What is the Co-Ideation Programme?

The HSUHK x HKSTP Co-Ideation Programme is a one-year entrepreneurship support initiative jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK).

This programme is specially designed to help early-stage start-ups, particularly those with technological elements, kickstart and accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.

🎯 What You’ll Gain

By joining the Co-Ideation Programme, participants will gain exclusive access to:

• 💰 Up to HK$100,000 in funding support
• 🧠 Entrepreneurship training and consultations
• 👥 Consultation and mentor coaching
• 🏢 Co-working space at HKSTP
• 🛠️ Business and technical support services

Fast-Track to Start-Up Explorer (Former name Pre-Incubation programme)

• Shortlisted individuals or companies will also enjoy direct admission into CIE’s Start-Up Explorer (Former name Pre-Incubation Programme), which offers:
•         One-on-one mentorship
•          Hands-on training and workshops
•          Networking opportunities with founders, investors, and industry leaders

Briefing Session 

Eligibility

· A current undergraduate or postgraduate student of HSUHK, an HSUHK staff member, or an HSUHK/HSMC/HSSC alumnus

·  Hong Kong Identity Card holder (permanent and non-permanent)

·  Aged 18 and above (by 30 December 2025)

·  Individuals / limited companies

· Company applicants must be a private company limited by shares, registered and incorporated in Hong Kong less than 2 years as of HKSTP ideation application start date, namely on or after 10 February 2024 (application opens on 10 February 2026).

· To maintain the fairness and focus of the programme, please note that that individuals or the company applicants (including founding team members) who are current enrolled in, or have shareholding in start-ups participating in any of the following programmes may not be eligible: HKSTP Ideation, HKSTP Incubation, Cyberport CCMF/CUPP, Cyberport Incubation or any other funding-based pre-incubation/ incubation programmes.

Application

Applicants must complete the the Application Form (HERE) and submit the following:

• A Business Concept Statement (PDF format)
• A Pitching Video (Zoom recording, within 5 minutes)

Application Deadline: 30 December 2025 (Tuesday)

Late submissions will only be considered on a discretionary basis.

Business Concept Statement – Submission Requirements

• Cover page – Project Name / Mission & Vision / Objectives / Core team member(s) – Brief description of their academic and business backgrounds
• Maximum number of pages: 5 (including cover page, appendices, diagrams and tables)
• Language: English
• Size of Paper: A4
• Font Size: 12
• File Name: [Your Project’s name] _Business Concept
• File Format: PDF

Indicative content coverage:

• Introduction: Identified problem, market opportunity/gap, business concept, product/service
• Business Model: Target market, revenue & expense streams
• Technological and innovative element(s)
• Team competencies
• Project timeline/schedule (Outline a 12-month milestone plan)
• Additional info: Stakeholders, Partners, Awards, IP, etc.

Pitching Video – Submission Requirements

Content:

• Provide a clear and concise overview of your project within 5 minutes
• Use no more than 15 slides to cover key points from the Business Concept Statement
•  Language: Cantonese / English / Putonghua

Technical Requirements:

• File Name: YourProjectName_PitchingVideo
• Recorded using Zoom (recording function)

Keep your camera on

• Ensure both voice and slides are clearly presented
• Set the video to high resolution

Application Timeline

Further Information: 

STAGES OF CO-IDEATION PROGRAMME

Programme Schedule

Guidelines and Regulations 

1.    Each applicant is permitted to submit only one application.

2.  Each individual / company applicant must assign a person-in-charge (PIC) who is an HSUHK current student, staff member, or alumnus. PIC serves as the main contact person and financial representative. The PIC is responsible for ensuring the timely submission of all necessary documents and information as requested by CIE or HKSTP, in accordance with the stated deadlines throughout the programme.

3.   Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Submissions must be original and properly referenced. Use of copyright or proprietary content without permission is prohibited.  No content should violate the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Any instances of plagiarism will result in automatic disqualification. The use of thoughts or works sourced from others must be appropriately referenced.

4.  The development of any product(s) and/or service(s) must not infringe upon the rights or intellectual property rights of any third party (whether registered or unregistered), including but not limited to patent rights, trademark rights, and copyrights.

5.   By applying, the individual or company agrees that the information provided may be shared with HSUHK, CIE, and/or HKSTP for administrative purposes.

6.  All participants are required to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by CIE and HKSTP. CIE and HKSTP reserve the right to determine the eligibility of each team to participate in the programme.

7.   Individuals must be incorporated as a limited company in Hong Kong prior to the submission of the second milestone assessment.

8.   In the event of any changes to the PIC or team members, please inform CIE via email at cie@hsu.edu.hk

9.  The provision of financial support and access to co-working spaces is subject to the final decisions of HKSTP.

10. CIE and HKSTP retain the right to modify the programme content at any time.

11. CIE and HKSTP reserve the right to reject any application submitted for the programme, to interpret and amend these guidelines, and to supplement the terms and conditions at our sole discretion.

Personal Information Collection Statement

1.  The personal data collected from you will be used for the purpose of processing this application/request, research & statistics and providing subsequent services.

2.  The personal data you provide may be disclosed to other relevant internal parties within CIE, HSUHK and HKSTP for the above purpose if required. You have a right to request access to, and correction of, your personal data held by us. If you wish to exercise this right, please email the Centre at cie@hsu.edu.hk.

3.   Event photos and event videos taken during the programme may be used in promotion and media coverage by CIE and/or HSUHK and/or HKSTP and/or other relevant stakeholders.