The 2007 Hong Kong-Guangdong Technology Co-operation Funding Scheme has opened for applications, which close October 22.

The scheme launched in 2004, and in the past three years the Hong Kong and Guangdong governments have supported 400 research and development projects with funding of $1.15 billion.

This year the governments have earmarked $800 million to support research and development projects. There are three categories under this year's scheme, with the first two following past funding models.

Funding details

Under the first category, projects with Hong Kong institutions as principal applicants will be funded by Hong Kong.

Six technology areas will be supported: textiles and clothing; logistics- and supply-chain-management enabling technologies; automotive parts and accessory systems; information and communications technology; modernisation of Chinese medicine, biopharmaceuticals and biomedical engineering; and new energy, energy saving, resources monitoring and environmental technologies.

Applications should be submitted to respective research and development centres or Innovation & Technology Commission.

The second category is for Guangdong provincial government-funded projects with Guangdong institutions as principal applicants. Applications for the second category should be made directly to the Guangdong provincial government.

New category

To bolster technology ties between the two sides, a third category of projects to be funded jointly by Guangdong-Shenzhen and Hong Kong authorities will be introduced this year.

The five technology areas to be supported are energy-saving and new energy vehicles; white LED core technologies with high power efficiency; core technologies for radio-frequency identification, integrated circuits; and digital television. Applications under this category should be submitted to the commission.

The technology areas supported under the scheme are relevant to the needs of the industry and will enhance economic development in the Greater Pearl River Delta region.

Priority for funding support will be given to projects that leverage for maximum benefits on existing research and development facilities, resources and knowledge of Hong Kong and Guangdong.

Click here for application details. For enquiries call 2737 2433 or 2736 0055, fax 2957 8726 or email here.