HKMU Incubation Programme Application Guidelines

(English version only 只備英文版本)

1. About the HKMU Incubation Programme

The HKMU Incubation Programme is designed to support innovative early-stage HKMU startups dedicated to implementing practical solutions for real-world challenges. Each selected startup receives a HK$250,000 grant to effectively commercialise its products and establish a successful market presence.

2. Target Companies

Preference will be given to companies demonstrating a strong commitment from their founding teams, offering well-defined products or services that have gained initial market traction, and with a clear vision for business development. Companies that utilise HKMU's intellectual property or align with its strategic goals will be at an advantage.

3. Mandatory Admission Criteria

The applicant must be a limited liability company incorporated under the HKSAR Companies Ordinance for normally not more than five (5) years as of the date of application.
The management team of the applicant must include a Person-in-Charge (PIC) who, at the time of application, is associated with HKMU in one of the following capacities:
- A full-time or part-time HKMU student who has already obtained at least 15 credits in their study programmes as of the date of application;
- A full-time, part-time, or temporary HKMU academic or R&D staff member; or
- An HKMU alumna/alumnus who has graduated for normally not more than ten (10) years. Those who graduated more than ten years ago but possess solid business or entrepreneurial experience may also be considered.
The PIC shall represent the applicant in matters relating to the HKMU Incubation Programme application. The PIC must be a founderof the applicant, actively involved in its management, operations and development, and hold a significant ownership interest, such as at least 20% of the company’s total issued share capital.
The PIC and other core team member(s) of the applicant should not be associated (whether by way of share ownership, cooperation arrangement, management roles, advisory roles, or otherwise) with other applicants, unless otherwise approved by HKMU. Full disclosure must be made regarding any interest of full-time, part-time , or temporary HKMU staff in the applicant.

Staff members are required to obtain prior approval from the relevant authority before submitting an application for the HKMU Incubation Programme. Applications submitted without prior approval may be considered invalid in accordance with the University’s Outside Activities Policy. For details, please refer to the Guidelines on Outside Activities. The “Staff Disclosure Form for Establishment of Company” is also available on the Staff Intranet.

4. Funding Arrangements

Each selected startup company will sign a Grant Agreement with HKMU outlining the terms and conditions. The selected startup companies will receive a total grant amount of HK$250,000, distributed in three tranches over a period of one year, as follows:

Month 2: HK$80,000
Month 6: HK$50,000
Month 12: HK$120,000

Disbursement will be subject to a satisfactory assessment by HKMU at each milestone review meeting.

The grant should be used for the following expenses:

Operating expenses such as staffing, training, rental, management fees, legal services, accounting services, and other daily office expenses;
Expenditures directly related to the development, implementation, marketing, and commercialisation of the proposed products and/or services; and
Essential office equipment.

The grant must not be used to pay off any of the startup company’s debts. There is no need to provide any payment proof for the grant but the amount should be shown in the audited financial statements. The startup company is required to submit periodic financial reports to HKMU for review.

5. Application Procedures

Applicants should submit a completed online application form together with the following supporting documents:

A 5-min pitching video (Click HERE for the video pitching guidelines);
A pitch deck in English , including, but not limited to, an executive summary, a brief of the business, industry analysis, market analysis, marketing strategy, a brief of the products and / or services, organisational structure, operational plan, contribution to society, financial forecast, and key milestones (Click HERE for the pitch deck template);
CVs of PIC and team member(s) (Click HERE for the CV template);
Certificate of Incorporation (CI);
Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate (BR);
Articles of Association (AoA);
Company’s latest Incorporation Form (Company Limited by Shares) (NNC1);
A copy of student card (for current students) or graduation certificate (for alumni) of PIC for proof of association with HKMU;
A copy of the latest academic transcript (for current student who will serve as the PIC);
Company's latest audited financial statements (if any);
Latest annual return submitted to the Companies Registry (NAR1) (if any); and
A list of funding support from the government and / or other third-party investors, collaborating organisation(s) and the project title(s), award(s) and recognition(s), or any other substantial achievement(s) (if any). Supporting documents may be required if the startup company is selected.

6. Evaluation and Selection Procedures

Eligibility Screening

All applications will undergo an eligibility screening and shortlisting process based on the submitted materials.

Admission Panel Meeting

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with an Admission Panel, where they will present their projects and respond to questions. The panel, comprising representatives from HKMU and experienced professionals from various industries, will evaluate the teams based on their presentations and any supporting materials. These evaluations will inform the final investment decisions.

Interview Process

The Admission Panel will evaluate the proposals using the following criteria:

Business Model and Financial Viability;
Innovation and Uniqueness;
Problem-Solution Fit;
Commercialisation Opportunity; and
Commitment of the Team and use of funds.

7. Performance Monitoring and Programme Supports

Reports and Meetings

Each selected startup company will be paired with an Account Manager responsible for establishing milestone targets, monitoring progress, and offering necessary business support.

Each selected startup company is required to provide HKMU with a progress report and management accounts (if available), at the end of Month 2, Month 6, and Month 12 as per the agreed milestones established with their respective account managers. Additionally, startups should provide their latest audited accounts when available.

Attendance at regular meetings with Account Managers is mandatory for performance evaluation and progress review, during which the Account manager can also provide support in enhancing business strategies, market development, and execution plans based on the company's specific needs.

Milestone's performance evaluation will be based on a set of agreed upon, quantifiable metrics, which include but not limited to the following criteria:

Product or solution launch.
Signed business contract.
Revenue generated.
Team expansion.
Number of users/customers/followers recruited; awards won.

The specific metrics considered will depend on the startup's business type and development stage, with a combination of these factors applied accordingly.

Training Programme

Each selected startup is required to send representatives to participate in a comprehensive training programme designed to enhance their business acumen and operational capabilities. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, market research, intellectual property protection, business model development, legal compliance, and financial management.

Note that attendance below 80% of the training programme may impact the funding release schedule.

Participation in Events

Selected startups are expected to engage actively in events organised by HKMU to nurture HKMU’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. These events comprise startup promotion activities, internal and external exhibitions, and community experience-sharing sessions. Additionally, startups are encouraged to provide internship opportunities for HKMU students and explore potential collaborations on HKMU research projects whenever feasible.

8. Right of HKMU

HKMU reserves the right to make the final decision regarding funding and support of the Incubation Programme. Additionally, HKMU retains the right to exercise or otherwise the options stipulated in the bilateral agreements with the selected startups.

9. Tentative Schedule

Application deadline	26 June 2026 (Friday) at 12:00 noon
Briefing + Workshop	29 May 2026 (Friday)
Internal screening	29 June – 10 July 2026
Admission Panel Meeting	20 – 24 July 2026
Result Announcement	August 2026

Note: The above schedule is tentative and subject to change. HKMU reserves the right to make amendments or updates as necessary without prior notice.

10. Enquiry

Should you have any enquiries regarding the HKMU Startup Fund, please contact us at 2768-6744 or startupfund@hkmu.edu.hk.