Cyberport Incubation Programme Funding Schedule: HK$100,000 on Entry, Milestone Payments at Months 6, 12 and 24
How Cyberport's 24-month Incubation Programme pays out up to HK$500,000, from the HK$100,000 initial working capital grant to milestone payments at months 6, 12 and 24.
Cyberport's Incubation Programme (CIP) runs for 24 months and provides up to HK$500,000 in financial assistance, split into an HK$100,000 initial working capital grant on admission, up to HK$200,000 released after semi-annual progress reviews (HK$50,000 at month 6, HK$50,000 at month 12, HK$100,000 at month 24), and up to a further HK$200,000 through a performance-driven two-tier assessment. On top of that, the programme lists HK$200,000 as an on-site rental subsidy (Cyberport Incubation Programme page and the funding-details image embedded on it, checked 1 October 2026).
One caveat belongs in the first paragraph: the same page carries a notice that CIP "will be undergoing enhancements" and that details of the updated programme will be announced soon. Treat the schedule below as the currently published one, not as a guarantee of what the next intake will offer.
How is the HK$500,000 actually paid out?
The staged amounts come from the funding-details image on the Cyberport programme page (checked 1 October 2026), not from the body text of the page.
| Stage | Amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Initial working capital grant | HK$100,000 | On admission |
| Progress review grant | HK$50,000 | After the month 6 review |
| Progress review grant | HK$50,000 | After the month 12 review |
| Progress review grant | HK$100,000 | After the month 24 review |
| Performance-driven two-tier assessment | Up to HK$200,000 | Assessment-based |
The three progress-review payments together account for up to HK$200,000, described as a grant allocated upon completion of all six-month progress reviews. The two remaining blocks — HK$100,000 up front and up to HK$200,000 on performance — bring the financial assistance to the HK$500,000 ceiling stated on the programme page.
What does the money not cover?
The schedule sets out when money arrives, not what you can spend it on for each tranche. The one spending figure Cyberport publishes is a graduation condition: on 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's page does not publish a definition of "eligible items" in the material reviewed, so budget against that HK$400,000 figure with the programme's own guidance in hand rather than an assumption about which costs count.
Who qualifies for CIP?
Eligibility, as published on the programme page (checked 1 October 2026):
- A digital tech company limited by shares, registered and incorporated in Hong Kong for less than 7 years at the application deadline — or in the process of incorporation.
- A viable business plan, with a product that can be brought to market within 12 to 18 months.
- Founders who collectively hold at least 51% of the company shares, or who have absolute control.
A separate condition applies throughout the incubation period: all incubatees must maintain a local presence, with at least one local authorised representative — a founder or a local full-time employee — physically working in Hong Kong.
What workspace and facilities come with it?
On-site incubatees at Cyberport get rent-free working space. The page also lists free use of shared facilities such as shared meeting rooms, function rooms and shared working spaces. That is the practical counterpart to the HK$200,000 on-site rental subsidy figure.
When are the application deadlines?
The programme page lists three intake deadlines (checked 1 October 2026):
| Intake | Online application deadline | Assessment and announcement |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | 1 April 2026 | not shown on page |
| October 2026 | 3 August 2026 | not shown on page |
| February 2027 | 1 December 2026 | Assessment December 2026 – January 2027; announcement February 2027 |
The page's current status line reads "Applications for the next Intake will open soon." Whether the February 2027 intake will run on the funding amounts and eligibility criteria above is not stated in the official material, given the pending programme enhancements.
If your team is not incorporated yet, Cyberport points to the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF) as a starting point before applying to CIP.
How does this compare with the HKSTP Incubation Programme?
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation runs a separate, longer programme: 3 years, with maximum funding support of HK$1,290,000 per incubatee over the full term, and a rental subsidy of HK$12,500 per month (HKSTP Incubation Programme Guide Version 13, 26 March 2026). Its eligibility differs too — applicants must be incorporated under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) no more than five years before submission, work in areas such as electronics, ICT, material and precision engineering or green technology, and employ at least two full-time staff able to work in Hong Kong legally. Companies already in an HKSTP, Cyberport or Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park incubation programme cannot apply.
The two programmes serve different profiles; the published terms are what should drive the choice, not a ranking.
FAQ
Is the HK$100,000 initial working capital paid automatically on admission?
The funding schedule published by Cyberport describes HK$100,000 as an initial working capital grant, listed separately from the milestone-linked payments. The programme page does not set out additional conditions attached to that first payment in the material reviewed.
Do I have to move into Cyberport to receive the rental subsidy?
The HK$200,000 figure is described as an on-site rental subsidy, and rent-free working space is specified for on-site incubatees at Cyberport. Off-site arrangements are not described in the published material.
What happens at graduation?
You must submit audited financial statements or an agreed-upon procedures report showing at least HK$400,000 of expenses on eligible items incurred during the incubation period.
Can an unincorporated team apply?
The eligibility wording covers companies incorporated in Hong Kong for less than 7 years or "in progress of incorporation". Cyberport directs companies yet to be incorporated to CCMF as a starting point.
Could these amounts change before I apply?
Yes. Cyberport has posted a notice that CIP will undergo enhancements, with updated programme details to be announced soon. The official material does not say whether the current HK$500,000 / HK$200,000 structure will still apply to the February 2027 intake.
