Accelerator Program

EMPOWERING STARTUPS

HKAI LAB offers a 12-month Accelerator Program that takes your startup to the next level. We focus on commercializing AI inventions and technologies that are developed at the lab. We run two accelerator cohorts every year.

WHAT WE OFFER

FINANCIAL INVESTMENT

The selected companies are eligible to be evaluated by Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund (AHKEF) and/or SenseTime to get their funding support. However, it is not a guaranteed investment.

Access our extensive investor network to diversify your sources of funding.

ACCESS TO PROPRIETARY AI TECHNOLOGIES

Powerful GPU-equipped high-performance computer resources

PAI, a machine-learning platform powered by Alibaba Cloud

STRONG ADVISORY, NETWORK & OPPORTUNITIES

Knowledge sharing by a wide spectrum of advisors

Exposure to venture capitalists and potential strategic partners

Opportunity for admission to the HKSTP Ideation/ Incubation Programme or direct admission to the City University HK Tech 300 Seed Fund Programme (Subject to fulfill the HKSTP Programme or the CityU HK Tech 300 Programme requirements) ADVISORS

DEDICATED SUPPORT & RESOURCES

Free cloud service credits will be offered to eligible companies

Technical consultation and support from Alibaba Cloud, SenseTime and Alibaba DAMO Academy teams

Technical and management assistance, promotion and development assistance, and business support from HKSTP through their incubation programs

OFFICE SPACE

Supported by HKSTP, office space at the Hong Kong Science Park is available for the duration of the Accelerator Program (Core activities should be R&D related).

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

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Applicant could either be an individual or a company. Selected applicants must obtain the Hong Kong business registration before program begins.

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Majority of the founding team members must either be Hong Kong permanent residents, or the company’s meaningful operations are carried out in Hong Kong

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The founding team members must hold 51% or more of the shares of the company

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The company must have at least 2 full-time staff and the company must engage in research, development or application of AI.

HOW WE SELECT

Our selection panel screens applications for Accelerator Program of HKAI LAB based on the following criteria

Depth of research and development

Innovation quotient

Viability of your business plan

Competence of the founding team

TIPS

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Step 1

1. ONLINE APPLICATION

Submit the online application form with the required supporting documents including, but not limited to:

  • A business plan
  • CVs of the founders
  • The certificate of incorporation of the company (if available).

Step 2

2. ASSESSMENT BY SELECTION PANEL

Paper assessment by Selection Panel based on the application materials received.

Step 3

3. INTERVIEW BY SELECTION PANEL

Shortlisted applicants will undergo an interview process with the Selection Panel.

Step 4

4. ORIENTATION

Selected applicants will be contacted to attend the Orientation.

Your application may be accepted even if your business legal entity has not yet been registered. However, if you are selected to the Accelerator Program, you must complete the business registration before program begins.

Deadline of Application

19.4.2023