Overview of FDCT Funding Schemes: Projects Open for Application in 2026
For SMEs and startups in Macao, the Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT)’s focus in 2026 is not merely “research subsidies,” but support across four tracks: corporate R&D, industry-academia-research matching, commercialization of research outcomes, and talent recruitment. These initiatives help companies turn technology projects into products, services, or commercially viable business models. According to FDCT’s published 2026 funding timetable, several schemes already have clear application periods, including funding for corporate innovation and R&D, research and innovation, science and technology R&D talent, and external science and technology cooperation. This is particularly important for Macao companies working on AI systems, smart retail, food technology, traditional Chinese medicine and wellness, the Internet of Things, or data platforms.
Background data: Statistics from the Statistics and Census Service of Macao show that in 2024, the total gross value added of Macao’s industries reached MOP 384.54 billion, representing a real year-on-year increase of 8.2%. In the same year, gross domestic product reached MOP 403.3 billion, with real year-on-year growth of 8.8%. This reflects Macao’s economic recovery, while also showing that industrial diversification still requires stronger support from technology companies and commercially viable R&D projects. Sources: Government Information Bureau of the Macao SAR and Statistics and Census Service.
FDCT Funding Categories Companies Should Watch Most Closely in 2026
- Corporate Innovation and R&D Funding Scheme: This is the most relevant scheme for SMEs and startups. Under the “matching category,” applications are accepted from the 1st to the 10th day of January, April, July, and October each year. After being matched with a university through FDCT’s “Industry-Academia-Research Online Matching Platform,” companies may apply for up to MOP 250,000. If the technology provider is a local higher education institution, the maximum amount may reach MOP 500,000. The maximum funding for potential or growing technology enterprises is MOP 3 million, while key technology enterprises may receive up to MOP 5 million.
- Research and Innovation Funding Scheme: This is more suitable for universities, research institutions, and teams with commercialization capabilities. The application period for the “Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Category” in 2026 is from January 9 to February 9, with maximum funding of MOP 5 million. Project outcomes must be capable of forming software, hardware prototypes, technical standards, formulas, new materials, or new processes.
- Science and Technology R&D Talent Funding Scheme: The corporate R&D talent category is open for application from March 23 to April 23, 2026, with a maximum of MOP 720,000 per project. It is suitable for certified technology enterprises hiring Macao resident master’s or doctoral graduates to participate in R&D projects.
- External Science and Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme: This is suitable for companies and research teams that already have an R&D foundation and wish to cooperate with mainland China, Portuguese-speaking countries, or international institutions. For example, the FDCT and National Natural Science Foundation of China joint funding category accepts applications from January 19 to February 27, 2026.
How SMEs Should Choose the Right Entry Point
In practice, companies that have not yet obtained technology enterprise certification should not start by pursuing large-scale funding. A more stable approach is to first use the Industry-Academia-Research Online Matching Platform to identify Macao universities or technology teams, then design a project that can be completed within 12 months and has verifiable technology readiness. At the same time, companies should prepare their business registration, certificates of no outstanding tax and social security contributions, project budget, expected outcomes, and market application scenarios. If the company already has R&D staff, a product prototype, or customer validation, it can then consider applying under the potential/growing technology enterprise category or the key technology enterprise category.
Practical recommendation: Macao businesses can first divide the project into three documents: a one-page business pain point summary, a three-page technical proposal, and a 12-month milestone and budget table. Applicants should allow at least 4 to 6 weeks before submission to prepare the materials and confirm whether an electronic signature is required. FDCT reminds applicants that entities without an electronic signature must still submit original paper documents before the deadline, in addition to online submission. The official application portal is FDCT’s Online Project Funding Application System, while the matching category also requires use of the Industry-Academia-Research Online Matching Platform.
Sources: FDCT 2026 Funding Scheme Estimated Timetable, Corporate Innovation and R&D Funding Scheme - Matching Category, Research and Innovation Funding Scheme - Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Category, Science and Technology R&D Talent Funding Scheme, Gross Domestic Product for the Full Year of 2024.
Eligibility and Required Materials: Different Requirements for Startups, SMEs, and R&D Institutions
Before applying for FDCT funding, companies should first identify which type of applicant they are. According to FDCT’s Enterprise Innovation and R&D Funding Scheme (2026), enterprise funding is available to “commercial entrepreneurs or commercial enterprises registered in the Macao Special Administrative Region.” Matching-category and non-certified enterprise applicants are generally required to have been registered in Macao for at least one year and to have no fewer than three full-time employees. However, companies incubated by a national-level maker space in Macao may be eligible even if they have been established for less than one year and have fewer than three full-time employees.
Data reference:Under FDCT’s 2026 Enterprise Innovation and R&D Funding Scheme, the funding ceiling is MOP 500,000 for the matching category, MOP 1 million for the non-certified enterprise category, MOP 3 million for potential or growth-stage technology enterprises, MOP 5 million for key technology enterprises, and up to MOP 20 million for key R&D projects. Sources: FDCT’s Enterprise Innovation and R&D Funding Scheme (2026) and the 2026 Funding Timetable.
