The global innovation and technology are rapidly growing and constantly changing people’s lives. This transformation is heavily driven by the ideas and passion of techpreneurs, who tirelessly use their business and creative concepts to improve the way things were traditionally done.
The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, with the sponsorship of the Lo Kwee Seong Foundation launched the “Young Techpreneur Project”. In 2022 and 2023, our projects received a large number of applications and helped the outstanding candidates move their businesses forward. To the nearly 200 young candidates, our projects help them develop and expand their products by offering financial aid, business consultation, mentorship programmes, ample facilities and networks that potentially secure them further funding.
Entering its third year, the programme will continue to recruit young people with potential and provide them with opportunities to realise their entrepreneurial dreams. The selected participant will sharpen their entrepreneurship knowledge through 15 practical digital business training sessions, enhance their techpreneurship skills, and develop ideas that help improve industrial ecology and sustainability. This year, we bring our training courses to the next level and incorporate trending case studies in the field of innovation and technology.
In addition, the number of site visits has been increased. Participants will be shown public institutions in Hong Kong that support the development of innovation and technology, pacing the path for their own business expansion.
The shortlisted applicants will be invited to join an intensive and exclusive training programme including mentorship support. After final pitching on start-up ideas, a shortlist of six winners will receive HKD100,000 in grants to kick-start their projects.
Project Description
Up to HK$100,000 funding
The grant of up to HK$100,000 can be used as seed money or capital funding for business development and can also help raise further funding in the future.
15 training courses on Innovation Technology business
[Free of charge for shortlisted applicants!]
All shortlisted applicants will be required to attend practical Innovation Technology business training courses (with a requirement of up to 80% attendance rate) provided by the HKFYG to prepare for the submission of their final proposals of business start-ups.
Venue: Room B-E, 11/F, Genesis, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong
The training courses and workshops will be as follows:
| Session | Date | Time | Theme | Trainer |
| 1 | Saturday, 20 January 2024 | 10:00-17:00* | Entrepreneurial Personality Profile | Mr. Cheung Chi Wai
Mr. Cheung Chi Wai is a registered social worker and has been engaged in youth work for more than 30 years. He is good at using various career development theories and personality assessment tools (such as MBTI, Personality Dimensions, DISC and SDS) in training to integrate youths personal experience and training to improve their employability and role in the society. |
| 2 | Technology Entrepreneurship – From Idea to Execution | Mr. Luke Chu
Luke is Chairman of Hong Kong Internet & eCommerce Association and co-founder & Executive Director of Vizz Digital Group. Luke has over 20 years of experience in system development, project management and Internet technology management. Luke has handled over 3,000 projects and 100 brands, including Cathay Pacific, PCCW, China Unicom, Telecom Malaysia, Lands Department, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and Consumer Council. Luke is a passionate trainer and speaker and he currently is adjunct lecturer of Hang Seng University, Executive Development Center and adjunct lecturer of Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Journalism & Mass Communication. Apart from the above. Luke has also lectured on innovation management and design thinking. Design thinking courses are generally applied for different industries and different functional areas. |
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| 3 | Marketing – SEO strategy & Free Online Tools for optimising Your Business | Mr. Ivan So
Ivan is Digital Consultant of HDcourse. With over 15 years of professional experience in SEO, WordPress & E-commerce, Ivan serves as digital consultant of HDcourse, which focuses on SEO & WordPress training. Ivan has built over 50 projects in SEO and over 350 projects in WordPress and E-commerce sites. He is also the lead organizer of WordCamp HK, co-organiser of HK WordPress Meetup, Elementor Leader in HK, etc. He was invited by numerous leading organizations and academic institutions as guest speaker. |
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| 4 | Saturday, 27 January 2024 | 10:00-17:00* | Learning how to apply Social Return on Investments | Mr. Douglas Cheng
Douglas is a committed social innovator. After his graduation, he chose to embark on his social innovation journey. He is convinced by the incredible diversity of the planet. From creating colourful balloon-arts with deaf and hearing youths to formulating mind-blowing community projects with villagers and expats, from incubating social start-ups to driving large-scale advocacy programmes, Douglas has been passionate in igniting unusual social initiatives with people across cultures and sectors. |
| 5 | Finance 101 & Introduction to Start-up Funding | RSM Hong Kong | ||
| 6 | Writing Smart Business Plans & Proposals | Mr. Brian Hui
