Submit Applications for General Support Programme in Hong Kong

The General Support Programme (GSP) is a funding programme under Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), launched in November 1999. It supports non-research and development (non-R&D) projects that contribute to industry upgrading and development, foster an innovation and technology culture in Hong Kong, and promote popular science. Applications are invited all year round, with the relevant cut-off date for assessment in February to May 2027 normally set at 30 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Programme name: General Support Programme (GSP)

- Funding body: Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

- Opportunity type: Non-R&D project funding

- Launched: November 1999

- Eligible applicants (applicant location): Organisations in Hong Kong (examples listed below)

- Geographic focus for projects: Primarily within Hong Kong (strong justifications required for overseas activities)

- How often applications are accepted: All year round

- Key cut-off date mentioned in source: 30 October 2026 (for applications to be assessed in February to May 2027 normally)

- Normal assessment periods (by cut-off):

- End February → June to September - End June → October to January - End October → February to May of the following year

- Deadlines time and time zone: Not specified in the source

About the Opportunity

GSP aims to support non-R&D projects that help: - upgrade and develop industries in Hong Kong, - foster an innovation and technology culture in Hong Kong, and - promote popular science. Typical project formats referenced on the programme page include events and activities such as conferences, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and promotional or popular science activities. Funding and Benefits - GSP supports non-R&D projects (the source does not specify an overall maximum grant amount in the provided text).

- Sponsorship requirement: At least 10% of the total project cost must be sponsorship.

- Higher sponsorship for repeat applications: The source states that a higher level of sponsorship is required for repeat application. For details, applicants are directed to the “Guide to Filling in the GSP Application Form” (specific sponsorship thresholds are not provided in the supplied text). - Activities that are generally not supported: Projects intended mainly to promote the products or services of any specific commercial entity will generally not be supported. Who Is Eligible? To apply, the applicant must be an organisation in Hong Kong. The source provides examples, including: - non-profit making trade/industry associations or chambers of commerce; - public bodies (e.g., Hong Kong Productivity Council, Vocational Training Council); - charitable organisations registered under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance; - local universities or other tertiary/post-secondary institutes by statute; - District Councils; and - local unincorporated/incorporated companies under the Companies Ordinance. Key eligibility and geographic requirements mentioned:

- Project location: Project events/activities should primarily be conducted within Hong Kong.

- Overseas activities: Overseas events/activities may be supported only with strong justifications.

- Overseas expenditure cap (guidance in FAQ): The relevant expenditure outside Hong Kong should generally not exceed 50% of the total project cost.

- “Hong Kong angle”: Applicants should provide details demonstrating the benefits to Hong Kong.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas GSP supports non-R&D projects that can include: - conferences, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, - promotional events and activities, - popular science activities, and - events/projects supporting the upgrading and development of industry. Projects focused primarily on promoting the products/services of a specific commercial entity are generally not supported. Why This Opportunity Matters GSP is designed for organisations that want to deliver practical, public-facing non-R&D initiatives—for example, industry-focused events, innovation and technology culture-building activities, and popular science promotion—while aligning the project with Hong Kong’s industry upgrading and innovation ecosystem goals. The programme also builds in expectations around co-funding/sponsorship (at least 10%) and encourages a clear Hong Kong benefit when any portion of activities takes place outside Hong Kong. How to Apply - Prepare your application documents Read the documents listed on the GSP page before submitting: - Guide to Filling in the GSP Application Form - GSP Application Form - Funding and Administrative Guidelines for Successful Applicants (The source does not provide the document contents in the supplied text.) - Submit your application during the all-year application window The programme invites applications all year round. - Work to the correct cut-off date for your assessment cycle The source states that cut-off dates are: - End February → assessed June to September - End June → assessed October to January - End October → assessed February to May of the following year

It also specifies: 30 October 2026 for applications assessed in February to May 2027 normally.

- Use the official application link on the programme page The source shows an “APPLY NOW” button, but the direct URL for the application portal is not included in the supplied text. Use the official GSP programme page and select APPLY NOW. - Be ready for assessment clarifications and possible meetings - The GSP Secretariat checks eligibility and completeness and may request clarifications or supplementary information. - Eligible applications are considered by the GSP Vetting Committee. - Applicants may be required to attend assessment meetings to answer questions from the Vetting Committee. - Applications supported by the Committee are submitted to the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology for approval. Application Tips or Common M