Translational Startup Postdoc Programme

Application Deadline: 6 January 2027 (Wed) 1pm

Complete an online application and upload the following documents on or before the application deadline:

1. A 15-slide PPT in English (please refer to PPT Guidelines in Section G.3 of the handbook);
2. CV of the applicant;
3. A copy of identity document;
4. Copies of academic & professional qualification certificates;
5. Proof of academic supervisor nomination (e.g. an email or a letter);
6. Declaration of "Use of PolyU Knowledge/Innovations/Technologies" duly signed/endorsed by PolyU academic staff, if applicable. (The form is available on the Translational Startup Postdoc Programme web page under the section "Download Area".) ;
7. A copy of reference letters (optional)

*Note: All applicants shall secure the nomination of a PolyU academic supervisor upon application submission.

1. Annual remuneration package of up to HK$348,000
2. Research funding for prototyping and testing (a maximum of HK$50,000 per year)
3. Support for travel and participation in outreach activities (including passage, meals, accommodation, local transportation, and registration fees) (a maximum of HK$15,000 per year)
   
4. Free workspace at InnoHub (PolyU, Shenzhen, or MTRIs/MTRC)

Plus

• Dual mentorship – academic and industrial
• Comprehensive entrepreneurship development support provided by KTEO, MTRIs, MTRC of PolyU
• Connection to investor and industry network
• Pipeline to funding schemes, investment or incubation programmes of PolyU or other incubators

Other funding opportunities from the Government and PolyU, if applicable, include:

• PolyVenture Micro Fund - up to HK$120,000 funding and further HKSTP Incubation support 
• PolyU Angel Fund - up to HK$800,000 TSSSU funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC)
• PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund - equity Investment up to HK$4 million through co-investment model

**For details about the benefits and support, please refer to the programme handbook available in the "Download Area".

1. Eligibility

• Potential Academic Supervisor:  Applicants must identify at least one full-time academic staff member at PolyU (Research Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate  Professor, Professor or above) to serve as their academic supervisor(s) and obtain their written consent. 

  Applicants may visit www.polyu.edu.hk/education/faculties-schools-departments/ to search for suitable academic supervisors.

   

• Doctoral Degree Attainment: Upon the application submission date, applicants must have attained a doctoral degree within the past five years. Alternatively, applicants who will attain their doctoral degrees within the next three months are also eligible.

   

• Determination to Commercialise Research Outcomes: Applicants should demonstrate a strong determination and commitment to translating the research outcomes into practical applications through startup ventures.

   

• Entrepreneurial Passion and Experience: Applicants should possess the ambition to lead the business as CEO or COO. Preference will be given to those with past or current entrepreneurial experience, demonstrating their familiarity with the challenges and opportunities of running a startup.

   

• Applied Research Capabilities: Applicants should exhibit excellent applied research capabilities, evidenced by a proven track record of conducting impactful research in their respective fields.

Notes:

• As one of the Programme milestones requires awardees to establish and operate their start-up companies at the MTRIs/MTRC in the Chinese Mainland, candidates who can communicate in Mandarin will be considered favourably.

2. Project Proposal Requirements

• Research Focus Areas: To ensure that the research and technology developed by Postdocs have practical application potential and effectively bridge the gap between laboratory technologies, industry needs, and mass market opportunities, project proposals should align with the key research focus areas specified by PolyU’s MTRIs/MTRC and aim to address global challenges. For details on the research focus areas, please visit the following websites: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/mtri/new-mainland-presence/mtri/?sc_lang=en

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive proposal featuring innovation at TRL Level 3 or above. The proposal should include completed laboratory tests and provide clear evidence of the feasibility and viability of the proposed innovation or technology. 

For the latest information on MTRIs/MTRC, please refer to the website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/mtri/ for details regarding their research focus areas.

Programme Structure

The normal duration of the Programme is 2 years, starting from the commencement date. Upon successful admission, each candidate will be issued a 24-month appointment contract.

Notes:

• The Intellectual Property (IP) generated during the Programme period is owned by PolyU,or co-owned by PolyU and MTRIs/MTRC, in accordance with PolyU’s Policy on Ownership of Intellectual Property and Regulations on the Management of Intellectual Property.
• All products and services developed under the Programme for commercialisation must not infringe upon any third-party intellectual property rights, as declared by the Postdocs.
• A licensing agreement shall be signed with PolyU and/or the relevant MTRIs/MTRC when the Postdocs establish a start-up and utilize the IP generated under the Programme. PolyU will provide favourable licensing terms to license the Project IP to the Postdocs’ start-ups, including the following terms: (i) 8-year non-exclusive license; (ii) no upfront and milestone fee, and (iii) 3% royalty rate.

• PolyU will take 5% of stock option in the start-up established by the Postdocs, Further details of this stock option will be provided prior to the commencement of the Programme and the Postdocs are expected to enter into an agreement with PolyU regarding the stock option at the start of the Programme.

Notes:

• Successful applicants will be assigned to one of the MTRIs/MTRC for their research and business development activities during the programme. Applicants are required to rank their preferred MTRIs/MTRC on the application form. Subject to the availability of each MTRI/MTRC, preference will be given to the applicants whose projects align with the research focus areas of their selected MTRIs/MTRC.
• As one of the Programme milestones requires awardees to establish and operate their start-up companies at the MTRIs/MTRC in the Chinese Mainland, candidates who can communicate in Mandarin will be considered favourably.

Translational Startup Postdoc Programme 2026 Application Handbook with Guidelines and FAQ

Translational Startup Postdoc Programme PPT template

Declaration of Use of PolyU Knowledge/Innovations/Technologies

To maintain openness, fairness and integrity of PolyU, the Applicant and/or Team and/ or the Company should be aware of the following relevant clauses to fulfil the Probity Requirements:

(a) The Applicant and/or Team and/ or the Company should observe the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (“POBO”) (Cap. 201, Hong Kong Legislation) and prohibit its directors, employees, sub-contractors, agents and other personnel who are in any way involved in the project from offering, soliciting or accepting any advantages as defined in the POBO in relation to the project.

(b) The Applicant and/or Team and/ or the Company is prohibited from offering any advantages, whether directly or indirectly through a third party, to PolyU’s members of the Council, committees and sub-committees, staff and advisors, while having dealings of any kind with PolyU.

(c) The Applicant and/or Team and/ or the Company is required to comply with anti-bribery laws and regulations in foreign jurisdictions when conducting business overseas and/or set up legal entities in foreign locations to support local operations.

(d) The Applicant and/or Team and/ or the Company must promptly declare and notify PolyU in writing of any potential or actual conflicts of interest as soon as they become aware of them. A conflict of interest includes, but is not limited to, situations where the private interests of the Applicant and/or Team and/ or the Company or its personnel conflict with or compete with their role, duties, and impartiality under the Scheme.

(e) The Applicant and/or Team and/ or the Company is required to take all necessary measures (including by way of a code of conduct or contractual provisions) to ensure that its directors, employees, sub-contractors, agents and other personnel who are in any way involved in the project are aware of and comply with the requirements as set out in this provision.