HKUST Dream Builder Incubation Programme (2021/22)

Come join this Programme to receive funding, coaching and training, mentorship, and an array of in-kind support to realize your start-up dreams!
 

With exclusive support from the Programme, admitted start-up teams will be able to achieve the following by the end of the Programme:

• Define and/or confirm business model, customer journey and product design
• Complete proof of concept
• Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)/ prototype
• Collect/ ready to collect market feedback
• Complete business registration in Hong Kong

What do We Offer to Admitted Start-ups? (Oct 2021 - Jul 2022)

1. Seed Fund:
   -Up to HKD 20,000 per start-up team; the approved amount is subject to the final budget plan approved
   -An additional fund of up to HKD 30,000 (Tech-Ship Incentive Fund) for each start-up project with university technology
    
2. Coaching & Training:
   -Training schedule will be announced soon
   -Completion requirement: at least 6 sessions
    
3. Mentoring & Networking:
   -Admitted start-ups will become members of our mentorHUB community, through which you can get connected with a network of entrepreneurs, industry professionals, investors, etc.
   -Completion requirement: at least 3 mentoring sessions/ events/ mixers
    
4. Start-up Space: theBASE (1/F, Lift 29-30)
   -Admitted start-ups can leverage theBASE for prototype showcase, start-up promotion, and/or pop-up events
   -Completion requirement: make use of theBASE for either of the above at least once
    
5. External Outreach and Public Exposure:
   -Start-ups with significant development and achievement over the course of the Programme will be featured in HKUST publications, social media platforms and news media.
   -Nominations to external competitions and one-on-one coaching for nominated teams
   -Free or discounted tickets to local start-up fairs, exhibitions ad relevant events
    
6. Awards & Opportunities:
   -Matching Award for Achievement in External Competitions (up to HKD 10,000)
   -"Start-up Stars of the Year"- Top 3 start-ups with greatest achievement/ development in the Programme will be entitled a cash award of HKD 50,000, 20,000, and 10,000 respectively.
   -Fast-track to HKUST CombUSTor (Accelerator Programme to be launched in 2022/2023)
   -Nomination to HKSTP IDEATION (HKD 100,000), Cyberport University Partnership Programme or Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (HKD 100,000) or Wofoo- Hong Kong SDG Hub Climate Action Recognition Scheme (up to HKD 180,000), depending on the start-up nature

Who's Eligible?

• Individual and team applications are both accepted.
• The principal applicant must be a full-time student (undergraduate or postgraduate; non-Exchange student) of HKUST, while team members (if any) can be HKUST students, alumni or staff.
• If the start-up is already a registered company, the company shall have been registered for no more than three years at the time of application and 51% of shares shall be owned by HKUST current students (full-time/ part-time).

Click here for details of the Programme including funding scope, admission criteria, expected milestones, etc. (Application Guideline, Terms and Conditions)!

How to Apply?

• Click here to apply online by 4 Oct 2021 (previous deadline: 27 Sept 2021), 11:59 p.m.
• Click here to view the application template for your preparation of all required information
• Click here to download the budget template

Info Session: 28 Sept 2021, 12:30pm-1:30pm @ Zoom- Click here to register!