The scheme offers a rebate equal to 40% of a local enterprise's eligible expenditure on ITF-funded applied R&D projects or qualifying projects fully sponsored by the enterprise and conducted with a designated local public research institution. Applications are generally due within two years after project completion, with pre-registration required for partnership projects.
First identify the underlying project route
The rebate sits on top of an eligible R&D project; it is not a standalone label for company innovation spending. Confirm whether the project is ITF-funded, an eligible ESS in-house project, or a qualifying partnership project with a designated local public research institution.
For a partnership project, routine customisation, general system automation and work without scientific research content do not become eligible because a university is involved.
Register before the partnership project begins
The official guide requires pre-registration for partnership projects. Put the registration step, contract scope, enterprise contribution, invoice trail and project reporting into the project-start checklist rather than trying to reconstruct them at the end.
Do not count the rebate twice
A 40% rebate affects net project cost, but the same expenditure must not be presented inconsistently across grants, accounts and internal forecasts. Keep a schedule showing gross eligible expenditure, other public funding, the enterprise contribution and rebate received or expected.
Primary sources
These links are published by the programme operator or responsible authority. Recheck them immediately before applying.
Reviewed by the HK Grant Resource editorial desk on 4 August 2026 against the primary sources above.
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