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The governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Guangdong Province today (August 9) invited applications for funding support for research and development (R&D) projects under the 2006 Hong Kong/Guangdong Technology Co-operation Funding Scheme.
The funding scheme, first launched in 2004 by the Hong Kong/Guangdong Expert Group on Co-operation in Innovation and Technology, serves to enhance the collaboration between R&D institutions and industry, and the upgrading of the industry in the Greater Pearl River Delta region.
In the past two years, the governments of Guangdong and HKSAR have supported some 200 R&D projects with a total funding of $660 million.
"In view of the favourable response, the Expert Group agreed that the scheme should be launched for the third year and the two sides have earmarked about $800 million to support R&D projects," a spokesman for the Innovation and Technology Commission(ITC) said.
Six key technology areas will be supported under the 2006 scheme. They are information and communications technology; precision manufacturing technologies and products; new materials and nanotechnology; biomedicine and health; new energy and resources conservation; and modern agriculture.
"These technology areas are relevant to the needs of the industry and will enhance economic development in the Greater Pearl River Delta region," the spokesman said.
Applications made by institutions established in Hong Kong as the principal applicant will be processed by ITC of the HKSAR Government, while applications made by institutions established in the Guangdong Province as the principal applicant will be processed by the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province.
There are three schemes under the funding scheme for participation by Hong Kong institutions - Platform Research Scheme, Collaborating Research Scheme and Company Research Scheme. The Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) will provide up to 90% of the project expenses, while the applicants would be required to seek industry sponsorship for at least 10 percent of the project expenses.
"Priority for funding support will be given to projects that leverage for maximum benefits on existing R&D facilities, resources and knowledge of Hong Kong and Guangdong. Co-operation of industry in both places via provision of funding, development expertise and advice in the six technology areas are also encouraged," he said.
Applications from the Hong Kong side should be submitted under the Innovation and Technology Support Programme through the Innovation and Technology Commission Funding Administrative System (on the ITF website at www.itf.gov.hk) from August 9 to September 29, 2006.
Details of the solicitation document can be found on the ITF website. Further information can be obtained from the ITF Secretariat at 20/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Tel: 2737 2229; Fax: 2957 8726; Email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:00
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