The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) /RGC Joint Research Scheme
Limited submission
The A*STAR/RGC Joint Research Scheme funds collaborative research between Hong Kong and Singapore in AI for smart cities, sustainability, and translational immunology, led by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates: October 20, 2026: Full application submission deadline (Hong Kong applicants: submit one hard copy and a soft copy of Application Form via their university Research Office to RGC by 17:00 HKT)
Funding Amounts: Phase 1: up to HK$1 million per project (24 months); Phase 2: up to HK$1.8 million per project (36 months, for selected projects only)
Summary: Supports collaborative, high-impact research projects between Hong Kong and Singapore in AI for smart cities, energy/environmental sustainability, and translational immunology.
Key Information: Each UGC-funded university may submit up to five applications; parallel submission to A*STAR (Singapore) and RGC (Hong Kong) required.
Description
This scheme, jointly administered by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), funds collaborative research projects between Hong Kong and Singapore. The goal is to promote innovative, high-risk, and high-reward research in three strategic areas:
- Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities of Tomorrow
- Science for Energy and Environmental Sustainability
- Translational Immunology and Emerging Diseases
The scheme operates in two phases:
- Phase 1: Up to ten projects receive funding for 24 months to develop their initial ideas.
- Phase 2: After a joint review at month 21, up to three of the most promising projects receive additional funding for a further 36 months.
The program encourages cross-region partnerships, aiming to generate impactful research outcomes and strengthen scientific ties between Hong Kong and Singapore.
