IdeaBooster Fund

To inspire and support CUHK researchers in translating their knowledge and technologies into tangible societal impact, the IdeaBooster Fund is now calling for applications. Successful applicants may receive funding ranging from HK$100,000 to 200,000 per project in 2024-25.

1.Major Objectives

The Fund has four major objectives:

i) To support the development of early-stage ideas into a variety of impactful translational projects;

ii) To promote and cultivate an innovative culture across campus, stimulating a problem-driven innovation mindset within the CUHK community, for research and knowledge transfer initiatives;

iii) To encourage CUHK researchers to accelerate the transition from discovery research to goal-oriented translational projects which address a clear unmet market need;

iv) To inspire and encourage CUHK researchers to gain direct knowledge and insight from societal/industry needs, and to address critical social issues through interdisciplinary solutions, thereby creating tangible societal impact.

2. Eligibility Requirements

i) Full-time academic staff members at Assistant Professor rank or Research Assistant Professor rank or above are eligible to apply for the Fund as Project Leader.

ii) Individuals who fulfill the following criteria may also apply for the Fund as Project Leader with an endorsement from their Department Chairperson, Unit Head, or Project Supervisor.

• Full-time CUHK teaching staff with a Postgraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) in any disciplines on the rank of Lecturer or above; or
• Full-time CUHK research staff with a Postgraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) in any disciplines above the rank of Research Assistant (e.g. Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Associate / Research Officer / Research Fellow); or
• Full-time CUHK Postgraduate student (Research Programmes) in any disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

3. Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed and rated according to the following criteria:

i) 40% - Innovativeness and Creativity;

ii) 25% - Implemetnation Feasibility

iii) 25% - Potential for Impact

iv) 10% - Commercialization and Market Feasibility

4. Application Procedures

Applications should be duly endorsed and submitted via the online application portal (https://orkts-cuhk.grantplatform.com/), on or before the application deadline. Late and/or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

5. Briefing Session

Date: 19 April 2024 (Friday)

Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 nn

Format: Virtual (Zoom)

Slides for the Briefing Session: PDF

Recording: LINK  Password: Gqf4zn1.

[IMPORTANT] Application Deadline: 3 May 2024 (Friday) HKT 17:00

Please refer to the IdeaBooster_Fund_2024-25_Application_Guidelines.pdf for more details. Should you have further queries, please contact the Venture Acceleration Team, ORKTS (vateam@cuhk.edu.hk / 3943-0431 or 3943-0432).