Translational Startup Postdoc Programme

1. Annual remuneration package 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, 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 University, if applicable, include:

• PolyVenture Micro Fund - maximum HK$120,000 funding, and further HKSTP Incubation support 
• PolyU Angel Fund
• 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 for no more than five years. Alternatively, applicants who will attain their doctoral degrees within next six 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 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.

2. Project Proposal’s 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 and aim to address global challenges. For details on the research focus areas, please visit the following websites: www.polyu.edu.hk/mtri/

• 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, 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.

Note:

• The Intellectual Property (IP) generated during the Programme period is owned by PolyU, or co-owned by PolyU and MTRI, 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 Startup Postdocs.
• A licensing agreement shall be signed with PolyU and/or the relevant MTRI when the Startup Postdoc establishes a start-up and utilizes the IP generated under the Programme. PolyU will provide favourable licensing terms to license the Project IP to the Posdocs’s start-up which includes the following terms: (i) 8-year non-exclusive license; (ii) no upfront and milestone fee, and (ii) 3% royalty rate.

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

  
  

1. Research Technology Impact & Market Potential: 25%

2. Technology Readiness/ Feasibility : 15%

3. Commercialisation Plan : 15%

4. Academic & Research Capability: 15%

5. Business/ Commercial Acumen: 15%

6. Coachability/ Open-mindedness: 15%

Successful applicants will be assigned to one of the MTRIs for their research and business development activities during the programme. Applicants are required to rank their preferred MTRIs on the application form. Subject to the availability of each MTRI, preference will be given to the applicants whose projects align with the research focus areas of their selected MTRIs.

Application Deadline: 6 January 2026 (Tue) 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. A copy 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 applicant shall secure the nomination of a PolyU academic supervisor upon application submission.

Translational_Startup_Postdoc_Programme_2025__Applicantion_handbook with Guidelines and FAQ

Translational Startup Postdoc Programme PPT template

Declaration of Use of PolyU Knowledge/Innovations/Technologies