Translational Startup Postdoc Programme

1. Annual remuneration package up to HK$348,000
2. Research funding for prototyping and testing (a maximum of HK$50,000 per year)
3. Support for traveling and participation in outreach activities
   
4. Free workspace at InnoHub (PolyU or Shenzhen) and Mainland Translational Research Institutes

Plus

• Dual mentorship – academic and industrial
• Comprehensive entrepreneurship development support provided by KTEO, PolyU
• Connection to investor and industry network
• Pipeline to funding schemes or incubation programmes of PolyU or other incubators

Other funding opportunities from the Government and University, if applicable, include:

• PolyVenture Micro Fund - maximum HK$120,000 funding, and further HKSTP Incubation support up to HK$1.3 million
• PolyU Angel Fund - Matching grant up to HK$1.5 million
• PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund - Equity Investment up to HK$4 million through co-investment model

**Details about the benefits and support, please refer to the handbook of the programme which is available in the "Download Area".

1. Eligibility

• Potential Academic Supervisor: Candidate shall identify at least one full-time academic staff member at PolyU (research assistant professor or assistant/associate/ professor and above) to be his/her academic supervisor(s) and have their written consent.

  Applicants can visit www.polyu.edu.hk/education/faculties-schools-departments/ to search for suitable academic supervisors.

   

• Doctoral Degree Attainment: Upon the application submission date, candidates attained a doctoral degree for no more than five years. Alternatively, candidates who will attain their doctoral degrees within next six months are also eligible.

   

• Determination to Commercialise Research Outcomes: Candidates should demonstrate a strong determination and commitment to translating the research outcomes into practical applications through startup ventures.

   

• Entrepreneurial Passion and Experience: Candidates should possess ambition to lead the business as CEO or COO. Preference will be given to candidates with past or current entrepreneurial experience, indicating their familiarity with the challenges and opportunities of running a startup.

   

• Applied Research Capabilities: Candidates should showcase excellent applied research capabilities, demonstrating their ability to conduct impactful research in their respective fields with track record.

2. Project Proposal’s Requirements

• Research Focus Areas: To guarantee that the research and technology developed by Postdocs possess practical application potential and effectively bridge the gap between lab technologies, industry needs, and mass market opportunities, the project proposal submitted by the Postdocs should align with the key research focus areas specified by PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRI) and aim to address global challenges. Details about the MTRIs please visit www.polyu.edu.hk/mtri/.
  
  
• Technology Readiness Level: Candidates should submit a comprehensive proposal that includes innovation at Technology Readiness Level 3 or above, meaning it has been completed laboratory tests and providing explicit evidence of the feasibility and viability of their proposed innovation or technology. 

Key Research Focus Areas

Programme Structure

The normal period of the programme is 2 years counting from the commencement date. The initial appointment is for 12 months, with an extension of an additional 12 months, subject to the result of the performance review at the first-year end.

Note:

• *The postdocs may opt for the academic track after Year 1 if research commercialization is not feasible. The academic supervisor shall secure funding support for the postdocs who wish to follow the academic track.
• The Intellectual Property (IP) generated within the Programme period is owned by PolyU or co-owned by PolyU and MTRI, governed by the Policy on Ownership of Intellectual Property and Regulations on the Management of Intellectual Property of PolyU.
• The products and services developed through this Programme for commercialisation must not infringe any third party’s IP rights, as declared by the Startup Postdoc.
• Licensing agreement shall be signed with PolyU and/or MTRI when the Startup Postdoc establishes a start-up and starts commercialisation(Licensing fee shall apply, including but not limited to upfront and royalty fee).
• PolyU will take stock option of the start-up established by the Startup Postdoc. 

1. Research Technology Impact & Market Potential: 25%

2. Technology Readiness/ Feasibility : 15%

3. Commercialisation Plan : 15%

4. Academic & Research Capability: 15%

5. Business/ Commercial Acumen: 15%

6. Coachability/ Open-mindedness: 15%

Application Deadline: 31 October 2024 (Thu) 1pm

Complete an online application and upload the following documents on or before the application deadline:

1. A 15-slide PPT in English (please refer to PPT Guidelines in Section G.3 of the handbook);
2. CV of the applicant;
3. A copy of identity document;
4. A copy of academic & professional qualification certificates;
5. Academic supervisor nomination proof;
6. Declaration of "Use of PolyU Knowledge/Innovations/Technologies" duly signed/endorsed by PolyU academic staff, if applicable. (The form is available on the Translational Startup Postdoc Programme web page under the section "Download Area".) ;
7. A copy of reference letters (optional)

*Note: All applicant shall secure the nomination of a PolyU academic supervisor upon application submission.

Translational Startup Postdoc Programme Application Handbook (with Guidelines and FAQ)

Translational Startup Postdoc Programme PPT template

Declaration of Use of PolyU Knowledge/Innovations/Technologies