Join the Pre-incubation Programme (10th cohort)
Are you eager to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey? The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is thrilled to announce the call for applications for the 10th cohort of our Pre-Incubation Programme (PI Programme)!
Our Pre-Incubation Programme is designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs in the beginning stage of your entrepreneurial journey for exploring your business ideas further to validating your ideas into a workable business concept.
Programme Description
The Pre-Incubation Programme (PI Programme) is a dynamic one-year initiative designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs at HSUHK in bringing their innovative business ideas to life. Our objectives are clear:
- Mentorship Support: We provide tailored mentorship to help you navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
- Business Development: We assist you in refining your business ideas, preparing you for external competitions, incubation programmes or investment opportunities.
- Networking Opportunities: We extend your social network, connecting you with like-minded peers and industry professionals.
Students will participate in the PI Programme as teams, with each team assigned a dedicated mentor who will offer guidance and support throughout the year. Teams will engage in a variety of training sessions and workshops provided by CIE, as well as take part in enriching activities such as guest speaker talks, field trips, networking events, and pitching activities.
Additionally, teams will have access to CIE’s co-working space to collaborate on their startup ideas. There may also be opportunities to join the HSUHK x HKSTP Co-Ideation Programme following the final decision from the Joint Panel.
Eligibility
- Current Students: All HSUHK students are eligible to apply. Applications should be made as a team of 1 to 6 members. Alumni are also welcome to apply, but each team must designate a current HSUHK student as the team leader. Each student may only join one team.
- Direct Entry: Award winners from the HSUHK Entrepreneurship Challenge 2024 and the shortlisted teams of the HSUHK x HKSTP Co-Ideation Programme (4th cohort) will qualify for direct entry into the PI Programme (10th cohort).
Application and Screening Process
To apply, teams must submit the following documents to CIE:
Document Format:
- Language: English or Chinese
- Font Size: 12
- File Name: Your Team’s Name
- File Format: PDF
- Header & Footer: Include your team’s name in the header and page numbers in the footer
- Cover Page: Each team should prepare a cover page with the following details:
Team Name
- Team Members’ Names, Emails, and Contact Numbers
- Business Concept Statement: This statement should not exceed 3 pages and must include:
Description of the business idea and its product/service
- Description of the business idea and its product / service
- The targeted / intended market
- Benefits of the product / service
- Description of the positioning of the new venture or its product / service in the market
- A brief description of your management team
Goal statement
All teams are required to submit a 300-word statement about “Why do you wish to participate in the Pre-Incubation Programme?” and list 2 to 5 goals that you intend to achieve throughout the programme.
Combine the cover page, business concept statement, and goal statement into ONE PDF file.
A selection panel will review submissions and select qualified teams for the PI Programme.
Application Timeline
For the 10th cohort, the application timeline is as follows:
Application Deadline: 25 November 2024 (Monday), 12:00 noon
Results Announcement: Mid-December 2024
Requirements for Eligible Teams
All selected teams must sign an Admission Agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities for participating in the PI Programme. Teams are also required to comply with the regulations for using CIE’s co-working space.
Criteria for Completion
Teams will receive a Certificate of Completion upon successfully fulfilling the following criteria:
- Submission of interim progress reports (every six months) and a final report demonstrating satisfactory achievement of specified goals.
- At least 70% attendance in specified training sessions and workshops, along with regular participation in other CIE activities.
- Positive feedback from the assigned mentor.