TL;DR
- Multiple HK government schemes fund AI adoption for SMEs in 2026
- BUD / Easy BUD-style routes: possible fit for some projects, but current official caps, co-funding ratios, application status, and market-link requirements must be verified.
- RTTP: HK$500,000/year for AI training. 67% funded. Open NOW.
- TVP is CLOSED since December 2024. Don't apply.
- SME Digital Transformation: Enhanced round with AI support launching H2 2026. Domestic eligible.
- Not every scheme fits every business. This guide helps you find the right one.
The 2026-27 Budget injected HK$200 million into the BUD Fund with explicit AI support. The government wants HK SMEs to adopt AI. The money is there. The question is: which scheme fits your business?
✅ Open Now
BUD Fund — Easy BUD
- Maximum: verify current official cap before relying on any amount
- Co-funding ratio: 50% (government pays half, you pay half)
- What it covers: Hardware, software setup, custom development, training
- What it doesn't cover: Monthly subscriptions, ongoing service fees
- Eligibility: Non-listed HK companies with mainland China or FTA market operations
- Approval timeline: ~30 working days
- How to apply: Online via HKPC — bud.hkpc.org
Key point: Your project must demonstrate a link to mainland China or FTA economies. A marketing agency with APAC clients may be a possible fit. A fashion brand with mainland retail may be a possible fit. A purely domestic HK business may not fit some market-expansion routes. Verify against current official rules.
BUD Fund — Full Application
- Maximum: HK$800,000 per project (cumulative HK$7M per enterprise)
- Co-funding ratio: 50%
- Approval timeline: ~60 working days
- Best for: Larger AI deployment projects with significant build scope
RTTP (Reindustrialisation and Technology Training Programme)
- Maximum: HK$500,000 per company per year
- Co-funding ratio: 67% (government pays two-thirds)
- What it covers: AI training courses, workshops, staff upskilling
- Best for: Companies training staff to use AI agents
- Status: Open
🔜 Coming Soon
SME Digital Transformation Pilot Programme (Enhanced)
- Expected launch: H2 2026
- What's new: Adding AI and cybersecurity solutions
- Expected subsidy: ~HK$50,000+
- Key advantage: This is DOMESTIC — no mainland/FTA link required
- Best for: HK-only businesses wanting AI adoption funding
❌ Closed
Technology Voucher Programme (TVP)
- Status: CLOSED since December 31, 2024
- Was HK$600,000 at 75% co-funding — the best scheme for AI
- No longer accepting applications
- Do not apply. Some websites still list it as active — it is not.
Which Scheme Fits Your Business?
| Business Type | Best Scheme | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing agency (APAC clients) | BUD Fund | Mainland/FTA link via client work |
| Fashion brand (mainland retail) | BUD Fund | Direct mainland operations |
| Law firm (international clients) | BUD Fund | Cross-border client work |
| DJ school (HK only) | Wait for DTSPP Enhanced | Domestic eligible, H2 2026 |
| Accounting firm (HK + China clients) | BUD Fund + RTTP | Build + training combination |
How Agent88 Helps
We structure your AI deployment as a BUD Fund-eligible project. We scope the work, prepare the application, deploy the agent, and manage it ongoing.
For eligible businesses, the government covers up to 50% of setup and build costs. You get a working AI agent. We handle the paperwork.
Agent88 HK — managed AI agents with government funding support. agent88.hk