Development Bureau

The eligibility criteria for the Development Bureau (DEVB) funding programs vary depending on whether the project focuses on technology, heritage, or local conservation. 1. Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF) Eligible Organizations: * Construction Enterprises: Contractors and subcontractors registered under the Construction Industry Council (CIC) or relevant local ordinances. Consultant Firms: Professional architectural, engineering, and surveying firms. Trade Associations: Non-profit professional bodies or trade unions within the construction industry. Project Requirement: The technology or training must be applied to projects or personnel located in Hong Kong. Exclusions: Government departments and public bodies are generally ineligible to apply as principal applicants but may act as supporting partners. 2. Built Heritage Conservation Fund (BHCF) The BHCF has two main tracks for eligibility: Public Engagement Projects: * Must be a local non-profit organization (NPO), such as an NGO, post-secondary education institution, or professional body. Must demonstrate legal capacity (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation). Project must be non-profit making and benefit the district or community rather than a single private entity. Financial Assistance for Maintenance (FAS): Open to private owners of graded historic buildings or declared monuments. Condition: Owners must agree not to demolish the building, not to transfer ownership for a set period, and to allow reasonable public access for appreciation. 3. Lantau Conservation Fund (LCF) Eligible Applicants: Local tax-exempt charities (registered under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance). Local non-profit making companies. Local post-secondary education institutions. Project Scale: Proposals must have a minimum budget threshold (typically $250,000 HKD) to ensure the project provides a noticeable contribution to Lantau’s conservation. Land Access: If the project involves specific land, the applicant must obtain written consent from the landowner or relevant government department before applying. 4. Graduate Training Scheme (GTS) Individual Eligibility: Candidates must be Permanent Residents of Hong Kong. Education: Must have a degree (or equivalent) in one of 18 professional disciplines (e.g., Civil Engineering, Architecture, Town Planning, Surveying) obtained in the current or immediately preceding year. Employer Eligibility: Private firms participating as trainers must be approved by the relevant professional institutions (like HKIE or HKIA) to provide recognized training.

"Hong Kong Project" Nexus: The technology, software, or equipment funded must be deployed for use in construction projects located within Hong Kong. Use for projects outside the HKSAR is generally not eligible for reimbursement. Additionality Requirement: The fund is intended to encourage the adoption of new technologies. Therefore, the application must be submitted and approved before the purchase, rental, or commencement of the technology/training. Retrospective funding for items already paid for or committed to is not allowed. Ownership and Usage: For hardware and equipment, the applicant must remain the owner/renter of the technology for a specified period (usually 12 to 24 months). If the equipment is sold or moved out of Hong Kong during this period, the Bureau may demand a pro-rata refund of the grant. Sharing of Knowledge: A key condition for many categories is the willingness to share the results. Grantees may be required to participate in case studies, site visits, or seminars organized by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) to promote the technology to the rest of the industry. Procurement Rules: Applicants must follow strict procurement guidelines, which typically involve obtaining a minimum number of competitive quotations (e.g., at least 2 to 5 depending on the contract value) to ensure the reasonable use of public funds.