Innovation and Technology Commission

What Innovation and Technology Commission does

The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) is a bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region operating under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. It was established to lead Hong Kong's development as a knowledge-based economy by promoting applied research and development, technology transfer, and innovation culture. ITC administers the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) and a portfolio of funding programmes including the Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP), Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS), Research Talent Hub, New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme (NIAS), Innovation and Technology Venture Fund (ITVF), and Pilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator Scheme (PITAS). It also operates the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) under three schemes — HOKLAS, HKCAS, and HKIAS — and the Standards and Calibration Laboratory (SCL), which together provide accreditation, calibration, and standards services to laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection agencies. ITC additionally runs the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) and the InnoHK research cluster initiative, positioning Hong Kong as a hub for global research collaboration. Service delivery is channelled through partner organisations including Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC), Hong Kong Cyberport, Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP), and local universities, with funding applications submitted through GovHK e-forms. The Innovation Hub@HK platform showcases R&D outcomes from public research institutes to facilitate commercialisation and technology transfer. As a government department, ITC does not generate commercial revenue; its funding comes from HKSAR Government budget allocations and its services are either free to eligible applicants or priced on a cost-recovery basis.

Name

Innovation and Technology Commission

Legal name

Innovation and Technology Commission, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Website

https://itc.gov.hk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Innovation and Technology Commission is a Hong Kong SAR government bureau that administers the Innovation and Technology Fund, operates the Hong Kong Accreditation Service and Standards and Calibration Laboratory, and runs funding and talent schemes supporting universities, R&D centres, and technology enterprises in Hong Kong.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Innovation and Technology Funding Administration

NAICS

Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (926150)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Standards, Metrology & Accreditation Bodies (BPAIAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Accreditation & Metrology Cooperation (Calibration, Measurement Standards) (BPADANAE)

Keywords

• Government innovation funding
• R&D grant programmes
• Technology accreditation services
• Measurement standards laboratory
• Technology talent admission

Headquarters

HQ city

Hong Kong

HQ country

Hong Kong SAR China

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Innovation and Technology Fund Administration: ITC administers the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) which provides funding support for research and development, technology start-ups, and industrial innovation. The fund is allocated through annual government budget. ITC also manages various fee-based services including calibration services, standards sales, and accreditation services.
2. Accreditation and Standards Services: Revenue generated from accreditation services, calibration fees, and standards document sales to private industry and government departments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Innovation and Technology Commission administers the Innovation and Technology Fund and its portfolio of funding programmes (ITSP, ESS, NIAS, ITVF, TechTAS, Research Talent Hub), operates the InnoHK research cluster initiative for global research collaboration, delivers the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HOKLAS, HKCAS, HKIAS) for conformity assessment, and runs the Standards and Calibration Laboratory providing measurement traceability and calibration services for Hong Kong industry. Funding, accreditation, and standards services are delivered to universities, research institutes, enterprises, and testing/certification bodies.

