Startup incentives

Startup Incentives Explorer

Compare startup grants, incubators, R&D subsidies, tax credits, compute support, and soft-landing programmes across major innovation hubs.

Featured

High-signal hubs for founders

Hong Kong

Incubation Programme

Up to HK$1,290,000

AI, Robotics, GreenTech, Advanced ManufacturingOfficial source
Hong Kong

Cyberport Incubation Programme

Up to HK$500,000 plus rental support where eligible

AI, FinTech, Web3, Digital TechOfficial source
Shenzhen

AI OPC Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Action Plan

Compute, model, corpus, and scenario support with category caps in official notice

AI, AI Agent, AIGC, RoboticsOfficial source
Guangzhou Nansha

Hong Kong and Macau Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support

Settlement, rent, competition, exhibition, and talent support by category caps

AI, SaaS, Advanced Manufacturing, Cross-border tradeOfficial source
Explorer

Filter by region, stage, support, industry, and equity impact

Policy database

31 policies
RegionPolicyMaximum supportSupportStatusOfficial source
Hong KongHKSTPIdeation ProgrammeEarly technology founders validating an idea or pre-seed venture in Hong Kong.Up to HK$100,000Cash grant, Incubator, Office or labAI, DeepTech, GreenTech, ICTOpenNo equityOfficial source
Hong KongHKSTPIncubation ProgrammeTechnology startups building an MVP or early commercial product with Hong Kong ecosystem fit.Up to HK$1,290,000Cash grant, Incubator, Office or labAI, Robotics, GreenTech, Advanced ManufacturingOpenNo equityOfficial source
Hong KongCyberportCyberport Creative Micro FundDigital technology founders building an idea, prototype, or MVP.Up to HK$100,000Cash grant, IncubatorAI, FinTech, Web3, Digital TechOpenNo equityOfficial source
Hong KongCyberportCyberport Incubation ProgrammeDigital technology startups seeking Hong Kong incubation, workspace, and business development support.Up to HK$500,000 plus rental support where eligibleCash grant, Incubator, Office or labAI, FinTech, Web3, Digital TechOpenNo equityOfficial source
Hong KongInnovation and Technology FundEnterprise Support SchemeHong Kong companies with internal R&D projects and commercialization potential.Up to HK$10,000,000 per approved projectR&D grantAI, DeepTech, Biotech, RoboticsOpenMatching requiredOfficial source
Hong KongInnovation and Technology FundRAISe+ SchemeHong Kong UGC university R&D teams and spin-offs commercializing research outcomes.Up to HK$100,000,000 per approved projectR&D grant, Investment matchingDeepTech, AI, Biotech, RoboticsOpenMatching requiredOfficial source
ShenzhenShenzhen municipal authoritiesAI OPC Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Action PlanAI agent, AIGC, and AI-native startups that can use compute, model, data, and government scenario support.Compute, model, corpus, and scenario support with category caps in official noticeCloud or compute, Government pilot, Office or lab, Cash grantAI, AI Agent, AIGC, RoboticsCheck current roundNot primaryOfficial source
United StatesSBIR/STTR participating agenciesSBIR / STTRUS small businesses pursuing federal R&D topics with commercialization potential.Typical Phase I US$50,000-$275,000; Phase II US$750,000-$1,800,000R&D grant, Government pilotDeepTech, AI, Biotech, ClimateTechPeriodicNo equityOfficial source
European UnionEuropean Innovation CouncilEIC AcceleratorHigh-risk, high-potential startups and SMEs at TRL 6-8 preparing to scale.Grant below EUR 2.5M; equity or quasi-equity EUR 1M-10MR&D grant, Investment matchingDeepTech, AI, Biotech, ClimateTechPeriodicEquity or quasi-equityOfficial source
Guangzhou NanshaGuangzhou Nansha authoritiesHong Kong and Macau Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship SupportHong Kong and Macau youth founders or teams landing in Nansha and meeting programme criteria.Settlement, rent, competition, exhibition, and talent support by category capsCash grant, Office or lab, Talent supportAI, SaaS, Advanced Manufacturing, Cross-border tradeCheck current roundNo equityOfficial source
Hong KongHKSTPIncu-Bio ProgrammeBiotech and healthcare startups that need lab, regulatory, and commercialization support.Up to HK$6,000,000Cash grant, Incubator, Office or labBiotech, MedTech, Life SciencesOpenNo equityOfficial source
GermanyFederal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate ActionEXIST Business Start-up GrantStudents, graduates, and researchers preparing an innovative startup from a university or research institution.Monthly living grants plus materials up to EUR 30,000 for teams and coaching up to EUR 5,000Cash grant, Incubator, Office or labDeepTech, AI, Science, EngineeringOpenNo equityOfficial source
SingaporeStartup SG / Enterprise SingaporeStartup SG FounderFirst-time founders and early startup teams working through accredited mentor partners.S$20,000 to S$50,000 subject to programme route and matching termsCash grant, IncubatorAI, SaaS, FinTech, DeepTechOpenMatching requiredOfficial source
United StatesNational Science FoundationNSF America's Seed FundUS startups translating science and engineering innovations into commercial products.Phase I up to US$305,000; Phase II up to US$1,250,000R&D grantDeepTech, AI, Engineering, SciencePeriodicNo equityOfficial source
