HKSTP and Microsoft collaborate to empower start-ups

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) partners with Microsoft Hong Kong to launch a series of initiatives to empower high-potential startups in their pursuit of innovation and global expansion. The joint support addresses startup's critical challenges of product development, go-to-market distribution and access to technology.

Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP said, "This strategic collaboration further enhances the Hong Kong I&T ecosystem as emerging startups from the HKSTP community gain unparalleled access and support from a global technology pioneer Microsoft. As one of the key I&T enablers in Hong Kong, HKSTP strives to build a vibrant ecosystem by connecting leading corporates with tech startups to collaborate, innovate and catalyse ideas through to impact."

Cally Chan, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau added: "Startups are central to our 30-year journey in Hong Kong. Their success is key to enable Hong Kong's business community to achieve more together. With innovation and entrepreneurship as our city's intrinsic values, this partnership with HKSTP will deepen our support to local startups, showcasing Hong Kong's creativity and advancement in technology to the world."

The collaboration combines Microsoft Hong Kong's innovation, global co-sell and go-to-market expertise with HKSTP's I&T ecosystem network and shared R&D facilities and infrastructure to provide HKSTP startups with access to three specific initiatives:

• Microsoft for Startups: a global program dedicated to helping B2B startups scale their companies through technology enablement and go-to-market support. Qualifying startups will receive a package of benefits, including free Azure credits, cloud solution license for internal use or testing, and an extensive network of technology consultants and resources for go-to-market.

• HKSTP-Microsoft Co-incubation: a 6-month co-incubation program offering technical and business development support for HKSTP's potential incubatees

• Special offer of Microsoft solutions: Special offers of Microsoft solutions are on shelves at HKSTP Marketplace - a one-stop marketplace for tech ventures to find essential services during the challenging entrepreneurial journey

During the pilot phase of this collaboration, a number of local startup ventures have already been enrolled. FreightAmigo Services Limited and Sensestek Solution Limited have become successful participants in the Microsoft for Startups program, while a total of seven HKSTP incubatees have been admitted to the HKSTP-Microsoft Co-incubation program. The Microsoft for Startups program is open for enrolment throughout the year while the HKSTP-Microsoft Co-incubation program is open for enrolment every six months.

Under the collaboration, technical workshops will also be organized to equip program members of HKSTP InnoAcademy with the knowledge and skills about Microsoft's technologies, in order to empower young talent to master emerging technologies. HKSTP InnoAcademy aims to boost Hong Kong's I&T competitiveness with a sustained series of programs, including training and value-added support to upskill technology talent from various sectors into future leaders.