HKAI Global Acceleration Program

EMPOWERING STARTUPS

HKAI LAB offers a 12-month Acceleration Program that takes your startup to the next level. We focus on empowering startups to develop and commercialize their AI inventions and technologies. We run two 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

High-performance computer resources equipped with GPUs are available for R&D purposes only.

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 strategic partners via our events

Opportunity for admission to the HKSTP Programmes/exclusive pathway to Ideation Programme, or direct admission to the CityU HK Tech 300 Programme (Subject to fulfill these 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

OFFICE SPACE

Supported by HKSTP, office space at the Hong Kong Science Park is available for the duration of the 12-month Program (Core activities should be R&D related).

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

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Applicants can be either individuals (full name) or companies (BR company full name). Selected applicants are required to incorporate a Hong Kong private limited entity upon receiving our offer.

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The company must conduct significant operations in Hong Kong. The person-in-charge of the applicant must be a shareholder of the entity to be incorporated 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 evaluates applications for the HKAI Global Acceleration Program based on the following criteria

Prototype Development and Innovation

Established Product-Market Fit

Revenue Generation

Team Viability

External Investment / Cash Funding (if applicable)

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 (in PPT/PDF format)
  • BR Copy (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 corporate entity in Hong Kong has not yet been registered at the time of submission. However, if you are selected to the HKAI Global Acceleration Program, you must complete the incorporation before the program begins.

Deadline of Application

30.5.2025