Brian is Co-founder of Pokeguide, a navigation app that helps people how to go from one place to another in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Pokeguide app has over 400,000 users and won the Hong Kong ICT Gold Award (Best Mobility) and Asia Pacific ICT Merit Award (Smart Tourism) in 2018, Asia Smart App Gold Award and COVID-19 Global Hackathon in 2020. Brian has 10+ of working experience in business consulting, strategy formation and execution, and IT project management in MNCs. He is graduated with Master of Science (Computer Science) and Bachelor of Business Administration (Information Systems) at the University of Hong Kong. |
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| 7 | Saturday, 3 February 2024 | 10:00-17:00* | Creative social media content and data analysis | Dr. Bernie Wong
Dr. Bernie Wong is a creative digital and social media marketing professional. He has worked with such Fortune 500 brands as Marks & Spencer, GAP, Adidas, and Disney, serving as the Founder of Social Stand Limited and helping clients tell their stories, engage with their audiences and unleash the power of their brands. He is an in-demand speaker who brings professional experience and an aptitude for leading seminars and workshops to the table. He is also a radio programme presenter, newspaper columnist and lecturer in academic institutes. He earned his Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing at the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong and Master of Science in New Media at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. |
| 8 | Essential Legal Knowledge: Company Formation & Maintenance, Intellectual Property and Dispute Resolution | Mayer Brown | ||
| 9 | Pitching Skills | Mr. Felix Wong
Felix is a growth marketer, with a passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed. He is the Marketing Lead at CardUp, a fintech platform that allows payment or collection of big expenses using credit cards, where cards are not accepted today. He leads the marketing and growth in the Hong Kong region. After getting a taste of Startup Weekend, Felix co-founded Cloudbreakr in 2015, an AI-powered marketing software designed to help brands analyze and engage with influencers. As a startup community advocate, Felix previously served as a Community Manager for Techstars, where he spearheaded the ecosystem development in the Asia Pacific and Greater China region, in addition to leading efforts in corporate innovation and regional partnership. He was also the Head of Growth for AngelHub that offers equity crowdfunding investment for aspiring startups. |
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| 10 & 11 | Saturday, 24 February 2024 | 13:00-17:00 | Site Visit – HKFYG Jockey Club Media 21 (M21) | Tour of XR Studio
The first extended reality studio in Hong Kong open to community participation, allowing young people to learn the latest digital production technology and actual industry application scenarios. By applying XR technology, creators can combine real subjects and virtual scenes to break through space limitations and create immersive experiences and related creations. Tour of Metaverse Lab Entering the metaverse era, the presentation of digital content tends to be more virtual interactive communication, and digital interaction methods and facilities have innovative experiences. The Metaverse Lab is a training and experimental base for immersive digital content creators, allowing young people to master the Metaverse and Virtual Reality (Virtual Reality (VR)) creation technologies and understand the trends and possibilities of technological development. Dr. Lik-Hang Lee Dr. Lik-Hang Lee received a PhD degree from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Bachelor’s and M.Phil. degrees from the University of Hong Kong. Prior to joining ISE, he was an assistant professor (tenure-track) with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea, and the Director of the Augmented Reality and Media Laboratory, KAIST (2021–2023), and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oulu, Finland (2019–2020), working on a national-funded project, namely 5G Enhanced Augmented Reality (5GEAR). Remarkably, he delivered the first Metaverse course at KAIST (spring 2022). Also, he was an awardee of the Hong Kong Awards for Industries (Creativity and Innovation) in 2021, due to his achievement of employing augmented reality systems in Hong Kong classrooms. His research interests are to build and design various human-centric computing systems, specializing in augmented and virtual realities (AR/VR). Dr. Lee has published no fewer than 50 works in well-recognized journals, conferences, and magazines. He has served the research community at prestigious conferences and journals in recent years, such as AAAI, IJCAI, IEEE PERCOM, ACM CHI, ACM Multimedia, AAAI ICWSM, ACM IMWUT, ACM CSUR, IEEE VR, etc. |
| 12 & 13 | Friday, 1 March 2024 | 13:00-17:00 | Site Visit – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) | Introduction of HKSTP Ideation and Incubation Programmes
The Ideation Programme is a year-long startup support programme for tech-focused entrepreneurs. The three-year Incubation Programme aims at helping technology startups specialising in deep tech research to develop innovative solutions. Tour of Experience Centre HKSTP Experience Centre demonstrates newest collective I&T breakthroughs, foster collaboration across industries, and encourage young talents to unleash their potential. Here, we champion the enterprising spirits of Hong Kong and HKSTP, serving as a platform where our young creative talent can thrive. Mr. Edwin Ty Edwin is the Co-founder and CEO of Fleming MedLab, a medical robotics company focusing on stroke rehabilitation. Driven by his passion for advanced science and technologies, Edwin transitioned his focus to the biomedical field in 2020. Edwin Ty’s commitment to healthcare have positioned Fleming MedLab, a medical robotics company, as a pioneer in rehabilitation technology. Through his entrepreneurial journey, interdisciplinary expertise, and educational background, Edwin inspires others to drive innovation and make a lasting impact in the medical technology and healthcare sectors. |
