Join STEP to Kick-start your Innovative, Start-up and Entrepreneurial Journey!
Programme Aims & Objectives
The Start-up Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) aims to offer CityUHK undergraduate students a unique opportunity to participate in entrepreneurial activities in industrial settings or business organisations at top start-up locations in Chinese Mainland and/or overseas countries. Through STEP, students can gain valuable hands-on experience, practical understanding, and exposure to diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems across the globe. They acquire insights into running a tech start-up, including fundraising, marketing, operation, product development, etc. and understand the various issues involved in developing a viable venture. STEP offers students exposure to the forefront of technologies and innovative business models, and integrate classroom knowledge with real-world applications.
CityUHK Academy of Innovation (“CAI”) serves as a testament to CityUHK's commitment to develop a leading ecosystem that nurtures young entrepreneurs, incubates deep-tech start-ups, and promotes university-industry collaboration in Hong Kong and beyond. More details about CAI can be found at CityU Academy of Innovation.
- FS4007: Start-up Technology Entrepreneur Programme I
- FS4008: Start-up Technology Entrepreneur Programme II
Remark
Both course syllabi are subject to final approval from the University
Programme Details
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the STEP courses, students should be able to:
- Identify, demonstrate and practise the soft skills that are required at workplace
- Describe the setting of the industry and the operations of the host company
- Identify and practise the roles of professionals in the industry and entrepreneurial ecosystems
- Apply and integrate the knowledge acquired in classroom at workplace and offer innovative preliminary business solutions
Programme Structure
Students will be placed into a company or organisation for full-time attachment or internship during the academic terms. Before the attachment or internship, students will participate in the pre-attachment or internship training workshops. During the attachment or internship, students will join review sessions and post-attachment or internship activities to help them identify adjustment issues in the workplace and ways to improve job performance. At the end of the attachment or internship, students are required to prepare and submit a report or final presentation to complete the programme.
Programme Details
| Attachment / Internship Period and Duration: |
|
| Attachment / Internship Type | Face-to-face |
| Job Nature / Job Field |
|
| Remuneration | Discretionary basis by hosting companies |
Eligibility
- Year 2, 3 or penultimate year students who are studying a full-time UGC-funded Bachelor's degree programme in the College of Engineering
- Proficient in written and verbal communication in Chinese
Remark
Exchange students and postgraduate degree students are not eligible to apply for STEP.
Schedule
| Phases | Key Activities | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Online application | September - October |
| Selection and Matching | Screening, Nomination and Selection Period | November - March |
| Pre-Attachment / Internship | Pre- Attachment / Internship Briefing Session | April - May |
| Attachment / Internship Period | Attachment / Internship Period |
|
| Post-Attachment / Internship Review | Company Evaluation, Final Presentation and /or Report |
|
Financial Support
Financial
Allowance
STEP subsidy will be available, subject to the satisfactory completion of the programme and meeting relevant requirements.
- The subsidy will be granted and released to students by installments;
- Subsidy is up to HKD 8,000 maximum* (for Beijing) and HKD 20,000 maximum* (for other locations) per month or prorated,subject to the internship period and location; and
- Airfare (one round-trip in economy class) will be reimbursed based on actual expenses.
Remark
If the host company provides remuneration, accommodation/airfare/allowance to students, the amount of CAI allowance will be reduced.
Pre-Departure Details
Flight
and Accommodation
Students are responsible for arranging their flights and accommodation for their stay in the internship location for the entire period.
Travel
Documents and Visa
Students are responsible for obtaining the correct visa, passport, and other necessary personal travel documents for their stay in the destination and will bear the associated cost.
Insurance
- Students will be covered by the University's Group Personal Accident Insurance and Group Travel Insurance Policy throughout their stay overseas, provided that they depart from Hong Kong to the host destination. For details, please visit the website of the Finance Office.
- In addition to the University ’s provision, students are advised to purchase additional personal travel insurance.
Notes
Students are responsible for their own living expenses, including meals and transportation. Students must ensure sufficient funds for living outside Hong Kong for the entire period.
Application
| Apply Online | Click here to apply online. |
| Application Deadline | 30 October 2026, HKT 23:59 |
Notes
You will be asked to upload a CV/resume and grade display report to your online application.
Contact Us
Contact
Information
Knowing more about the STEP programme
Co-operative Education Centre
Enquiries on STEP subsidy
CAI office
Disclaimer
CityU Academy of Innovation (CAI) reserves all rights to final decisions in this programme, and arrangements are subject to change by CAI should the need arise.