HKSTP’s former Science and Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) belongs to an earlier generation of support. Founders researching the same idea-stage need should now begin with HKSTP’s Ideation Programme, then verify the current intake and admission guide directly with HKSTP.
What changed
STEP is the name many older articles still cite, including trade and entrepreneurship guides that linked to the original HKGRANT page. It should not be treated as a current application channel. HKSTP now presents Ideation as its one-year, early-stage programme for turning a research-backed idea into a viable venture.
The current HKSTP programme overview describes support of up to HK$100,000, co-working access, training and mentorship, with application rounds listed for January, May and September. Those details can change by intake, so the application guideline—not a third-party article—should be the final check.
What a credible application needs
At idea stage, the strongest applications are not miniature corporate brochures. They make the uncertainty visible: who has the problem, what has already been tested, what technical assumption remains risky, and what evidence the team expects to produce during the programme.
Prepare a short problem interview log, a plain-language technical note, a twelve-month milestone table and a realistic use-of-funds sheet. If the proposal depends on university intellectual property, clarify ownership and permission before presenting the project as commercially ready.
Our practical reading
Ideation is best viewed as validation capital and structured access, not as a substitute for a founding team or customer discovery. If a product is already selling and the team mainly needs overseas marketing support, an incubation or market-development programme may be a closer fit.
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 28 July 2026 against the primary sources above.
Read our verification method →