What is Social Innovation Venture Impact Fund (SI-VIF)?
As part of a strategic restructuring of CUHK’s internal funding portfolio, the Sustainable Knowledge Transfer Project Fund (S-KPF) has now concluded and will be succeeded by new initiative — the Social Innovation Venture Impact Fund (SI-VIF). The SI-VIF supports CUHK academics-led ventures that turn applied research into sustainable, scalable solutions with clear social impact, fostering innovation-driven enterprises that address societal challenges through evidence-based and impactful approaches.
Eligibility
- Project Leader and Co-Leader(s) should be full-time CUHK staff on professoriate or research academic ranks. Other teaching staff will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All CUHK staff, students and non-CUHK members may join as team members.
- The project must achieve a minimum of Societal Readiness Level (SRL) 4 or above.
Funding Amount
Up to HK$600,000 for 2 years
Support
- Business development consultancy
- Publicity and media engagement support
- Partnership liaison
Assessment Criteria
- Social impact of the proposed business – 30%
- Relevance to underpinning research and innovativeness – 20%
- Viability and business readiness (e.g. business model, product-market fit) – 20%
- Project Management, Governance & Team Capability – 20%
- Potential to attract investment (for company limited by shares) or funding from private foundation or government (for company limited by guarantee) – 10%
Important dates
10th Sept 2026 – Information Session
14th Sept 2026 – Call for Proposals
13th Nov 2026 – Submission Deadline
Mid-Mar 2027 – Results Announcement
1st Apr 2027 – Project Commencement