🇭🇰 AISS — New in 2025 · Few advisors specialise in it yet

Get funded to build your
Hong Kong operations —
before the field fills up

The HKSAR Government's new AI Subsidy Scheme (AISS) backs companies deploying technology in genuine Hong Kong operations. It is early days — most applicants have not yet heard of it, and few advisors know how to position for it. That window closes as awareness grows.

Assess your AISS eligibility What AISS covers ↓

🆕 New scheme — 2025 Non-dilutive subsidy Open to HK-registered companies Blue-ocean window now

Early-Mover Advantage

Why acting now matters

AISS was launched in 2025. The scheme is real, the funding is allocated — but awareness among eligible companies (and their advisors) is still low. Early applicants benefit from less competition and more assessor bandwidth. That changes as the scheme matures.

Less competition per round

Newer government schemes attract fewer applications in early rounds — before industry associations and accounting firms begin mass-marketing them. Fewer applicants means your submission gets more scrutiny and consideration, not less.

Assessors are still setting precedents

In a new scheme, assessors are defining what a strong application looks like — not screening against a rigid template refined over years. Early applicants who engage properly help shape that template. Late applicants compete against it.

Few advisors know the scheme

Most grant advisory firms are optimised for BUD and Cyberport CCMF — established schemes with a decade of precedent. AISS is new enough that specialist advisors are rare. CompanyForge has been tracking AISS since launch and is positioned early.

Stacks with other grant pathways

AISS funding can be planned alongside HKSTP admission, Cyberport CCMF, and your BUD Fund timeline — but only if project scopes are delineated correctly from the start. Getting the sequencing right now opens multiple funding tracks, not just one.

The Scheme

What AISS funds

The AI Subsidy Scheme (AISS) provides non-dilutive subsidies to Hong Kong-registered companies deploying technology in their Hong Kong operations. The scheme targets genuine operational adoption — companies doing real work in Hong Kong, not nominal registrations.

Operational technology adoption

Subsidies for deploying technology tools and platforms that directly improve business operations — logistics, customer service, supply chain, finance, compliance, or production.

Talent and training costs

Staff upskilling, specialist technical hires, and training programmes tied to the technology being adopted — costs directly attributable to building genuine HK operational capacity.

System integration and deployment

Costs of integrating new technology into existing HK operations — software licensing, consultant fees, and technical infrastructure directly supporting the approved project scope.

Process redesign and optimisation

Business process reengineering work tied to the technology adoption — where the output is a measurable improvement in HK operational efficiency or output quality.

Cross-border operational enablement

For 出海 companies, technology projects that build genuine HK capacity to manage cross-border trade, logistics, compliance, or customer operations — with real staff and decisions in HK.

Compliance and reporting tools

Technology investments that improve regulatory compliance, audit readiness, or reporting quality — relevant for companies scaling HK operations with increasing statutory obligations.

Substance requirement: AISS is designed for companies building real Hong Kong operations — not nominal shells. Applications must demonstrate genuine HK substance: staff based in HK, business decisions made here, real office presence, and MPF contributions. A registered address with no operating activity does not qualify.

Eligibility

Who can apply

AISS targets companies with genuine Hong Kong operations that are adopting technology to strengthen those operations. Meeting the checklist is necessary — but not sufficient. Application quality and project credibility determine outcomes.

✅ You likely qualify if…

Your company is incorporated in Hong Kong
You have real operations in HK — staff, office, decisions made here
Your project involves adopting or deploying technology in those HK operations
The technology investment has a clear, measurable business outcome
You can document HK staff costs and operational expenses
The project does not duplicate costs already claimed under another HK grant
Your founding or management team can demonstrate operational track record in HK

⛔ You are likely ineligible if…

Your company is not HK-incorporated
Your HK entity is dormant or a nominal registered address only
The technology being funded is deployed entirely outside Hong Kong
You have no HK-based staff or real operational footprint
The same project costs are being claimed under another government grant
Your project has no defined deliverables or measurable outcomes
You cannot produce payroll or MPF records evidencing HK operations

Note for 出海 founders: If you have recently set up a HK company but have not yet established real operations, AISS may not be your first grant — but it can be your second. Our 出海 Landing Pack builds the HK substance (real director, real office, real MPF records) that AISS requires, positioning you to apply once your operations are established. Contact us for a ForgeScan to map your grant sequencing.

Funding Structure

Grant amounts and disbursement

AISS is a newer scheme and specific quantum details continue to be updated by the HKSAR Government. We advise clients based on confirmed scheme parameters at the time of application — contact us for a current eligibility assessment rather than relying on figures that may have changed.

Non-dilutive subsidy

AISS funding is a government subsidy — not a loan and not equity. No repayment is required provided project deliverables are met and costs are properly documented. Contact us to assess the current funding quantum applicable to your project type.

Milestone-based disbursement

Like most HK government grants, AISS funding is disbursed against defined project milestones — not as a lump sum on approval. Milestone design at the application stage is critical: vague milestones lead to delayed disbursements and claim disputes.