Startups: First Confirm Whether You Qualify as an “Incubated” or “Non-Certified Enterprise” Applicant
The most common routes for startups are the “matching category” or the “non-certified enterprise category.” If a startup has successfully matched with a university through FDCT’s Industry-University-Research Online Matching Platform, it may consider the matching category. If it does not yet have technology enterprise certification, it may first apply under the non-certified enterprise category. In practice, startups should prepare their business registration certificate, the most recent annual complementary income tax return M1, certificates of no outstanding tax and social security contributions, project proposal, team resumes, and cooperation agreements or letters of intent in advance.
SMEs: Focus on Matching Investment and Real-World Application Scenarios
Data from Macao’s Statistics and Census Service shows that 4,678 new companies were established in 2025, mainly in wholesale and retail trade as well as business services. This reflects a fast pace of business renewal in the local market, while also showing that there is still room to improve technology adoption. When applying, SMEs should not simply state that they are “developing a system.” Instead, they should clearly explain how the technology will reduce costs, increase capacity, or create new revenue. For example, a food supplier could apply for projects involving cold-chain tracking, AI inventory forecasting, or quality inspection, using metrics such as order error rates, inventory turnover days, and labor hours as quantifiable indicators.
R&D Institutions and Universities: Emphasize Research Capability and Commercialization Outcomes
If the applicant is a university, public healthcare institution, private higher education institution, or non-profit scientific research entity, the relevant schemes are usually the Scientific Research and Innovation Funding Scheme or the Scientific Research Platform Funding Scheme. FDCT’s 2026 Scientific Research and Innovation Funding Scheme states that the funding ceiling is MOP 3 million for basic research and applied research projects, MOP 5 million for technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and demand-driven projects, and up to MOP 20 million for key R&D projects. R&D institutions should pay particular attention to preparing the project leader’s resume, research foundation, technology readiness level, intellectual property arrangements, and a commercialization pathway for collaboration with enterprises.
- 30 days before application:Complete business registration documents, M1, and certificates of no outstanding tax and social security contributions to avoid administrative bottlenecks close to the deadline.
- 14 days before application:Finalize the budget table and separately list personnel, equipment, materials, patent, and cooperation costs.
- 7 days before application:Check whether the project aligns with FDCT’s priority support areas, such as artificial intelligence, big data, biomedicine, new energy, advanced materials, or Hengqin cooperation.
Practical advice:Macao SMEs should not wait until they have a “complete R&D department” before applying. As long as the project addresses a clear technical problem, delivers measurable business benefits, includes matching financial investment, and can involve cooperation with a university or Hengqin-based enterprise, the company should first prepare a one-page project brief and then decide whether to pursue the matching category, non-certified enterprise category, or a research collaboration route.
Application Process and Review Cycle: The Complete Timeline from Submission to Disbursement
The FDCT Enterprise Innovation and R&D Funding Scheme is not a matter of “submit the form and wait for the money.” It is a process that runs from online submission, document supplementation, expert review, grant decision, and finally phased disbursement. Taking the 2026 timetable as an example, the first application period for non-certified enterprises runs from January 9 to February 9, 2026, and the second from July 1 to July 31; matching applications are accepted from the 1st to the 10th of January, April, July, and October, and involve both the “Industry-University-Research Online Matching Platform” and the “Project Funding Online Application System.” Source: FDCT 2026 Estimated Application Timetable for Funding Schemes.
Step 1: Two to four weeks before the application period, handle accounts and documents first
Companies should complete their online platform account setup, electronic signature, business registration certificate, most recent one-year complementary income tax M1 form, copies, and certificates of no tax arrears and social security contribution compliance before the application period begins. FDCT clearly requires that some supporting documents must have been issued within the most recent 3 months, so preparing them too early may instead cause them to expire. In practice, companies should create an “application document checklist” that records each document’s issue date, validity period, and responsible person.
Step 2: Complete online submission before the deadline; applicants without an electronic signature must submit paper documents
Applicants who have obtained an electronic signature must submit through the Science and Technology Development Fund’s online application system within office hours on the deadline date. Applicants without an electronic signature must, in addition to online submission, deliver the signed and stamped application dossier to FDCT. In other words, SMEs should not schedule submission for just before close of business on the final day, because any issue with stamping, attachment format, or platform upload may invalidate the application.
Step 3: Preliminary analysis begins after the deadline, with only a 15-day window for supplementary documents
After the application deadline, FDCT will check whether the documents are complete and whether the applicant meets the eligibility requirements. If documents are insufficient, FDCT may require the applicant to submit supplementary information within 15 days. This is the point in the entire process where mistakes most commonly occur. Companies should designate an internal contact person, keep phone and email channels ready for immediate response, and centrally store original files such as budget tables, cooperation agreements, project leader résumés, and proof of matching investment.
