********************************************************
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (December 9) invited applications for funding support for research and development (R&D) projects under the 2014 Guangdong-Hong Kong Technology Co-operation Funding Scheme (TCFS).
The funding scheme, launched in 2004 by the Hong Kong/Guangdong Expert Group on Co-operation in Innovation and Technology, serves to enhance collaboration among universities, research institutions and technology enterprises in the two places, and upgrade the technological level of industry in the Greater Pearl River Delta region. The Shenzhen Municipal Government joined the scheme in 2005.
Since 2007, a category of projects jointly funded by the Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities or the Shenzhen and Hong Kong authorities has been introduced to the scheme to further enhance technology co-operation between the two sides.
Similar to arrangements last year, there are three categories of projects in the scheme. The first category covers projects to be funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) of Hong Kong. The second category covers projects to be funded by the Mainland authorities. The third category covers projects to be funded jointly by the Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities or the Shenzhen and Hong Kong authorities.
"There are 29 technology areas under the first category, for which Hong Kong institutions can submit funding applications. The governments of the two sides will also jointly provide funding support for projects in 13 technology areas under the third category. The technology areas supported under the scheme are relevant to the needs of industry and will enhance economic development in the Greater Pearl River Delta region," a spokesman for the Innovation and Technology Commission said.
The deadline for applications for the TCFS is February 13, 2015. Application details (including the technology areas for project applications under the TCFS) can be found on the ITF website (www.itf.gov.hk). Further information can be obtained from the ITF secretariat at 21/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong (Tel: 3655 5725; fax: 2957 8726; email: enquiry@itc.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:54
NNNN
