HK 2026 Digital Subsidies: Open, Closed, Outlook

TVP and DTSPP are both closed, BUD Fund is the channel currently open for applications, and enhanced DTSPP is the next milestone

The options for companies seeking Hong Kong government subsidies for AI and digital transformation in 2026 have changed fundamentally compared with 2023–2024: the two most widely used subsidy schemes have both closed, the main tool currently available is the BUD Fund, and the next structural subsidy scheme is expected to launch in the second half of 2026.

Closed Scheme: TVP

The Technology Voucher Programme (TVP) stopped accepting applications on 31 December 2024, having approved 38,640 applications before closing. Historical terms included: funding capped at 75% of total project cost, a cumulative cap of HK$600,000 per company, and a government-to-company funding ratio of 3:1. Eligible technology categories covered data analytics and AI systems, but the specific list had to be assessed against each individual application.

The TVP was formally terminated at the end of 2024, so all related discussion is historical and does not apply to current applications.

Closed Scheme: DTSPP

The Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme (DTSPP) launched in January 2024 with HK$500 million of government funding, targeting SMEs in retail, catering, tourism and personal services. Applications closed in May 2025.

The 2025 Policy Address announced additional resources to strengthen the programme, and an enhanced DTSPP is expected to launch in the second half of 2026. As of writing, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau is refining the details with Cyberport, to be announced after consulting the Legislative Council; the specific launch timing and terms are not yet confirmed.

The Main Option Available in 2026: BUD Fund

The BUD Fund (Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales) is currently the most usable government funding channel. The 2026 Budget adjusted its terms: the "Easy BUD" fast-track approval limit was raised to HK$150,000, and the cumulative cap was raised to HK$7 million.

The core positioning of the BUD Fund is expanding into Mainland China and overseas markets, with no exclusive focus on local digital transformation. The specific eligibility criteria for AI projects need to be verified on the BUD Fund official website and depend on how closely the project design relates to market expansion objectives.

InnoHK and HKPC

InnoHK is positioned as a research and development ecosystem, and no direct subsidy channel for AI adoption by general commercial enterprises has been found. Specific information on Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) AI consulting subsidies likewise has no public record, and enquiring directly with the organisation for the latest schemes is advised.

Eligibility of SaaS AI Subscriptions

ChatGPT has restricted Hong Kong users since July 2024, so it no longer serves as a premise for discussion; the Microsoft Copilot enterprise edition is available in Hong Kong through Azure. In any case, TVP and DTSPP are both now closed, so whether SaaS AI subscriptions were eligible is a historical discussion with no direct reference value for current applications.

Summary

The reality for Hong Kong companies seeking AI project funding in 2026 is that the two main subsidy schemes have both closed, and the BUD Fund is the only channel of scale currently open for applications, though how well its positioning fits a purely local digital transformation project varies with the nature of the project. The launch of the enhanced DTSPP will be the next major milestone, and close attention to announcements from the ITIB and Cyberport is advised.

For budget planning beyond funding applications, see The True Cost Structure of AI Automation: Four Layers Beyond the Quote and How to Calculate AI Automation Costs: Hong Kong SME Method for 2026; for vendor assessment before procurement, see AI Consulting in Hong Kong: Six Questions to Settle Before Procurement.