founders, shareholders and management cannot be the subsidised talent.STEM Internship SchemeA university-administered allowance for eligible STEM student internships; it is not unrestricted cash paid to the startup.

Relevant strategies

Related official updates

Government launches Pilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator Scheme2026-01-29 · Innovation and Technology CommissionGlobal Fast Track 2026 expands to eight innovation verticals2026-05-04 · Invest Hong KongHYAB launches Youth Start-up Internship Programme 20262026-01-15 · Home and Youth Affairs Bureau

Related visa and status guides

Starting a company or receiving support does not automatically create visa, extension or permanent-residence eligibility. Immigration decisions remain case-specific.

General Employment PolicyAn employment route generally based on a genuine professional role with a Hong Kong employer.Quality Migrant Admission SchemeAn admission route for highly skilled or talented applicants.Hong Kong permanent residence and right of abodeUnderstand ordinary residence, the seven-year requirement and long-term status planning.

Sources and maintenance

Each programme links to a primary source and records the current page or guide version. Editorial strategy is maintained separately from official facts.

This knowledge base provides general business information, not legal, tax, accounting, investment or immigration advice. Obtain professional advice before signing shareholder, investment, IP, employment or funding documents.