SEED Programme
About SEED
SEED is a six month co-ideation programme with HKU iDendron and HKSTP for early-stage startup projects in any discipline or industrial sector. Awardees will have an opportunity to receive entrepreneurship training and HK$100k seed funding, as well as other business and startup support. SEED is a perfect programme for entrepreneurs to trial out their ideas and develop real-world business proposals.
What do we offer?
Structured Entrepreneurship Training
HKSTP will provide access to its Learning Platform while HKU iDendron has the 10-week Entrepreneurship Academy.
HKSTP Ideation HK$100k SEED Funding
HKSTP will provide each awardee up to HK$100k non-equity funding. The funding is offered in three stages provided that the startups meet the milestone requirements.
Public Exposure
Pitch presentation or video shooting on awardees may be organized. Awardees can publicize achievements or success stories via iDendron eNewsletters, website or other marketing channels.
Six-month HKU iDendron Membership
Including startup coaching, networking opportunities, workshops and talks, and access to co-working space, currently located at 2/F Pao Siu Loong Building on main campus. Up to two hot desks will be provided for each startup (details of our co-working space can be found here).
Fast track to iDendron Incubation Programme
Fast track to HKSTP Incubation Programme
(subject to any additional admission criteria by HKSTP)
Eligibility
Applicants can apply as individuals or teams. The principal applicant shall be a HKU current student (full-time / part-time), staff, or alumnus aged 18 or above by the time of application. HKU members altogether shall have 30% or more ownership of the business at the application date.
If the team has been registered as a company, it shall have its business incorporation in HK in less than two (2) years by the application date and must not be subjected to any bankruptcy orders or proceedings.
Selection Process 1
The selection takes place in two stages. iDendron will perform first-stage paper-based assessment to eliminate non-eligible applications or applications poorly meeting the following selection criteria. Shortlisted individuals and teams may be invited for an interview by vetting committees composed of HKU members as well as non-HKU members including venture capitalists or industrial experts.
Selection Criteria 2
1. Individual or Team Competency
2. Business Development Potential
3. Innovativeness
4. Research & Development
Programme Timeline (2023 Intake)
27 August 2023
September 2023
October 2023
Nov 23 – Apr 2024
Application Deadline
Selection Interview
Results Announcement
Programme Period
1 iDendron and/or the Vetting Committee(s) reserve the right, in their sole and absolute discretion, to define and decide on whether an individual, and/or a team and/or a project fulfills the eligibility requirements.
2 iDendron and/or the Vetting Committee(s) reserve the right, in their sole and absolute discretion, to make changes to the selection criteria and/or the weighting of each selection criterion without further notice.