科研實踐基金
Selection Mechanism & Criteria
Additional Opportunities and Support
What is BGF
- The Bridge Gap Fund (BGF) presents a transformative opportunity for ambitious researchers who are eager to elevate their innovative projects from conceptual frameworks to impactful market solutions. By providing substantial financial support, BGF is tailored to foster industry collaborations, from technology startups, and license cutting-edge technology, promising not just commercial success but also societal benefits,
- Structured support from BGF, including mentorship from seasoned industry experts and access to an extensive network, equipping researchers with the necessary tools and guidance to navigate the complex path of bringing research to market.
- Applying for BGF is the pivotal step in the entrepreneur career, propelling innovative research into a viable business with substantial societal impact. The Office of Knowledge Transfer also providers all aspects of resources and support for incubating the DeepTech startups.
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Objectives
- BGF is to strengthen the commercialization of HKUST technology for licensing technology to industry, forming technology start-up companies, industry collaboration or application to funding with industry partnership.
- BGF aims to translate HKUST's research intellectual property (IP) into a comprehensive business proposal to attract and motivate industry partners to work with HKUST to create commercial and societal impact.
- OKT staff will work with research teams by leveraging university resources, engaging mentors and industries to build commercially viable business strategies and plan with customer discoveries and product development to attract industry partners, venture capital and government fundings.
Form of Funding Support
- Each project team can opt for Startup Track (Aiming to form a DeepTech Startup by the team itself) or Technology Transfer Track (Aiming to license the Background IP (BIP) or Foreground IP (FIP)).
- Startup Track: The research team has the intention to establish a startup company leveraging HKUST technology. The BGF will act as a development find to support extensive R&D and commercialization, including but not limited to creating a prototype or concept recognized by industry or investors, research and feasibility studies. With the BGF and resources of the OKT, the team will be capable of building their own business strategies to attract industry partnership and venture capital. IP generation might be considered as one of the effective tactics to protect the uniqueness of the technology and appeal to the industry partners for further collaboration.
- Technology Transfer Track: The research team has intention to license the technology to an external industry entity. The BFG will provide funding for developing the IP portfolio and creating applications recognized by the industry to enhance the commercialization and licensing potential.
- Each approved project will typically receive funding support of up to HK$0.5M for twelve (12) months (from the project commencement date) with tangible deliverables. The typical funding schedule will be 60% upfront and 40% after meeting the Midterm Review (see detailed guideline). Unexpended balance must be returned to HKUST.
- BGF can support the commercialization activities including the following.
- Further research about IP applications.
- Study on prototype producing process.
- Market research and Customer understanding.
- Consulting service charge for industry experts.
Application Eligibility
- Utilization of HKUST IP: Applicants MUST use IP developed or owned by HKUST. HKUST MUST have the right to license and commercialize the IP.
- Principal Investigator (PI) Participation: Must be a full-time faculty member at HKUST (Clear Water Bay).
- Person in Charge (PIC) Participation: Must be a full-time member at HKUST (Clear Water Bay) and he/she must be a part of the project team. The PIC is responsible for the overall management of the project, ensuring the project deliverables are met and align with the planned objectives.
- PI and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) can ONLY submit ONE application.
- PI CANNOT receive BGF funding in consecutive years.
- PI CANNOT receive BGF funding for projects on similar topic twice.
Selection Mechanism & Criteria
- Projects that have received or are receiving other funding support with the same deliverables are NOT eligible.
- Project selection criteria include IP strength, commercial potential and impact. PIs must demonstrate their projects with commercial potentials, including but not limited to forming start-ups, and/or foreseeable adoption and application by industries for further downstream development using available funding sources (excluding ITF Tier-3 funding). Projects that focus on basic research will NOT be supported. For details, please refer to the guideline.
Important Dates
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Application Deadline: 27 March 2026
- Review Meetings: Early May for shortlisted candidates
- Notification of Results: Successful applicants will be notified and issued an offer letter in late May.
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Please refer to the guideline for the overview of the BGF application timeline and key events throughout the project period.
Additional Opportunities and Support
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DeepTech Incubation Program (DTP): All awarded teams are auto-enrolled in the DTP, which covers training in business strategy, IP management, and fundraising skills.
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Funding Opportunities:
- Access to HKUST-related funds like the Entrepreneur Fund (E-Fund) and Redbird Innovation Fund (RIF) for further capital infusion and growth.
- SSC funding: BGF awardees are eligible to apply for additional funding of up to $0.1M to develop and deliver an on-campus demonstration of the technology. Supported by the Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab (SSC) initiative, the funding aims to showcase sustainability-aligned innovations to the campus community and external stakeholders through tours, visits and industry engagement activities. For details, please refer to the guideline.
Application Procedures
Applicants should complete all sections of the BGF Application Form in English and enclose all the listed supporting documents. Application form and supporting materials should be sent to oktdtadmin@ust.hk on or before the application deadline.
- Online Research Project Submission Approval (ORPA) Form;
- Approved record of Committee on Research Practices Review (CRP) Form (if applicable);
- CVs of ALL team members (please use the template below);
- Business proposal (please use the template below);
- Self-Certification of Compliance with Conflict of Interest and Outside Activities (please use the template below);
- Other supporting documents, including technology positioning, commercialization plan (including forming startup companies)
Important Documents
Notes
- IP arrangement: IP generated throughout BGF belongs to the University and follows the HKUST's IP Policy.
- Project completion: Must be completed by 30 June 2026 with no extensions allowed. Unexpected balances must be returned to HKUST without any exception.
- Compliance: Projects must adhere strictly to the proposal unless changes are approved by OKT.
- Filling OPRA form: When you fill in the ORPA form for BGF, please follow the instruction in the ORPA Sample above.
Contact Points
