Hong Kong earmarks $258,000 per R&D project to curb COVID-19

It will fund R&D trials related to detection, diagnosis or surveillance of the virus.

Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) is earmarking up to $258,000 (HK$2m) each project in a special call for the research and development (R&D) of products and technologies designed to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release.

This aims to fund trials of R&D related to detection, diagnosis or surveillance of the virus, or reduction of the risks of infection and its spread. The outcomes will have to be immediately ready for trials by government departments or the relevant public organisations.

ITC may consider a higher ceiling for individual projects if necessary. The maximum duration of a project is 12 months, and priority will be given to projects that can be completed within a shorter time frame.

Applications are open until 10 April. The target funding recipients are local R&D centres, universities and public research institutes, as well as all technology companies conducting R&D activities in Hong Kong.