| 14 & 15 | Friday, 22 March 2024 | 14:00-18:00 | Site Visit – Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) | Sharing of Government Funding in Hong Kong
The Government provides over 40 funding programs for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), covering a wide range of areas including business expansion, technology application, and research and development innovation, to support continuous growth of businesses. Representatives from the SME Funding Schemes Promotion and Consultation Team will share information and application tips on government funding, aiming to enhance SMEs’ understanding of funding programs and maximize the benefits for business upgrading and transformation. The sharing session will cover an overview of government funding and popular funding programs such as the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund), the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF), and the Technology Voucher Programme (TVP). Tour of Inno Space Inno Space provides a hub for students, educators, and parents from primary schools, secondary schools, and universities to engage in TechED STEAM and drive innovations. We offer them the linkage to real business cases, career guidance, and entrepreneurship concepts to facilitate the development of homegrown technology talent. One-on-One Free Consultation Service for Enterprises HKPC will offer participants with one-on-one free consultation service. Each team will have a free session that lasts approximately 30 minutes, with professionals assisting the teams in problem-solving, providing professional advice and guidance to facilitate their business development. |
*Full-day courses will include 1 hour for lunch
Mentorship Support – Consultation with Industry Experts on Entrepreneurial Challenges
Initially shortlisted applicants will receive mentorship support, where senior executives, consultants, professionals and entrepreneurs from partner companies, will provide advice and support to the applicants to improve their Project proposals and increase the chances of successful selection. In addition, the selected teams will also be provided with advisors on a one-to-one basis and business service providers to provide professional consulting services such as taxation, legal advice, and human resources management.
If the intended business is registered under a team, all members of the team will be required to attend.
Networking Opportunities
The HKFYG has supported youth entrepreneurship since 2000 and has a large network of entrepreneurs and business partners. As the founding sponsor of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (HKGCYE), the HKFYG has been organising numerous entrepreneurial activities to provide networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
One-year Free Office Space
Winning participants of the selected projects can enjoy a one-year free office space (hot desk) at The HKFYG Jockey Club Social Innovation Centre.
Eligibility
- Hong Kong permanent resident, aged between 18 – 35 years old (as of the application deadline)
- Can apply individually or as a team
- Interested in technology innovation and start-ups
- Has basic knowledge or skills in Innovation Technology, website or application design
- Businesses that are unlawful, illegal or involving tobacco, advocacy of gambling, obscenity, etc., will not be supported;
- Has no bankruptcy records or involved in procedures for filing a creditor’s petition for bankruptcy
- Has solid and feasible business plan(s) to start a technology-related business in Hong Kong; OR has already owned a start-up company in Hong Kong with less than three years of operation
- The beneficiary teams (grantees) must register their businesses in Hong Kong and set up businesses in Hong Kong
- If the selected teams have not been incorporated, they must complete the procedure according to the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310)
- If the intended business or existing business is owned by the applicants in the form of a partnership/limited company, all the partners/shareholders must be the applicants and fulfil the above requirements
Proposed Projects
The nature of business is not limited, but must be heavily aligned with, or reliant upon, Innovation Technologies. The finalists must start their business within half a year, with an incubation period of two years. They are required to submit a progress report every three months to the Secretariat as a form of progress reports.
Application Procedure
The HKFYG will select potential Young Techpreneurs with the greatest potential (please adjust this if there is a clear criteria) for training. On completion, with an attendance of at least 80%, and fulfilment of other requirements, they will proceed to a first round of interviews. From here 12 teams will be chosen for the final round of interviews, after which six teams will be declared winners.
If the intended business is registered under a team, all members of the team need to fulfil such requirements.
Judging Criteria
The following criteria will be used by the Judging Panel:
Use of technology and the utility of supporting service (25%)
Business can clearly illustrate the focus on technology and show how well it has benefitted from start-up supporting services that were offered
Qualities of Applicants (25%)
Demonstrate good team spirit, related knowledge and skillsets, and determination to start their own business.