IsraelIsrael Innovation AuthorityStartup FundIsraeli deeptech startups raising private capital across pre-seed, seed, and Round A stages.Pre-seed up to NIS 1.5M; Seed up to NIS 5M; Round A up to NIS 15MR&D grant, Investment matchingDeepTech, AI, Biotech, ClimateTechOpenMatching requiredOfficial source
SingaporeIRASEnterprise Innovation SchemeCompanies incurring qualifying R&D, IP registration, IP licensing, innovation, or training expenditure in Singapore.Enhanced deductions on qualifying innovation expenditure; cash conversion cap appliesTax incentiveAI, IP, R&D, TrainingOpenTax creditOfficial source
South KoreaTIPS KoreaTech Incubator Program for Startup KoreaTechnology startups selected through TIPS operators after private investment or accelerator backing.Up to KRW 1B over 3 years including angel investment, R&D, commercialization, and overseas marketing tracksR&D grant, Incubator, Investment matchingDeepTech, AI, Robotics, BiotechOpenMatching requiredOfficial source
Abu DhabiHub71Hub71 Access / Hub71+International startups from pre-seed to Series A entering Abu Dhabi and the Hub71 ecosystem.AED 250,000 in-kind plus AED 250,000 cash via SAFE, with possible additional support for high performersSoft landing, Office or lab, Investment matchingAI, Web3, ClimateTech, FinTechOpenSAFEOfficial source
Hong KongInnovation and Technology FundPilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator SchemeAccelerators and startup service providers establishing high-quality accelerator capacity in Hong Kong.Up to HK$30,000,000 per approved accelerator projectAccelerator, Investment matchingAI, DeepTech, FinTech, SaaSCheck current roundMatching requiredOfficial source
Guangzhou NanshaGuangzhou Nansha authoritiesTechnology Enterprise Incubation and High-Tech Enterprise SupportIncubators and technology enterprises landing or growing in Nansha.Incubator, rent, high-tech enterprise, and competition rewards by category capsCash grant, Office or lab, IncubatorAI, Biotech, Semiconductor, New EnergyCheck current roundNo equityOfficial source
Australiabusiness.gov.auIndustry Growth ProgramAustralian startups and SMEs commercializing innovative products, processes, or services in priority areas.Early-stage commercialization A$50,000-A$250,000; commercialization and growth A$100,000-A$5,000,000Cash grant, R&D grantAdvanced Manufacturing, ClimateTech, MedTech, AgriTechPausedNo equityOfficial source
United KingdomInnovate UKInnovate UK CompetitionsUK businesses and collaborators applying to theme-specific innovation competitions.Competition-specific; cost coverage and project size vary by callR&D grant, Government pilotAI, Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, AgriTechPeriodicNo equityOfficial source
FranceBpifrancei-Lab Innovation CompetitionDeeptech founders and research spin-offs commercializing innovative technology in France.Up to EUR 600,000 grant supportCash grant, R&D grantDeepTech, Biotech, AI, ClimateTechPeriodicNo equityOfficial source
SingaporeEnterprise SingaporeStartup SG TechStartups commercializing proprietary technology through proof-of-concept or proof-of-value projects.POC and POV support subject to current programme termsR&D grant, IncubatorDeepTech, AI, Biotech, RoboticsCheck current roundMatching requiredOfficial source
JapanNEDOSBIR Promotion ProgramR&D startups responding to Japanese policy themes and commercialization challenges.Phase 1 up to JPY 15M; Phase 2 up to JPY 50M under programme summariesR&D grant, Government pilotDeepTech, AI, Robotics, ClimateTechPeriodicNo equityOfficial source
ShenzhenShenzhen municipal authoritiesHigh-Tech Enterprise Cultivation SupportTechnology companies with qualifying R&D activity and high-tech enterprise cultivation status.RMB 100,000 to RMB 3,000,000 by eligible R&D conditionsR&D grant, Cash grantAI, Semiconductor, Biotech, Advanced ManufacturingCheck current roundNo equityOfficial source
CanadaNational Research Council CanadaNRC IRAPCanadian SMEs developing and commercializing innovative technology products or services.Funding varies by project and advisory routeR&D grant, Talent supportAI, Advanced Manufacturing, Biotech, ClimateTechOpenNo equityOfficial source
CanadaCanada Revenue AgencySR&ED Tax IncentiveCompanies conducting qualifying scientific research and experimental development in Canada.Investment tax credits on qualifying SR&ED expenditure; rates depend on company typeTax incentiveR&D, AI, Biotech, Advanced ManufacturingOpenTax creditOfficial source
FranceFrench public serviceYoung Innovative Company RegimeYoung companies with qualifying R&D expenditure and innovation profile in France.Tax and social charge relief subject to eligibilityTax incentiveDeepTech, R&D, AI, BiotechOpenTax creditOfficial source
DubaiDubai Future FoundationDubai Future AcceleratorsStartups solving government or enterprise challenges in Dubai.Pilot and challenge access; cash is not the primary supportGovernment pilot, Soft landingAI, Smart City, GovTech, ClimateTechPeriodicNot primaryOfficial source
JapanMETI / J-StartupJ-StartupHigh-potential Japanese startups selected for public-private growth support.Non-cash growth support, branding, and public-private supporter accessSoft landing, Government pilotAI, DeepTech, SaaS, RoboticsPeriodicNot primaryOfficial source
Hong Kong

