Funding applications are divided into three types:
1.    Type A: for research projects conducive to enhancing scientific research strength and cutting-edge original innovation ability, with funding amount not exceeding MOP 3,000,000;
2.    Type B: for research projects with application-oriented scientific research findings, with funding amount not exceeding MOP 3,000,000;
3.    Type C: for research projects with application-oriented scientific research findings, with funding amount exceeding MOP 3,000,000, but not exceeding MOP 5,000,000.
To support the industry-university-research collaboration in Macao, priority will be given to Projects Type B and C in case of limited budget.

Entities that fulfill any of the following conditions are eligible to submit application:
1.    Local higher education institutions under the supervision of the Macao SAR Government;
2.    Laboratories or other entities engaged in scientific and technological R&D in the Macao SAR;
3.    Private non-profit organizations registered in the Macao SAR;
4.    Researchers engaged in R&D activities in the Macao SAR.

 

1.    In terms of Types B or C, the research subject of project proposed shall align with the policy direction of the Macao SAR Government, current Five-Year Plan of Macao economic and social development, the Macao SAR Government’s Policy Address, related planning and programs of Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, etc., giving priority to the production of application-oriented scientific research findings.
2.    In terms of Type C, a 5-year project plan and corresponding budget must be provided.
3.   The funding scheme of Type C of 2023 includes two categories: “Technical Requirements Category” and “Application Development Category”, and the research projects shall cover the research contents and meet all assessment indicators in line with the corresponding guideline directions.
       3.1 “Technical Requirements Category” is divided into two fields: “Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedicine” and “Big Data and Artificial Intelligence”, and each field includes a number of technical requirements put forward by enterprises or other application institutions. The applying entity shall carry out R&D catering to the relevant requirements.
       3.2 “Application Development Category” is divided into three fields: “Biomedicine”, “Information Technology” and “Engineering and Materials”, and each field includes several specific research directions set by FDCT. The applying entity shall carry out technology R&D for practical applications in a specific research direction. 
4.    Other indicators for research findings stated in the Application Guideline.

No repayment required.

1.    Each project of Types A and B has a maximum funding duration of three years.
2.    Each project of Type C has a funding duration of 3 years, without prejudice to the application for continuous funding prescribed in Article XIV. The amount of continuous funding for the fourth and fifth years ranges from MOP 3,000,000 to MOP 5,000,000.

1.       Type A:

1) The expected project findings, not limited to academic or applied achievements, may include papers, monographs, research (consultation) reports, patents, talent cultivation, software, hardware (prototype, mock-up), technical standards, formulas, new materials, new technologies, etc.

2.       Type B:

1) The expected project findings shall include software, hardware (prototype, mock-up), technical standards, formulas, new materials, new technologies, etc., and specify the potential economic or social benefits after the utilization of the project;
2) The expected TRL of the project proposed shall be TRL 4 or above upon its conclusion.

3.       Type C:

1) The expected project findings shall include software, hardware (prototype, mock-up), technical standards, formulas, new materials, new technologies, etc., details refer to the attachment, and specify the potential economic or social benefits after the utilization of the project;
2) Upon project conclusion, the expected TRL of the project shall be TRL 5 or above after 3 years’ research duration; and TRL 6 or above after 5 years’ research duration.

  Application must be submitted via the FDCT – Project Funding Online Application System.
  For more details, please refer to the page of Account Registration.

 

1.    The assessment is performed by FDCT according to the Funding Regulations of the Science and Technology Development Fund approved by the Chief Executive’s Dispatch No. 93/2023.
2.    The priority goes to the collaborative projects jointly proposed by the applying entities and commercial institutions inside or outside Macao.
3.    FDCT may conduct site inspection to verify the research conditions of the applying entities, interview with the project team and partners (if any) as necessary.
4.    Type A, Key considerations will be given to the followings:
       4.1 Scientific value and cutting edge
             4.1.1 Innovativeness  and cutting edge;
             4.1.2 Research findings and academic value;
             4.1.3 Assessment of research methods.
       4.2 Competence of the applying entity
             4.2.1 R&D team and research basis;
             4.2.2 Qualifications and quantity of team members;
             4.2.3 Research conditions;
             4.2.4 Cooperative research.
       4.3 Project planning
             4.3.1 Assessment of work plan;
             4.3.2 Soundness of budget;
             4.3.3 Project feasibility.
5.    Type B and C, Key considerations will be given to the followings:
       5.1 Assessment of technologies and research findings
             5.1.1 Technical level;
             5.1.2 Potential application;
             5.1.3 Real-life application.
       5.2 Competence of the applying entity
             5.2.1 R&D team and research basis;
             5.2.2 Qualifications and quantity of team members;
             5.2.3 Research conditions;
             5.2.4 Cooperative research.
       5.3 Project planning
             5.3.1 Assessment of work plan;
             5.3.2 Soundness of budget;
             5.3.3 Project feasibility.