Launched in 2014, TSSSU provides funding to six universities to support their teams in starting technology businesses and commercializing their research and development (R&D) results. From 2023-24 onwards, TSSSU comprises TSSSU-O and TSSSU+. TSSSU-O is the original component of the scheme which provides funding support to start-ups to commercialize the R&D results and innovative ideas. TSSSU+ is an enhancement measure to provide dollar-to-dollar matching funds* to start-ups which have demonstrated good growth potential through securing investment from private sector.
*Subject to conditions
Original component (TSSSU-O scheme)
Eligibility Requirements
1. TSSSU-O funding may be provided to a start-up company registered under the Companies Ordinance for no more than 2 years before the cut-off date stipulated by ITC
2. A Start-up team may have any mix of the following CUHK members:
i. Undergraduates, postgraduates or alumni; and/or
ii. Professor(s) or other faculty members serving as consultant(s) providing technical expertise and direction of the R&D; and
3. The PIC must be
i. Current Full-time Students (either UG or PG), or
ii. Current Full-time Professors, or
iii. Alumni graduated within the last 36 months, unless the alumnus/alumna is an awardee of the last round of TSSSU
4. Active members of CUHK (current full-time students, professors, or alumni graduated within the last 36 months should be the effective majority of shareholders of the Company; and,
5. Fulfill all eligibility requirements stipulated in CUHK TSSSU Guidelines 2024-25
Key Features
• The awarded start-up shall receive not more than 3 years funding support with annual ceiling at HK$ 0.7M per start-up company
• The technology involved in the application must reach the required Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Physical Science and Engineering technology must reach TRL 4 or above and HealthCare technology must reach TRL 3 or above.
• Preference will be given to those applicants under TSSSU-O using CUHK-related technology
Enhancement Measure (TSSSU+ scheme)
Eligibility Requirements
1. TSSSU+ funding may be provided to a start-up company registered under the Companies Ordinance for no more than 7 years before the cut-off date stipulated by ITC.
2. A Start-up team may have any mix of the following CUHK members:
i. Undergraduates, postgraduates or alumni; and/or
ii. Professor(s) or other faculty members serving as consultant(s) providing technical expertise and direction of the R&D; and
3. The PIC must be
i. Current Full-time Students (either UG or PG), or
ii. Current Full-time Professors, or
iii. Alumni graduated within the last 36 months, unless the alumnus/alumna is an awardee of the last round of TSSSU
4. The amount of private investment it has secured during the recognized matching period is no less than the amount of funding it intends to apply for
5. Active members of CUHK (current full-time students, professors, or alumni graduated within the last 36 months should be the effective majority of shareholders of the Company. CUHK reserves the final decision right on the effective majority of shareholders for the CUHK active members. Such decision will be made on a case-by-case basis and the decision of the Vetting Panel is final and conclusive; and,
6. Fulfill all eligibility requirements stipulated in CUHK TSSSU Guidelines 2024-25
Key Features
• The awarded start-up shall receive not more than 3 years matching fund support with annual ceiling at HK$ 1.5M per start-up company
• The technology involved in the application must reach the required Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Physical Science and Engineering technology must reach TRL 4 or above and HealthCare technology must reach TRL 3 or above.
• Preference will be given to those applicants under TSSSU+ using CUHK-related technology
Find out more details HERE.
Applications Open until 17 Nov 2023 (Fri), 5pm (Apply Now!)
For inquiries, please contact Ms. Joyce Mak at 3943-0812/ vateam@cuhk.edu.hk