Claimable expenses

Eligible costs must be directly attributable to the approved project scope. Salary costs, technology licensing, contractor fees, and training costs are typically claimable — subject to scheme guidelines and proper documentation.

Stacking with other grants

AISS can be planned alongside HKSTP, Cyberport CCMF, and BUD Fund applications — but project scopes and budgets must be clearly delineated so the same costs are not double-claimed. We design multi-grant strategies at the ForgeScan stage.

Application Process

From eligibility check to funded

AISS application windows are announced by the HKSAR Government. Below is the typical process from initial assessment to first disbursement — understanding it before a window opens is what separates prepared applicants from rushed ones.

Eligibility and substance assessment

Confirm your HK entity structure, operational footprint, and technology project type meet AISS criteria. For new HK companies, this is where we identify whether you are ready to apply now or need to build more substance first — and what that timeline looks like.

~1 week (via ForgeScan)

Project scope and milestone design

Define the technology project in terms the AISS assessment panel expects: specific deliverables, measurable outcomes, realistic timeline, and a budget that maps to the approved cost categories. This is the most important step — a fundable scope is not the same as a good business idea.

1–2 weeks

Application preparation and submission

Complete the government online application with company background, project narrative, team credentials, operational evidence, milestones, and financial projections. Incomplete or inconsistent submissions are screened out before reaching the panel — typically because the project scope is unclear or the HK substance evidence is thin.

2–4 weeks

Panel assessment

Shortlisted applications are reviewed by an assessment panel. For newer schemes like AISS, panel criteria are still being calibrated — which is why early applicants who engage properly (complete, coherent, credible) carry an advantage.

4–10 weeks from submission

Approval and funding agreement

Successful applicants sign a funding agreement that binds them to the deliverables, milestones, and budget agreed at the application stage. Review this document carefully — the milestones you designed in step 2 become your legal obligations here.

2–4 weeks

Project execution and milestone claims

Deliver against your approved milestones and submit claims with full supporting documentation. This is where poor record-keeping — missing receipts, undocumented salary costs, unattributed expenses — causes delays or reduced disbursements. Set up clean accounting before you start spending.

Project duration (typically 6–18 months)

Common Pitfalls

Why AISS applications fall short

AISS is new — but government grant applications fail for the same predictable reasons regardless of scheme. Knowing them before you apply is more valuable than learning them from a rejection.

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No real HK substance

Applying with a nominal HK registered address and no real operations is the fastest path to rejection. AISS is designed for companies doing genuine work in Hong Kong — assessors look for staff, payroll records, office presence, and decisions made locally.

⚠️

Vague technology project scope

"We are deploying technology in our operations" is not a project scope. Panels want specific deliverables: which system, what business process, what measurable outcome, by when, for how much. Vague scope is the most common rejection trigger.

⚠️

Budget-scope mismatch

A budget too large for the deliverables — or too small to credibly execute them — signals that the applicant has not thought through the project. Every line item must be directly attributable to an approved cost category and a specific deliverable.

⚠️

Double-claiming against other grants

If the same salary, the same software cost, or the same consultant fee is already being claimed under BUD Fund, CCMF, or HKSTP funding, it cannot be claimed under AISS. Overlapping scopes without clear delineation are a serious compliance risk.

⚠️

Applying too late in a window

Application windows close, and late submissions are typically not reviewed in the current round. Preparing from scratch when a window opens — rather than being ready in advance — means missing rounds while better-prepared competitors get funded.

⚠️

Poor claims record-keeping post-approval

Many applicants pass the assessment but lose disbursements because receipts are missing, expenses are misattributed, or milestone evidence is insufficient. Set up proper accounting — separate cost codes, receipt tracking — before spending begins.

Funding Sprint

How CompanyForge improves your AISS approval odds

A strong AISS application is a strategic document, not a form. Our Funding Sprint is designed to address every dimension that separates approved applications from rejected ones — from substance evidence through milestone design to panel preparation.

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Eligibility audit

We check your entity structure, HK substance, and project type against current AISS criteria before you invest time in an application that will not clear the initial screen. For founders not yet ready, we map the substance-building steps needed.

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Scope and milestone design

We co-design your project scope to be fundable: specific deliverables, a timeline that is realistic and credible, and a budget with clear attribution to eligible cost categories. This is the single biggest predictor of outcome — more than any other factor.

✍️

Application narrative drafting

We draft and refine the written application — company background, operational evidence, project rationale, team credentials, and use-of-funds justification — written to answer what AISS assessors are actually looking for, not just what the form asks.

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Multi-grant sequencing

For clients with multiple funding opportunities — AISS alongside HKSTP, CCMF, or BUD — we design the project scopes and cost allocations so all three can proceed without double-counting. This requires planning from the start, not retrofitting later.

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Claims and record-keeping setup

After approval, we help you establish the accounting structure — cost codes, receipt workflows, payroll attribution — needed to claim disbursements cleanly. The funding you were awarded only reaches your bank account if the claims are done right.

