ESS Funding
ESS Funding（Enterprise Support Scheme）is a funding scheme launched by the Innovation and Technology Commission. It aims to support local enterprises in carrying out innovation and R&D projects, promoting technology commercialisation, enhancing enterprise competitiveness and promoting local technological development.
Funding Amount and Eligibility
ESS provides a maximum of HK$10 million in funding for each R&D project, in the form of 1:1 reciprocal funding. Applicants must be registered in Hong Kong and have actual R&D capabilities.
The funding is applicable to self-funded R&D projects of enterprises, covering human resources, equipment purchases, testing expenses, etc. The project must be completed in Hong Kong and have clear technical goals and commercialization potential, encouraging enterprises to implement innovative results.
Five major review factors for ESS applications
When applying for ESS funding, the Innovation and Technology Commission will assess the feasibility and potential of the project based on a number of key criteria. The review covers the project's degree of innovation, technical challenges, management capabilities, financial planning and social benefits. The following are the five core review factors that must be clearly understood before applying to increase the chances of your project being approved.
Opportunities for commercialization of project results
Assess whether the project has a clear market positioning, an effective operating model, and whether it can be successfully launched in the local or international market and generate stable returns.
Financial factors or budget of project costs
Projects must submit a clear and reasonable financial budget that covers salaries, equipment and related expenses, and explain how they support the achievement of project outcomes.
Innovation and Technology Content
The plan must be innovative and technically profound, demonstrate a clear R&D route and outcome goals, and propose feasible solutions and development plans for technical challenges.
Comply with government policies or be beneficial to society
Priority will be given to projects that can promote the growth of local technical jobs, cultivate high value-added talents, or enhance the overall innovation and technology development of Hong Kong.
Technical and management capabilities
The review team will review the applicants’ talent background, experience and technical expertise to ensure that the team has the ability to successfully execute and manage the overall project.
Q&A
Below are some frequently asked questions about the ESS Enterprise Support Scheme to help you understand the relevant funding matters.