Product overview

The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) operates as a government agency overseeing Hong Kong's innovation and technology ecosystem, providing a portfolio of funding programmes, accreditation services, and technological infrastructure. The core offering is the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), which encompasses multiple funding schemes including the Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP), Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS), Research Talent Hub, New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme (NIAS), and Innovation and Technology Venture Fund (ITVF). ITC also manages the InnoHK Clusters initiative for global research collaboration, the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) and Standards and Calibration Laboratory (SCL) for quality assurance, and the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) for talent import. Supporting infrastructure includes Cyberport, HKSTPC, Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, and various R&D centres. The Innovation Hub@HK platform showcases research deliverables to facilitate commercialisation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) Government fund administered by ITC to increase added value, productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong's economic activities, encouraging companies to upgrade technological level and introduce innovative ideas. Targets universities, R&D centres, and enterprises.
• Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) Funding programme supporting R&D projects at universities and research institutes, with Platform and Seed components. Issued under the Innovation and Technology Fund for public research organisations.
• Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS) Funding scheme for enterprises to conduct in-house R&D projects, encouraging technology upgrade and innovation in the business sector. Issued under the Innovation and Technology Fund.
• Research Talent Hub Programme subsidising hiring of R&D talent for ITF-funded projects, incubatees, and innovation and technology tenants of HKSTP and Cyberport. Supports talent development across the ecosystem.
• New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme (NIAS) Scheme supporting enterprises in scaling up new industrialisation operations in Hong Kong, with enhancement measures launched in November 2025. Performance pledge: 90% of applications processed within 55 working days.
• Innovation and Technology Venture Fund (ITVF) Venture capital fund supporting innovation and technology start-ups. Enhanced scheme launched with the first batch of nine fund managers selected in April 2026.
• Pilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator Scheme (PITAS) Scheme launched January 2026 to attract professional I&T enterprise service providers to set up accelerator bases; application deadline April 30, 2026.
• General Support Programme (GSP) Programme inviting applications for funding year-round, with cut-off dates for assessment cycles. Current cut-off date: June 30, 2026.
• InnoHK Clusters Research cluster initiative positioning Hong Kong as a hub for global research collaboration in strategic technology areas including AI data centers, advanced manufacturing, and green energy transition. Third cluster announced March 2026.
• Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) Accreditation for testing, calibration, inspection and certification bodies under HOKLAS, HKCAS, and HKIAS schemes, ensuring conformity assessment services meet international standards. HKAS is signatory to Global ACI MRA (full operations 1 January 2026) and APAC MRA.
• Standards and Calibration Laboratory (SCL) Government laboratory providing calibration services and maintaining measurement standards for Hong Kong, ensuring measurement traceability and accuracy across length, mass, temperature, pressure, electrical, and optical measurements.
• Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) Scheme to facilitate admission of technology talent for Hong Kong's innovation and technology ecosystem, providing quota applications and visa/entry permit services through HKSTPC, Cyberport, and HSITP.
• Innovation and Technology Support Programme (Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation) Joint funding scheme supporting collaborative R&D projects between Hong Kong and Mainland China; closed for new applications after October 13, 2025.
• Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC) Statutory body under ITC overseeing testing and certification services in Hong Kong, promoting industry development and trade facilitation.
• Innovation Hub@HK Platform showcasing R&D outcomes of Hong Kong's public research institutes to facilitate commercialisation and technology transfer, covering deliverables from six research institutes and six universities.
• Designated Local Research Institutions (DLRI) Designation Programme Programme designating local research institutions eligible for enhanced tax deduction for R&D expenditures under the Enhanced Tax Deduction scheme. Applications are processed by the DLRI Secretariat.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% achievement of 2025 performance pledges across Research Talent Hub, accreditation services, and standard-related services
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKUST received approval from ITC to establish two new InnoHK research centres under the renewable energy/storage and power semiconductors clusters. Research focuses on perovskite-based solar cells, green hydrogen production, solid-state batteries, and wide-bandgap semiconductors for energy efficiency improvements across transport, industry, and power generation sectors.
• Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner for delivering Technology Talent Admission Scheme, Research Talent Hub, and supporting innovation and technology tenants. HKSTPC facilities house technology companies and incubatees accessing ITC funding schemes.
• Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Technology Talent Admission Scheme quota processing, Research Talent Hub delivery, and startup ecosystem support for cyberport tenants and occupants.
• Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerR&D centre supported through Innovation and Technology Support Programme. Conducts research in communications, consumer electronics, fintech, healthcare, smart city, and transportation technologies.
• Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated in Lok Ma Chau Loop, HSITP provides infrastructure for innovation and technology development. Partner for TechTAS applications from park occupants.
• Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatutory body under ITC providing secretariat function for testing and certification development in Hong Kong, supporting trade facilitation and industry compliance.
• Ministry of Science and Technology (Mainland China)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral collaboration on science and technology programmes including Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme, State Key Laboratories support, and national research initiatives under the 14th Five-Year Plan.
• Chinese Academy of SciencesstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on scientific research initiatives, joint laboratories, and technology transfer programmes between Hong Kong institutions and CAS research institutes.
• Guangdong Province Department of Science and TechnologystrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner21st meeting of Guangdong/Hong Kong Expert Group on Co-operation in Technology and Innovation held March 2026. Collaborative initiatives for Greater Bay Area innovation integration.
• Hong Kong-Israel R&D Cooperation ProgrammeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral R&D cooperation programme between Hong Kong and Israel companies. Joint funding scheme for collaborative industrial research and development projects.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS): China's national accreditation body, also a signatory of ILAC/APAC MRA. Comparable to HKAS in scope (testing, calibration, inspection, certification) and central to cross-border conformity assessment between Mainland China and Hong Kong via Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation and Guangdong cooperation channels.
• Enterprise Singapore: Singapore's statutory board for enterprise development, industry transformation, and innovation funding. Most comparable peer given similar small-economy context, government mandate for innovation promotion, and similar scheme-based portfolio (SME support, capability upgrades, R&D tax incentives, technology adoption grants).
• Singapore Accreditation Council: Singapore's national accreditation body under Enterprise Singapore, covering testing, calibration, inspection, and certification across multiple schemes (SAC-SINGLAS, SAC-CC, etc.) with comparable MRA participation — direct counterpart to HKAS.
• Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS): Korea's combined national standards, metrology, and accreditation body under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Combines standards development, calibration services, and accreditation in a single agency — structurally closest to ITC's combined SCL + HKAS + policy coordination mandate.
• UK Accreditation Service: The United Kingdom's national accreditation body, operating across testing, calibration, inspection, and certification. UKAS is the most direct functional analogue to HKAS (HOKLAS/HKCAS/HKIAS), with both signed to ILAC/APAC MRA arrangements providing mutual recognition.
• National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) Australia: Australia's national accreditation body for testing, calibration, inspection, and certification bodies — direct counterpart to HKAS. Operates in a similar APAC/MRA context and provides technical competence assessment under international standards.
• Standards Council of Canada (SCC): Canada's national accreditation body, signatory to ILAC/APAC MRA arrangements, covering testing, calibration, inspection, and certification. Functional equivalent to HKAS with similar cross-jurisdictional recognition model.

Regional players

• Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) Singapore: Singapore's statutory board overseeing infocomm and media sector development, with innovation promotion and capability development functions. Comparable peer in the technology policy/innovation promotion space with similar mandate scope for digital/tech industries but jurisdictionally separate.

Broad incumbents

• National Science Foundation (NSF): US federal agency funding non-medical research across universities and research institutions. Comparable as a national R&D funding body with international collaboration programmes, but operates at much larger scale without an accreditation function.
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): The UK's primary R&D funding agency, administering multiple research councils and innovation programmes. Comparable in scope (national R&D funding portfolio) but focuses on grant-making rather than operating labs/accreditation like ITC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TechHongKong
• Facebookfacebook.com/ITC.HK
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/itcgovhk

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Innovation and Technology Commission