Ideation Programme

Maximum support
Up to HK$100,000
Support
Cash grant, Incubator, Office or lab
Founder fit
Early technology founders validating an idea or pre-seed venture in Hong Kong.
Status
Open
Official source
Hong Kong

Incubation Programme

Maximum support
Up to HK$1,290,000
Support
Cash grant, Incubator, Office or lab
Founder fit
Technology startups building an MVP or early commercial product with Hong Kong ecosystem fit.
Status
Open
Official source
Hong Kong

Cyberport Creative Micro Fund

Maximum support
Up to HK$100,000
Support
Cash grant, Incubator
Founder fit
Digital technology founders building an idea, prototype, or MVP.
Status
Open
Official source
Hong Kong

Cyberport Incubation Programme

Maximum support
Up to HK$500,000 plus rental support where eligible
Support
Cash grant, Incubator, Office or lab
Founder fit
Digital technology startups seeking Hong Kong incubation, workspace, and business development support.
Status
Open
Official source
Hong Kong

Enterprise Support Scheme

Maximum support
Up to HK$10,000,000 per approved project
Support
R&D grant
Founder fit
Hong Kong companies with internal R&D projects and commercialization potential.
Status
Open
Official source
Hong Kong

RAISe+ Scheme

Maximum support
Up to HK$100,000,000 per approved project
Support
R&D grant, Investment matching
Founder fit
Hong Kong UGC university R&D teams and spin-offs commercializing research outcomes.
Status
Open
Official source
Shenzhen

