Hong Kong is committed to assisting entrepreneurs to succeed with the help of innovation and technology, through provision of infrastructure facilities and funding programs, an official of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said on Saturday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year 2009, Andrew Lai, deputy commissioner for Innovation and Technology (ITC) of Hong Kong, said that the Small Entrepreneur Research Assistance Program (SERAP), funded by ITC, provided start- up capital for technology entrepreneurs and companies.

"With a maximum funding of 4 million HK dollars for each approved project on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, SERAP helps entrepreneurs to undertake technological research and development projects with business potential," he said.

Lai said the ITC also caters to different funding needs by providing various funding programs such as the Internship Program, Patent Application Grant and Design Smart Initiative.

"In the ever-changing global market, entrepreneurs have to grasp the opportunity to build our own brands and forge ahead towards high value-added businesses with creativity and innovative technology," he added.

The theme for the 13th Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year this year is "Better Future by Innovation". A total of 112 entrepreneurs have been awarded over the past 12 years.

(Source: Xinhua)