Cyberport Incubation Programme 2026: HK$500k Support, HK$200k Rental Subsidy and the 1 December Intake Deadline
A dated, source-linked note for founders on the Cyberport Incubation Programme's 2026–27 intake, its up-to-HK$500,000 support, HK$200,000 rental subsidy and the 1 December 2026 deadline.
The next Cyberport Incubation Programme (CIP) application deadline is 1 December 2026, for the February 2027 intake (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30). Selected incubatees receive up to HK$500,000 in financial assistance and HK$200,000 in on-site rental subsidy across a 24-month programme (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30).
Who is eligible for the Cyberport Incubation Programme?
CIP is aimed at early-stage digital tech founders. The official eligibility criteria are (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30):
- A digital tech company limited by shares, incorporated in Hong Kong less than 7 years (or in progress of incorporation) upon the application deadline.
- A feasible business plan, with a product that can be launched to market within 12 to 18 months.
- Founders collectively hold at least 51% of the company shares or have absolute control.
- The company must keep a local presence, with at least one local authorised representative (founder or local full-time staff) physically working in Hong Kong.
On-site incubatees also get rent-free working space, plus free use of shared meeting rooms, function halls and co-working facilities (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30). Teams not yet incorporated can first apply to the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF) as a starting point, then enter CIP (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30).
What funding does CIP provide in 2026?
The programme offers up to HK$500,000 in financial assistance and HK$200,000 in on-site rental subsidy (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30). The funding structure breaks down as follows (Cyberport funding-details image, checked 2026-09-30):
- HK$100,000 initial working capital grant.
- Up to HK$200,000 granted upon completion of all six-month Progress Reviews — HK$50,000 at month 6, HK$50,000 at month 12, and HK$100,000 at month 24.
- Up to HK$200,000 for a performance-driven 2-Tiered assessment.
At graduation, incubatees must submit audited financial statements or an agreed-upon procedures report showing minimum expenses of HK$400,000 on eligible items during the incubation period (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30).
Is the Cyberport programme changing?
Cyberport has posted a programme update notice: "Cyberport Incubation Programme (CIP) will be undergoing enhancements to better support startup growth and development. Details of the updated programme will be announced soon" (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30). The official material does not state whether the February 2027 intake will still follow the current funding amounts and eligibility, so founders should confirm against the announced details before applying.
When are the 2026–2027 CIP intake deadlines?
| Intake | Application deadline | Review / result |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | 1 April 2026 | — |
| October 2026 | 3 August 2026 | — |
| February 2027 | 1 December 2026 | Review Dec 2026–Jan 2027; announced Feb 2027 |
The February 2027 intake is the next open round, with its deadline on 1 December 2026 (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30). The programme page notes that applications for the next intake will open soon.
How does CIP compare with HKSTP's Incubation Programme?
| Cyberport CIP | HKSTP Incubation Programme | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 24 months | 3 years |
| Support | Up to HK$500,000 financial assistance; HK$200,000 on-site rental subsidy | Maximum HK$1,290,000 funding support (subject to change at HKSTP's discretion) |
| Company age | Incorporated in Hong Kong less than 7 years | Incorporated no more than 5 years, under Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) |
| Sector focus | Digital tech | Electronics, Information & Communications Technology, Material and Precision Engineering, or Green Technology |
| Founder stake | Collectively at least 51% or absolute control | Founders collectively directly hold at least 51% of issued shares |
| Staffing | At least one local authorised representative in Hong Kong | At least 2 full-time staff able to work in Hong Kong legally at application |
| 2026 note | Enhancement details to be announced | Revamped track applies where 2nd milestone assessment is due on/after 1 April 2026 |
HKSTP figures are from the HKSTP Incubation Programme page and Incubation Programme Guide Version 13 (26 March 2026), checked 2026-09-30.
FAQ
What is the next Cyberport Incubation Programme deadline?
The next deadline is 1 December 2026, for the February 2027 intake (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30).
Can a team that is not yet incorporated apply?
Not directly — companies yet to be incorporated may consider the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF) as a starting point before entering CIP (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30).
Will the CIP funding amounts change for the next intake?
Cyberport states the programme will undergo enhancements and that details will be announced soon. The official material does not confirm whether the February 2027 intake keeps the current HK$500,000 support and HK$200,000 rental subsidy (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30).
What must an incubatee show at graduation?
Upon graduation, incubatees must submit audited financial statements or an agreed-upon procedures report showing minimum expenses of HK$400,000 on eligible items during the incubation period (Cyberport, checked 2026-09-30).