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Substance foundation (for 出海 clients)

For mainland founders establishing a new HK entity, we pair the Funding Sprint with our 出海 Landing Pack — so your company has the real HK operations (local director, real office, proper MPF) that AISS requires before you apply.

Why AISS is a blue-ocean opportunity right now

Most established grant advisory firms in Hong Kong have not yet built deep expertise in AISS. The scheme is new, the playbook is not yet standardised, and the early rounds have fewer applicants relative to budget. That combination — new scheme, low competition, uncrowded advisory space — is rare in the HK grant ecosystem and will not last long.

Fewer competing applications per round than mature schemes like BUD Fund
Assessors are still calibrating what "strong" looks like — early applicants help define the bar
Most competitors are not yet advised — giving well-prepared applicants a structural edge
Acting now lets you complete a full AISS cycle before the scheme becomes crowded
CompanyForge has been tracking AISS since launch — we are positioned to advise now, not six months from now

Funding Sprint

HK$15,000–30,000 fixed

+ 8–12% success fee per grant received (per application)

Eligibility audit and go/no-go recommendation
Scope, milestone, and budget design workshop
Full application narrative drafting and review
Multi-grant sequencing (AISS + HKSTP / CCMF / BUD)
Post-approval claims and record-keeping setup
Applicable to AISS, CCMF, HKSTP, BUD Fund, and Cyberport incubation

Book a ForgeScan first — HK$8,000–15,000 (50% credited)

FAQ

Common questions about AISS

Can a newly incorporated HK company apply for AISS? ＋

AISS is designed for companies with genuine HK operations — which means a company formed last month with no staff and no real activity will not qualify. Unlike BUD Fund (which has an explicit 1-year operating history requirement), AISS does not publish a minimum age threshold, but the substance requirement effectively filters out shell companies. For recently formed entities, contact us for a ForgeScan: we will tell you where you stand and what needs to be in place before you apply.

Can a mainland China founder apply via a HK company? ＋

Yes. The applicant must be a HK-incorporated entity — founders' nationality is not a disqualifying factor. However, AISS assesses HK operational substance: staff in HK, decisions made here, real office presence. For 出海 founders, our 出海 Landing Pack establishes that substance — local director, registered office, proper MPF records — so your AISS application has a credible foundation.

Can AISS be applied for at the same time as BUD Fund or Cyberport CCMF? ＋

Yes — but not for the same project costs. If you are applying for multiple grants simultaneously, the project scopes and budgets must be clearly delineated. The same salary or software cost cannot be claimed under two schemes at once. CompanyForge advises on multi-grant strategy: how to scope and sequence applications so all eligible costs are claimed without double-counting.

How do I know what the current AISS funding quantum is? ＋

AISS is a newer scheme and specific grant amounts and eligibility parameters are updated by the HKSAR Government. Rather than citing figures that may have changed, we advise clients based on confirmed scheme parameters at the time of their application. Contact us for a current eligibility assessment — we maintain live tracking of AISS developments and will give you accurate, up-to-date information.

Does CompanyForge guarantee AISS approval? ＋

No. No advisor can guarantee grant approval — and any firm that claims otherwise is misrepresenting what advisory services can deliver. What we do is strengthen your application: audit eligibility accurately, design a fundable project scope, draft a coherent and complete narrative, and prepare you for assessment. The success fee in our Funding Sprint means our interests are aligned with yours — we only receive the success fee if you receive the grant.

My company is technology-focused but is also applying for HKSTP. Can I do both? ＋

Yes — HKSTP admission and AISS funding address different things. HKSTP provides incubation, workspace, and a network in addition to funding; AISS provides operational subsidies. The projects and costs can be scoped separately. We regularly advise clients pursuing HKSTP admission and government grants concurrently — the key is correct delineation of project scope and budget from the start.

Live Proof

Companies we have built and run

CompanyForge is not a pure advisory firm. We have built HK-registered, operating companies ourselves — which means our grant advisory comes from doing it, not just knowing about it.

Kangleling 康乐龄

Hong Kong-registered eldercare food company. Real staff, real MPF records, real product serving a genuine market need. Built from entity setup through operational grant-readiness — the substance profile that AISS and other government schemes require.

CareEZ

Dysphagia screening application — HK company with HKSTP-adjacent positioning. A technology product with real operational activity in Hong Kong, demonstrating the substance profile that government subsidy schemes assess.

PierForge

Cross-border trade technology platform — HK company with real operations. Built to demonstrate that 出海 companies can establish genuine HK substance, not just a registered address, creating a credible base for grant applications.

Find out if AISS is the right fit — before the early-mover window closes

Book a ForgeScan. We assess your company's AISS eligibility, identify any gaps in your HK substance or project scope, and give you a clear go/no-go with a sequenced grant strategy. The ForgeScan fee (HK$8,000–15,000) is 50% credited toward a Funding Sprint.

Assess your AISS eligibility

Company-formation services handled via our licensed TCSP partners. CompanyForge provides strategy, grant advisory, and client experience.

Get funded to build your Hong Kong operations — before the field fills up