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Innovation and Technology CommissionActive

Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU)

University-channelled funding for teams commercialising technology and R&D outcomes at six participating universities.

Visit official websiteLast verified: 2026-08-25

Official facts

Quick Facts

Provider
Innovation and Technology Commission
Programme type
Grant
Target stage
Idea / Pre-MVP / MVP / Pre-seed / Seed
Maximum support
Up to HK$1.5 million per startup per year for up to 3 years under TSSSU-O, followed by up to 3 further years under matching-fund TSSSU+
Duration
Up to 6 years in total across TSSSU-O and TSSSU+ (up to 3 years per component)
Matching required
Not publicly specified
Equity required
No
Hong Kong company required
Yes
Company age limit
Generally not more than 2 years for TSSSU-O or 7 years for TSSSU+ at the relevant deadline
Team requirement
Not publicly specified
Application status
Active
Application model
Batch / cohort

Editorial analysis

Who is it for?

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

Technology startups with a qualifying university relationship, IP or research output.

Founder profile
StudentRecent graduateResearcherProfessorFounder team
Stage fit
IdeaPre-MVPMVPPre-seedSeed
Sector fit
AI / Machine LearningSoftwareDeep TechHardwareBiotechnologyHealthTechFinTechGreenTechEducationOther
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
Up to HK$1.5 million per startup per year for up to 3 years under TSSSU-O, followed by up to 3 further years under matching-fund TSSSU+
Payment model
Reimbursement-based
Stackability
University and incubator support may be complementary, but every award and cost item must satisfy its own terms.
Double funding and cash flow
TSSSU+ private investment matching and the reimbursable period are time-bound; the same cost cannot be publicly funded twice.

Eligibility

Published requirements

  • technology startup associated with one of six participating universities
  • A qualifying university relationship and the university's own selection requirements apply
  • Generally not more than 2 years for TSSSU-O or 7 years for TSSSU+ at the relevant deadline
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

Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities official programme source

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

Original language
English
Version
2026-27 programme information
Published
2026-08-18
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

Deep tech / Hardware / RoboticsSeparate university or laboratory R&D, prototyping, trials and production-line work into distinct funding stages.Biotech / HealthTechBuild the stack around university IP, laboratory access, regulation and a long R&D cycle.University spin-offResolve IP ownership and licensing before stacking university seed support, incubation, talent and R&D funding.

Related official updates

Government launches Pilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator Scheme2026-01-29 · Innovation and Technology Commission

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.

Immigration Arrangements for Non-local GraduatesA work and stay route for non-local graduates of Hong Kong institutions.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.