Application

PI Centre Startup Teams (PILOTS Lite Programme)

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ABOUT

CUHK PI Centre (under the management of Venture Acceleration Team, Knowledge Transfer Office) is recruiting new CUHK start-up teams for the 23rd Round PILOTS Lite X HKSTP Co-IDEATION (2026). We offer start-up seed funding (up to HK$ 130,000), training & workshops, networking opportunities with industry experts and business partners, consultancy/mentoring service and free co-working space for the admitted teams in the 1-year programme.

What will PILOTS Lite x HKSTP Programme give you?

  1. Start-up seed funding (up to HK$ 130,000)
  2. Training & workshops
  3. Networking opportunities with industry experts, business partners, successful entrepreneurs
  4. Consultancy/mentoring service
  5. Co-working space access
  6. Fast track to start-up incubators & funding preparation

ELIGIBILITY

WHO CAN APPLY

  • All CUHK students (undergraduate and postgraduate) (full time and part time) in ANY discipline, who have an innovative idea and a passion for creating significant human, social, or market value.
  • Applicants can apply as individuals or teams. In each team, the principal applicant must be a CUHK current student.
  • Applicants must not have been registered with a BR / a company for their own project at the time of application(1).
  • Priority will be given to:
    • Applicants with ideas and/or plans backed by research and/or scientific discoveries with research faculties and academic supervisor’s endorsement.
    • Applicants with ideas and/or plans being recognized in open or university-wide competitions, or having received any award and/or endorsements from other authorities.
    • Teams with students from diversified educational backgrounds and skillsets (i.e. from various Faculties or Departments).
(1)The graduation request and final arrangement of the shortlisted teams of the Co-Ideation programme which establish a company with Business Registration completed will be made on a case by case basis. CUHK reserves the final decision right for the graduation from PI Centre related matters.
 

The PI Centre is supported by:

PI Centre

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Graduation

PI teams could continue product development, establish a start-up venture, obtain investment or enter external incubation programmes, such as HKSTP’s INCUBATION and Cyberport’s CCMF.

Incubation

Our entrepreneurial consultant, together with mentors, will help PI teams on milestone execution. PI Centre will also host training and networking events.

Inception

Successful applicants will become PI Teams. Our entrepreneurial consultant will offer guidance on their milestone plans for the incubation period.

Application

PI Centre applications open twice a year. Applicants will be assessed and admitted by an Assessment Panel, convened by PI Centre’s Advisory Committee.