Ideation
Turn your brilliant ideas into reality and begin your entrepreneurial journey with our Ideation Programme - a year-long startup support programme for tech-focused entrepreneurs.
Programme Overview
Through our programme, you will learn the fundamental skills you need to kickstart your business idea. We will provide all-round startup support, from designing your business model to finding investment. We will guide you every step of the way, fine-tuning your ideas for technical development. We will also provide mentors for business advice and startup networking opportunities for you to connect, grow, and navigate your entrepreneurial journey.
What are the assessment criteria?
- Team competency
- Business development potential
- Innovativeness
- Research & Development
What Will The Ideation Programme Give You ?
Up to HKD 100,000 financial grant
Co-working space access
Training and coaching
Is The Ideation Programme Right for You ?
Have innovative idea supported by R&D and business planning AND
For Individual applicants: Are an HKID holder aged 18 or above, OR
For Company applicants: Have a limited company incorporated in Hong Kong for less than 2 years by the application start date, OR
For Team applicants: Have a team (must incorporate a limited company in Hong Kong within 2 weeks once approved by the IDEATION admission panel)
Programme Offering
Seed Funding
Up to HKD 100,000 financial grant
Coaching
Account managers to accompany and support you on your startup journey
Training
Topics include market validation, business modelling, pitching, etc.
Centre Facilities
Co-working space access*
*Subject to availability
Nomination to HKSTP ecosystem
Dedicated startup support to HKSTP Incubation Programme applications
Admission Timeline
The Ideation Programme is open for application every January, May, and September. In general, the process takes around three months to complete after the application deadline.
* To prevent application delays, please contact us at least 2 working days before the deadline to address any technical issues. For applications submitted outside our office hours (09:00 - 18:00 between Monday and Friday, except public holidays) and encountered technical issues, the Ideation Programme team may not be able to handle the issues timely. Please report to us with proof of the issue and reserve the next working day to resolve the matter with us.
* All applications must be submitted via the online application portal. Late or email submissions will NOT be considered except for technical issues that informed us in advance.
Step
01
Application Period
Cohort 25-20 (Jan 2026 Intake)
1 Sep 2025 12:00 (Noon) to 14 Sep 2025 23:59
Cohort 25-20 (Jan 2026 Intake)
1 Sep 2025 12:00 (Noon) to 14 Sep 2025 23:59
Step
03
Due Diligence Meeting
Mid-Nov 2025
Mid-Nov 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to give up my job or drop out from school to join Ideation?
No, you don’t have to. As long as you’re aged 18 or above and interested in pursuing a career in the Innovation and Technology industry, you’re welcome to join the programme on a part-time basis! We want to help you turn your amazing ideas into reality with our startup support!
2. Is there an admission limit for each Ideation cohort?
Our programme is designed to nurture aspiring tech-focused entrepreneurs. There is no limit to admission numbers, and we offer extensive startup networking opportunities.
3. Do we need to incorporate a company if we apply as a team applicant fo Ideation?
At the application stage, you may apply as a team applicant without a company. When the Ideation admission panel has approved your team application, then you must incorporate a limited company in Hong Kong within two weeks to ensure a seamless application process.
4. How long does the application and admission process take?
In general, it takes around three months after the application deadline to complete the process.
Application process
1. Application submission made before the deadline
2. Pre-screening by the admission panel
3. Shortlisted applications will be invited to an Admission Panel Meeting / Material Review Session
4. Panel selected applications will be invited to conduct a Due Diligence Meeting
5. Result Announcement
Application process
1. Application submission made before the deadline
2. Pre-screening by the admission panel
3. Shortlisted applications will be invited to an Admission Panel Meeting / Material Review Session
4. Panel selected applications will be invited to conduct a Due Diligence Meeting
5. Result Announcement
1. How can I get the HKD 100,000 seed funding after being admitted into Ideation?
We will assist in the formation of a development 1-year plan, the funding will be released in three tranches according to the progress of the plan. HKD 100,000 will be disbursed in three tranches upon the satisfactory assessment of three milestones. Please refer to the application form for requirements of each milestone.
2. Is Ideation’s training mandatory? Can I skip part of the training if I have enough entrepreneurial knowledge already?
'Ideation offers a comprehensive training program that covers a wide range of essential topics. Participants receive guidance and support in crafting market validation strategies, developing innovative technologies, creating compelling business plans, and honing their presentation skills. Through this training, participants gain a solid understanding of business management principles and become well-versed in Hong Kong's dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Participants must complete all required courses within the designated period, or they may not be able to obtain the full seed funding.
Participants must complete all required courses within the designated period, or they may not be able to obtain the full seed funding.
3. Are there any other offerings I can get from Ideation?
The participants can enjoy partners’ offerings, providing essential services to boost their development in the entrepreneur journey.
Participants will have access to the HKSTP startup community through meetups and networking opportunities too.
Participants will have access to the HKSTP startup community through meetups and networking opportunities too.
4. Are there any other programmes that I can join after Ideation?
Potential participants will be recommended to apply for HKSTP Incubation Programmes for further support on their entrepreneurial journey.
In addition to the online application, the admission panel will also evaluate an Ideation company’s achievements during the programme to evaluate their suitability for admission into other Incubation programmes.
In addition to the online application, the admission panel will also evaluate an Ideation company’s achievements during the programme to evaluate their suitability for admission into other Incubation programmes.