AI OPC Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Action Plan

Maximum support
Compute, model, corpus, and scenario support with category caps in official notice
Support
Cloud or compute, Government pilot, Office or lab, Cash grant
Founder fit
AI agent, AIGC, and AI-native startups that can use compute, model, data, and government scenario support.
Status
Check current round
Official source
United States

SBIR / STTR

Maximum support
Typical Phase I US$50,000-$275,000; Phase II US$750,000-$1,800,000
Support
R&D grant, Government pilot
Founder fit
US small businesses pursuing federal R&D topics with commercialization potential.
Status
Periodic
Official source
European Union

EIC Accelerator

Maximum support
Grant below EUR 2.5M; equity or quasi-equity EUR 1M-10M
Support
R&D grant, Investment matching
Founder fit
High-risk, high-potential startups and SMEs at TRL 6-8 preparing to scale.
Status
Periodic
Official source
Guangzhou Nansha

Hong Kong and Macau Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support

Maximum support
Settlement, rent, competition, exhibition, and talent support by category caps
Support
Cash grant, Office or lab, Talent support
Founder fit
Hong Kong and Macau youth founders or teams landing in Nansha and meeting programme criteria.
Status
Check current round
Official source
Hong Kong

Incu-Bio Programme

Maximum support
Up to HK$6,000,000
Support
Cash grant, Incubator, Office or lab
Founder fit
Biotech and healthcare startups that need lab, regulatory, and commercialization support.
Status
Open
Official source
Germany

EXIST Business Start-up Grant

Maximum support
Monthly living grants plus materials up to EUR 30,000 for teams and coaching up to EUR 5,000
Support
Cash grant, Incubator, Office or lab
Founder fit
Students, graduates, and researchers preparing an innovative startup from a university or research institution.
Status
Open
Official source
Singapore

Startup SG Founder

Maximum support
S$20,000 to S$50,000 subject to programme route and matching terms
Support
Cash grant, Incubator
Founder fit
First-time founders and early startup teams working through accredited mentor partners.
Status
Open
Official source
United States

NSF America's Seed Fund

Maximum support
Phase I up to US$305,000; Phase II up to US$1,250,000
Support
R&D grant
Founder fit
US startups translating science and engineering innovations into commercial products.
Status
Periodic
Official source
Israel

Startup Fund

Maximum support
Pre-seed up to NIS 1.5M; Seed up to NIS 5M; Round A up to NIS 15M
Support
R&D grant, Investment matching
Founder fit
Israeli deeptech startups raising private capital across pre-seed, seed, and Round A stages.
Status
Open
Official source
Singapore

Enterprise Innovation Scheme

Maximum support
Enhanced deductions on qualifying innovation expenditure; cash conversion cap applies
Support
Tax incentive
Founder fit
Companies incurring qualifying R&D, IP registration, IP licensing, innovation, or training expenditure in Singapore.
Status
Open
Official source
South Korea

Tech Incubator Program for Startup Korea

Maximum support
Up to KRW 1B over 3 years including angel investment, R&D, commercialization, and overseas marketing tracks
Support
R&D grant, Incubator, Investment matching
Founder fit
Technology startups selected through TIPS operators after private investment or accelerator backing.
Status
Open
Official source
Abu Dhabi

Hub71 Access / Hub71+

Maximum support
AED 250,000 in-kind plus AED 250,000 cash via SAFE, with possible additional support for high performers
Support
Soft landing, Office or lab, Investment matching
Founder fit
International startups from pre-seed to Series A entering Abu Dhabi and the Hub71 ecosystem.
Status
Open
Official source
Hong Kong

Pilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator Scheme

Maximum support
Up to HK$30,000,000 per approved accelerator project
Support
Accelerator, Investment matching
Founder fit
Accelerators and startup service providers establishing high-quality accelerator capacity in Hong Kong.
Status
Check current round
Official source
Guangzhou Nansha

