Global Circularity Incubator
About Global Circularity Incubator
Global Circularity Incubator is a specialized incubation programme jointly developed by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP). This programme is designed to attract and nurture global talents and start-ups committed to green technology and sustainability.
The partnership combines HKBU’s pioneering research strengths in green technology with HKSTP’s robust innovation ecosystem, incubation, and acceleration platform. Our goal is to drive the transition towards a carbon-neutral future by translating research on circular economy into tangible, scalable commercial solutions.
We welcome researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups from around the world to join this ecosystem. The Global Circularity Incubator offers comprehensive support to transform groundbreaking research prototypes into real-world applications and to accelerate circular economy ventures. Participants will benefit from HKBU’s academic expertise, the global network of the International GreenTech Alliance and HKSTP’s world-class incubation support.
Important Dates
| Call for application | 8-May-2026 |
| Close of application | 5-Jun-2026, Hong Kong Time: 17:00 |
| Vetting | End of July 2026 |
| Project period | 1-Oct-2026 to 30-Sep-2027 |
Details of the funding scope and eligibility under Global Circularity Incubator as follows:
| Programme | HKBU x HKSTP Global Circularity Incubator |
| Focus Areas | GreenTech, or Circular Economy or Sustainability related |
| Duration | One year |
| Applicant category | Individuals, Team or Company applicants are accepted Please refer to the “Application” sector for more information. |
| Funding per application | *up to HKD$100k from HKSTP Ideation Programme. |
*Applicants may receive funding up to HKD$1.39M including
- Stage 1
-Up to HK$100K (Ideation Programme) - Stage 2
- Up to HK$1.29M (Incubation Programme), which subject to separate admission evaluation upon completion of Ideation programme satisfactorily
Enquiry
Email: kto_funding @hkbu.edu.hk
Tel: Mr. Steven Yip 3411 8075
To be eligible for the Global Circularity Incubator, applicants must focus on innovation within the green technology, circular economy, or sustainability sectors. We welcome applications from individuals, teams, and early-stage companies.
Essential Requirements
1. Projects must be GreenTech, or Circular Economy or Sustainability related
2. At least one core team member must be:
- A current HKBU student, professor, or staff member; OR
- A HKBU alumnus (graduated within the past 10 years); OR
- Referred by a member of the International Green Tech Alliance or BNBU (Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University).
- Individuals
HKID holders aged 18 or above. - Teams
Pre-incorporation teams.
(Note: Successful teams must incorporate a Hong Kong limited company within 2 weeks of admission approval). - Companies
Hong Kong-incorporated limited companies established for less than 2 years with a GreenTech focus.
Note: Applicants must not be simultaneously receiving similar incubation funding from HKSTP, HSITP, or Cyberport.
What areas are considered "Green Innovation"?
The programme focuses on, but is not limited to, the following key pillars:
- Waste Valorisation: Transforming waste into valuable resources or bio-materials.
- Hydrogen Energy: Innovations across the complete hydrogen production-to-utilisation spectrum.
- Clean Energy Storage: Advanced battery and energy retention solutions.
- Sustainable Materials: Development of biodegradable or circular materials.
- Carbon Capture & Utilisation: Technologies that directly reduce carbon footprint.
- Industrial Biotechnology: Biological processes for sustainable manufacturing.
The documents below can be downloaded at KTO website (HERE for Staff and HERE for Student)
- Ideation Application Guideline
- Global Circularity Incubator - Application Form
- Global Circularity Incubator - CV template
- Global Circularity Incubator - Business Proposal Outline (For Reference Only)
- (For PIC) GCI Checklist and Endorsement Form
- (For Other Team Member) GCI Checklist and Endorsement Form
- Global Circularity Incubator - Application Checklist
Important Note:
o For HKBU Alumni, please send email to kto_funding@hkbu.edu.hk for requesting relevant application documents.
| Points to Note | Deadline for 2026-27 Submission | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Applicants should read the “Ideation Application Guideline” and submit all items as stated in the “Global Circularity Incubator - Application Checklist” to kto_funding@hkbu.edu.hk via email by providing the zipped folder in Google Drive link with share access to kto_funding@hkbu.edu.hk. | 5-Jun-2026 |
Applicants will be notified of the result of their application by email within three (3) months from the Close of Application Date. Any unforeseen delay will be announced as soon as reasonably practicable.