Business Plan (25%)
A complete and valid business plan, including marketing strategy, positioning, budget and contingency planning
Business Viability and Sustainability (15%)
Practical and sustainable business proposals that are able to attract further start-up support and funding
Presentation (10%)
Well-prepared, able to deliver the business idea in a precise way, confident in answering the questions from the judges
Timetable of application procedures:
| Submit Online Application Form | 1 November 2023 |
| Briefing Session #1 | 16 November 2023 12:00nn-01:00pm |
| Briefing Session #2 | 4 December 2023 04:00pm-05:00pm |
| Application Submission Deadline | 19 December 2023, Before 05:00pm |
| Result of Shortlisted Applicants | 11 January 2024 |
| 15 Training Courses | January to March 2024 |
| Mentorship Support
(each team needs to attend 3 times) |
February to March 2024 |
| Submit the Business Proposal (revised) and 1 minute video introduction of the business | 2 April 2024 |
| First Round Interview | 25 to 26 April 2024 |
| Result Announcement of First Round Interview | 29 April 2024 |
| Mock Interview | May 2024 |
| Final Round Interview | 7 June 2024 |
| Result Announcement (The Six Winners) | 11 June 2024 |
| Young Techpreneur Award Ceremony | July 2024 |
| Signed the contract and received HK$100,000 start-up fund | October 2024 |
| Start Time of the two-year start-up support | November 2024 |
Application Method
The project only accepts online applications.
Please submit the online application form before the deadline (5PM, 19 December 2023). Late applications will not be considered.
Supporting Documents
- Project Proposal (Maximum: 8 pages of A4 paper; Font size: 12) (Sample)
- Budget Plan:
- Details of how the $ 100,000 grant will be used
- Two Years Financial Forecast
- One Year Financial Report (only for applicants who have registered companies)
- HKID Copy (for all team members)
- Education Qualifications and Working Experience References (details and documents required for all team members)
- Valid proof of address (document/bill/official correspondence issued within the last three months from the application date, with clear indication of name and address of applicant, the name of sender and date)
- Copies of Business Registration Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation and NNC1 (of existing/pre-owned businesses if any)
Remarks
- The applicants or teams need to fulfil at least an 80% attendance rate at training sessions and attend all business consultations before the submission of their final business proposal.
- Winning teams will be obligated to take part in promotional activities arranged by the organiser, which can include training sessions, briefings, ceremonies and media interviews. If the winning teams are absent from the event, the organizer reserves the right to disqualify the teams from winning the prize.
- The organiser reserves the right to use the applicants and winning teams’ works, including photos and video material for exhibitions, promotion, and publication purposes.
- The winners must kick-start their business according to the content of the proposals within six months. Should there be a need for other arrangements, justification needs to be provided and permission from the organiser should be obtained. If the business cannot be started before the deadline, the organiser reserves the right to cancel the winner’s qualification.
FAQ
- Can I apply if I only have a business idea and have not set up a company or started operating?
- Yes. If the selected teams have not been incorporated, they must complete the procedure according to the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) once they obtain the award and funding.
- Is there a restriction on the establishment period of the company?
- The company must be a startup business with less than three years of operation.
- Is there a language requirement for the business plan?
- The business plan can be written in Chinese or English. Sample
- Is there any other support will be provided in this program?
- Winners will also receive free office space (hot desk) for a year, business start-up support, network referrals, and continued mentorship to promote their projects.
- Does completing the online registration mean successful registration?
- Online registration is the first step in the registration process. Applicants will receive an email from the secretariat within one week of registration, requesting the required documents. The deadline for submitting the documents is December 19, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
- Can I apply for funding from other government or non-governmental organizations if my company is selected?
- There are no restrictions on this programme. Please refer to the application requirements and terms and conditions, of the other individual programme.
- Can I change team members after submitting the application?
- The main applicant cannot be changed. To make changes to other team members, permission from the committee is required.
- If the business of a selected team needs to add new partners or shareholders during the funding period, its new partners or shareholders must also meet the requirements of the Scheme for applicants at the time of joining.
- Is there a limit on the number of team members for the company?
- There is no limit, and the team can have more than one member. If the company is operated as a joint venture or a limited company, all partners or shareholders must also be joint applicants and meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
- Do all applicants need to have an attendance at least 80%?
- Yes.
- 10. Is the business plan limited to programming, virtual learning programs, the Internet, and artificial intelligence?
- No, the scope is not limited (but businesses that are unlawful, illegal or involving tobacco, advocacy of gambling, obscenity, etc., will not be supported;)
Contact Us
The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Social Innovation and Youth Business Unit
Tel: 3595 0945 / 3956 8001
Email: ytp@hkfyg.org.hk
Address: Room B-E, 11/F, Genesis, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, HK
Website: sic.hkfyg.org.hk
Facebook: hkfyg.sic