Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is “IncuTrain Programme”?
A. This is an incubation and training programme administered by the Cyberport Digital Entertainment Incubation-cum-Training Centre (IncuTrain Centre) to support the development of Hong Kong’s digital entertainment industry. The programme will provide incubated companies (incubatees) with access to advanced digital production facilities and resources, support in business development, financing & hiring of graduate interns, as well as entrepreneurship and technology training for a period of up to two years. “On-site” incubatees will additionally enjoy a rent-free office in the Centre.
Q. Who is eligible for the “IncuTrain Programme”?
A.1. Business entities already incorporated are preferred. (If you are not, you should form one soon.)
2. Applicants must have sufficient funds or have plans or potential to raise sufficient funds to operate for at least one year.
3. Passion and ambition to start up a new company or develop a new project / product in digital entertainment.
Q. What is “on-site” and “off-site” incubation?
A. Both “on-site” and “off-site” incubated companies will receive the same level of support and financial assistance, and be liable to the same monitoring and review processes. The only difference is the provision of a rent-free office.
Q. What benefit will my company get if it becomes an “off-site” incubatee?
A. As an incubated company, you will gain access to the network of international and local business partners of Cyberport, and the range of training program organized by our Centre. Your company will be entitled to financial assistance in the following areas according to the prescribed percentages of subsidy and Guidelines:
1. Equipment Rental & Service Fees at the Digital Media Centre of Cyberport (75%)
2. Training Expenses (75%)
3. Promotion and Marketing Expenses (75%)
4. Legal and Consultant Fees (75%)
5. Internship Staffing Cost (50%) In addition, your company is entitled to quote itself as “an incubated company of Cyberport IncuTrain Centre” to enhance its profile.
Q. What additional benefit and responsibility will my company have as an “on-site” incubatee?
A. On-site incubatees will be allocated a rent-free office in our Centre. The only fees they have to pay are:
1. 50% of the monthly management fee, which includes advanced I.T. infrastructure and 24-hour air-conditioning except Sundays and public holidays, plus,
2. A share of the electricity charge of the incubatee area along with other incubated companies.
Q. Can my company apply for “off-site” incubation first and switch to “on-site” incubation later?
A. Yes. If off-site incubated companies need our office in future, they will be given a higher priority subject to availability of space.
Q. Should my company apply for “on-site” or “off-site” incubation?
A. It depends. Typically, “off-site” incubated companies have their own offices. “On-site” incubation will benefit companies which are in genuine need of a rent-free office and advanced I.T. infrastructure to help start up their new business or projects.
Q. How can my company apply for the “IncuTrain Programme”?
A. Fill in the application form, which may be downloaded at: http://incutrain.cyberport.hk/. It will guide you through your business plan.
Q. What is the procedure involved?
A. Submit application >> Vetting process >> Publish results >> Sign agreement >> Move in.
Q.Is there any application fee involved?
A. None.
Q. What do I need to write in the application?
A.1. Company Background
2. Project Background (including market analysis)
3. Project / Product Information
4. Revenue / Marketing Plan
5. Implementation Plan / Development Milestones
6. Financial Plan
7. Core Members’ Credentials
Q. What product / project information is needed?
A. You should tell us your:
1. Project Title or Product Name
2. Detailed description of your project / product
3. Goals you want to achieve
4. Process of how you will achieve it Uniqueness or market niche, creativity, as well as innovation are important to strike success.
Q. What should I include in the revenue / marketing plan?
A.You should show us your:
1. Target market and target audience
2. Business model
3. SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat) analysis
Q. Do I need to include my development process?
A. Certainly. You need to tell us your specific and realistic action plan for every 6-month stage throughout the development process. This is known as development milestones.
Q.What do I need to include in the financial plan?
A. Your budget should your projected income and expenditure on a monthly basis up to your product launch or the end of the incubation period, whichever is later. Figures should be realistic with respect to the market situation. In general, expenditure will include personnel, equipment, marketing and other office expenses.
Q.What additional information about my project / product do I need to give?
A. It will certainly help if you can provide more solid information such as:
1. Samples / demonstrations of your previous work, or the pilots of your proposed project / product.
2. Proven track records or your relevant experience.
Q.How can I submit my application?
A.1. Zip all your files and e-mail to: incutrain@cyberport.hk (or tell us your FTP site for download in case it is too big for e-mail).
2. Mail your hardcopy and CD / DVD (if applicable) to: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Co. Ltd. – IncuTrain Centre, Units 518, Cyberport 3, 100 Cyberport Road, Hong Kong. Please write “IncuTrain Programme Application” on the envelope.
Q.When can I apply?
A. Application is accepted anytime around the year, but they will be processed in batches. Q.Where can I get more information? A.You are always welcome to contact us any time at 3166-3900 during office hours, or via e-mail or fax at: incutrain@cyberport.hk or 3166-3027 respectively.
Tips for a successful application
Please show us the following in your business plan:
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Creative and innovative ideas |
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Clear and realistic goals |
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Competent core team |
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Viable business model |
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Specific product / service |
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Unique and marketable product / service features |
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Comprehensive financial plan |
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Well-defined development milestones per every 6 months |
The following items will also make your business plan more convincing:
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Enclosure of samples / demos of previous works / pilot works |
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Provision of P&L breakdown |
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Proven track records of relevant experience |