What is the Technology Voucher Programme in Hong Kong

What Is the Technology Voucher Programme

The Technology Voucher Programme is a Hong Kong government funding scheme administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission. It supports enterprises adopting technology solutions to improve productivity and upgrade business processes. Co-funding on a matching basis is offered for projects introducing technology to internal operations, letting small and medium enterprises modernise without bearing the full cost.

Eligible projects cover a wide range of technology adoption activities. These include purchasing, installing and customising off-the-shelf systems like enterprise resource planning software, customer relationship management platforms, cloud computing services, cybersecurity tools, inventory management systems and electronic payment solutions. The scheme also funds related services such as technology consulting, project management, staff training and audit fees. The technology must directly contribute to productivity improvement or a business process upgrade.

Technology Voucher Programme Hong Kong

Enterprises registered in Hong Kong with a substantive business operation can apply. Eligible entities include sole proprietorships, partnerships, private companies limited by shares, and companies limited by guarantee. Government subvented organisations and listed companies are excluded. There is no industry sector restriction; a restaurant installing a digital ordering system and a logistics firm implementing a fleet management platform are both eligible.

An enterprise may receive funding for multiple projects, subject to a cumulative funding ceiling set and periodically reviewed by the Innovation and Technology Commission. Funding is provided on a matching basis. The government contributes a portion of the project cost and the enterprise pays the remainder. A clear project scope, defined budget and a timeline not exceeding the maximum project duration are required.

Innovation and Technology Commission Funding

Funding is disbursed after project completion and verification. The enterprise submits a completion report with receipts and supporting documents, and the Commission releases the government's share of the approved funding. Proper project records must be maintained for a specified period after completion.

The Commission publishes the application window, funding ceiling, matching ratio and other terms on its official website. These parameters change, so check the current scheme page for exact figures before preparing an application. The Commission also provides a list of approved technology solutions and service providers, though enterprises may choose any vendor meeting the programme's requirements. The Trade and Industry Department also provides information on government funding schemes for businesses.

TVP Eligibility Hong Kong

Enterprises must meet several conditions at the time of application. The enterprise must have been registered in Hong Kong for at least a specified period, typically one year, and demonstrate a substantive business operation. Shell companies or companies with no active trading will not qualify. The enterprise must also not be in financial difficulty, such as being subject to winding-up proceedings or having outstanding tax liabilities.

The project must be a new technology adoption initiative. The programme does not fund ongoing operational expenses, routine maintenance, or replacement of existing systems unless the replacement involves a significant upgrade. The enterprise must not have received other government funding for the same project costs to avoid double subsidy.

Technology Adoption Funding HK

This funding encourages enterprises that have not yet invested in technology to take the first step. The matching basis reduces financial risk for businesses lacking capital for technology systems. The enterprise retains ownership of the technology after the project ends, and the productivity improvement or business process upgrade becomes a permanent asset.

The programme does not fund research and development, invention or patent filing. It is strictly for adopting existing, commercially available technology. The Innovation and Technology Commission evaluates each application on its merits, considering project feasibility, budget reasonableness and expected operational impact. Enterprises may also explore support from technology-focused organisations like Cyberport and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP), which offer incubation and accelerator programmes.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Technology Voucher Programme online portal. Required documents include the Business Registration Certificate, a project proposal with a detailed budget, vendor quotations and a declaration of no other government funding for the same project. The Commission processes applications in batches and notifies applicants of the outcome within a stated period.

For the current funding ceiling, matching ratio and application deadlines, refer to the Innovation and Technology Commission's Technology Voucher Programme page. Terms are updated regularly, and the official page is the only reliable source.