Technology Enterprise Incubation and High-Tech Enterprise Support

Maximum support
Incubator, rent, high-tech enterprise, and competition rewards by category caps
Support
Cash grant, Office or lab, Incubator
Founder fit
Incubators and technology enterprises landing or growing in Nansha.
Status
Check current round
Official source
Australia

Industry Growth Program

Maximum support
Early-stage commercialization A$50,000-A$250,000; commercialization and growth A$100,000-A$5,000,000
Support
Cash grant, R&D grant
Founder fit
Australian startups and SMEs commercializing innovative products, processes, or services in priority areas.
Status
Paused
Official source
United Kingdom

Innovate UK Competitions

Maximum support
Competition-specific; cost coverage and project size vary by call
Support
R&D grant, Government pilot
Founder fit
UK businesses and collaborators applying to theme-specific innovation competitions.
Status
Periodic
Official source
France

i-Lab Innovation Competition

Maximum support
Up to EUR 600,000 grant support
Support
Cash grant, R&D grant
Founder fit
Deeptech founders and research spin-offs commercializing innovative technology in France.
Status
Periodic
Official source
Singapore

Startup SG Tech

Maximum support
POC and POV support subject to current programme terms
Support
R&D grant, Incubator
Founder fit
Startups commercializing proprietary technology through proof-of-concept or proof-of-value projects.
Status
Check current round
Official source
Japan

SBIR Promotion Program

Maximum support
Phase 1 up to JPY 15M; Phase 2 up to JPY 50M under programme summaries
Support
R&D grant, Government pilot
Founder fit
R&D startups responding to Japanese policy themes and commercialization challenges.
Status
Periodic
Official source
Shenzhen

High-Tech Enterprise Cultivation Support

Maximum support
RMB 100,000 to RMB 3,000,000 by eligible R&D conditions
Support
R&D grant, Cash grant
Founder fit
Technology companies with qualifying R&D activity and high-tech enterprise cultivation status.
Status
Check current round
Official source
Canada

NRC IRAP

Maximum support
Funding varies by project and advisory route
Support
R&D grant, Talent support
Founder fit
Canadian SMEs developing and commercializing innovative technology products or services.
Status
Open
Official source
Canada

SR&ED Tax Incentive

Maximum support
Investment tax credits on qualifying SR&ED expenditure; rates depend on company type
Support
Tax incentive
Founder fit
Companies conducting qualifying scientific research and experimental development in Canada.
Status
Open
Official source
France

Young Innovative Company Regime

Maximum support
Tax and social charge relief subject to eligibility
Support
Tax incentive
Founder fit
Young companies with qualifying R&D expenditure and innovation profile in France.
Status
Open
Official source
Dubai

Dubai Future Accelerators

Maximum support
Pilot and challenge access; cash is not the primary support
Support
Government pilot, Soft landing
Founder fit
Startups solving government or enterprise challenges in Dubai.
Status
Periodic
Official source
Japan

J-Startup

Maximum support
Non-cash growth support, branding, and public-private supporter access
Support
Soft landing, Government pilot
Founder fit
High-potential Japanese startups selected for public-private growth support.
Status
Periodic
Official source
Playbook

Global Startup Support Playbook

Incubator cash and workspace

Programmes like HKSTP, Cyberport, Startup SG, and EXIST reduce the early fixed cost of proving a technical company.

R&D grant and commercialization path

ESS, SBIR, EIC, Innovate UK, Israel Innovation Authority, and NEDO link technical milestones to commercialization evidence.

Tax and finance incentives

EIS, SR&ED, JEI, and R&D tax incentive regimes reward companies that can document qualifying innovation expenditure.

Soft landing and government scenarios

Hub71, Dubai Future Accelerators, Shenzhen AI OPC, and J-Startup help teams validate markets, pilots, compute, data, and strategic partners.

Start Agent task

Describe your founder residence, customer market, company stage, industry, and target hub. The Agent can help shortlist which incentives are worth reviewing before applying.

Last checked: 2026-06-09. Educational information only; verify current application status on official source pages.