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Hong Kong Design Incubation Programme
Hong Kong Design Incubation Programme is a venture capital firm based in Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR - China. It focuses on investment opportunities.
Hong Kong Design Incubation Programme
Hong Kong Design Incubation Programme is a venture capital firm based in Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR - China. It focuses on investment opportunities. The firm is headquartered in Kowloon.
General information
Firm type
Generalist
Location
Region
Asia
Country
Hong Kong
City
Kowloon
Corporate office
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Principals
Prof. Eric Yim
Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
What is the relationship between the Hong Kong Design Incubation Programme and the HKSAR Government?
The programme is primarily funded through the CreateSmart Initiative, a dedicated HKSAR Government fund established to support Hong Kong's creative industries. The Hong Kong Design Centre, a non-profit organization, administers the program and selects participants. The government's role is that of a strategic funding partner rather than an operational manager.
Does the programme take equity in the start-ups it supports?
No. The Hong Kong Design Incubation Programme provides financial subsidies, workspace, and mentorship without taking any equity stake or imposing revenue-sharing obligations. This non-dilutive structure distinguishes it from venture capital accelerators and angel networks, aligning it more closely with public-sector economic development instruments.
Who runs investment decisions at the programme?
Operational governance sits with the Hong Kong Design Centre, chaired by Prof. Eric Yim. The Centre's selection committees, drawing on expertise from the Hong Kong Designers Association and the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, evaluate applicants. Specific investment committee members are not publicly listed.
What kind of design ventures does the programme typically support?
The programme targets early-stage Hong Kong-based design entrepreneurs across product design, fashion, interior design, visual communication, and digital experience. Participants typically operate as independent studios or pre-revenue start-ups seeking to transition from freelance practice to scalable business models.
How does the Ming Foundation relate to the Design Incubation Programme?
The Ming Foundation, established by Prof. Eric Yim, operates as a separate philanthropic entity that shares leadership with the Hong Kong Design Centre. While the Foundation's specific grants to programme participants are not publicly detailed, its existence provides an additional private philanthropic channel that complements the government-sourced CreateSmart Initiative funding.
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