Fueled by an industry explosion — from US$11 billion in 2020 to a projected US$1.8 trillion by 2032, according to DBS data — artificial intelligence is now the undeniable force shaping the next industrial revolution. In response, the Hong Kong SAR Government has officially positioned AI as a cornerstone of its future, outlining a comprehensive strategy in its latest Policy Address and offering multi-funding support.

1. Government-led Funds

Innovation and Technology Fund: As a core government fund, it has invested tens of billions of Hong Kong dollars cumulatively. A key measure involves injecting capital into qualified venture capital funds at a 1:3 matching ratio, with government contributions reaching HKD 150 million to 250 million per fund, leveraging private capital for co-investment in local I&T enterprises.

Innovation and Technology Venture Fund: The government has established a fund with a size of HKD 2 billion, which co-invests with venture capital funds in local startups on a matching basis, further guiding market capital towards early-stage technology projects.

2. Technology Park Support Programs

Hong Kong’s two major I&T incubation hubs, Cyberport and Hong Kong Science Park, offer a series of grants from concept to market:

Cyberport Incubation Programme: Provides up to HKD 500,000 in financial assistance and comprehensive consultancy support to each incubatee over a 24-month period.

Cyberport Accelerator Support Programme: Offers up to HKD 300,000 to incubatees or graduated companies to participate in recognized accelerator programs.

Market Expansion Support: Through specific schemes, provides up to HKD 200,000 to eligible startups for expanding into overseas and Mainland China markets.

Creative Micro Fund: Offers HKD 100,000 per selected project as seed funding for early-stage innovative ideas to develop prototype products.

Cyberport Investment Venture Fund: A HKD 400 million fund established specifically to invest in its portfolio of Information and Communications Technology startups.

Hong Kong Science Park Venture Fund: Makes direct investments in park companies from the seed stage to pre-IPO, and engages in co-investment with private investors.

3. Resource Matching and Application Assistance

Institutions such as InvestHK actively serve as bridges, assisting companies (including AI startups) in connecting with and applying for various government R&D funding schemes. For example, programs like the “Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS)” can provide up to HKD 10 million in funding for eligible R&D projects.