Step 4: Expert review and grant decision
After passing preliminary analysis, the application will be reviewed by a Project Advisory Committee composed of 5 to 7 consultants. Key review areas include technical and outcome evaluation, applicant qualifications, and the project planning proposal. FDCT may also arrange site visits or interviews. Projects with funding amounts not exceeding MOP 1 million are decided by the FDCT Administrative Committee, while those exceeding MOP 1 million are decided by the supervisory entity. After approval, the company must sign the “Funding Agreement” within the specified period, after which the funding will be disbursed in phases according to the agreement. Source: FDCT “Enterprise Innovation and R&D Funding Scheme (2026)”.
Practical reminder: In the first two months of 2026, the number of applications for multiple FDCT funding schemes increased by around 50% compared with the same period last year, with the “Enterprise Innovation and R&D Funding Scheme” receiving 40 applications. As competition rises, companies should not merely write that they “want to conduct R&D”; they should clearly set out technology readiness, milestones, budget allocation, matching investment, and the commercialization pathway. Source: Macao SAR Government press release, February 20, 2026.
- Actionable recommendation 1: Break the application process into six areas of responsibility: account setup, supporting documents, technical proposal, financial budget, cooperation documents, and submission confirmation.
- Actionable recommendation 2: If the requested funding amount is close to or exceeds MOP 1 million, prepare more comprehensive financial projections and defense materials.
- Actionable recommendation 3: Before submission, use a one-page summary to clearly explain the quantifiable economic or social benefits expected after project completion, improving the efficiency of the reviewers’ understanding.
Key Factors for a Successful Application: What Review Committee Members Look For
The core of a successful FDCT application is not “writing more,” but whether the reviewers can be convinced that the project has technical substance, a real application scenario, an achievable team, and a reasonable budget. Under the review framework for FDCT’s 2026 Enterprise Innovation and R&D Subsidy, projects are generally assessed by a committee made up of five to seven project consultants, with a focus on three major areas: technical and outcome evaluation, applicant qualifications, and project planning proposal. Taking the review indicators for key R&D projects as an example, technical and outcome evaluation accounts for 55%, applicant qualifications account for 20%, and the project planning proposal accounts for 25%. Within project planning, industry-academia-research collaboration carries a weighting of as much as 40%. Source: FDCT Review Indicators and Explanations.
Practical judgment: What review committee members are most wary of is a “concept-stage startup plan.” Successful applications usually convert ideas into verifiable technical indicators, milestones, budgets, and commercial implementation scenarios.
The Three Things Review Committee Members Care About Most
- First, whether the technology has real barriers to entry. Do not simply write “uses AI,” “big data platform,” or “smart system.” Instead, specify performance indicators such as accuracy, processing speed, percentage of labor saved, number of test samples, and technology readiness level. For matching-type projects, the technology readiness level must reach Level 5 or above at project completion, so the application should clearly explain the current technology readiness level and how the project will meet the requirement within one year. Source: FDCT Enterprise Innovation and R&D Subsidy Scheme - Matching Type.
- Second, whether it addresses real needs in Macao or Hengqin. FDCT explicitly gives priority to areas such as traditional Chinese medicine, integrated circuits, the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, new energy, advanced materials, and biomedicine, and encourages collaboration with local Macao universities or Hengqin enterprises. Applicants should connect the project to specific industry pain points, such as hotel operations, retail inventory, cross-border logistics, food safety, or healthcare, rather than merely describing product features.
- Third, whether the team and budget are credible. FDCT will assess the team’s research foundation, member experience, research conditions, equipment, and whether personnel input matches the project needs. In 2024, FDCT received 1,002 project applications for the full year, completed the review of 815, and approved 232, representing an overall approval rate of approximately 28.47%. Under the Enterprise Innovation and R&D Subsidy Scheme, 42 applications were reviewed and 20 were approved, with an approval rate of 47.62%. Source: FDCT 2024 Annual Report.
Application Advice for Macao SMEs
- Start with a one-page “review criteria mapping table”: Map each part of the application against “technical 55%, qualifications 20%, planning 25%,” and ensure every item is supported by data, documentary proof, or collaboration documents.
- Prepare demonstrable results: Even a prototype, test report, customer trial record, workflow diagram, or demo video will be more persuasive than a purely text-based description.
- Make collaboration agreements specific: If universities, research institutions, or Hengqin enterprises are involved, clearly state the division of responsibilities, committed resources, intellectual property arrangements, and outcome commercialization plan. Avoid submitting only a vague letter of intent.
- Keep the budget conservative and explainable: Personnel, equipment, materials, patents, and collaboration costs should all be linked to R&D tasks. Unnecessary administrative expenses, renovation costs, and day-to-day operating expenses should not be included in the project budget.
Post-Approval Compliance Requirements and Interim Reporting Obligations
Once FDCT funding is approved, the real risk is not “failing to receive the money,” but “using the funds incorrectly, submitting reports late, or lacking sufficient supporting evidence.” According to FDCT’s General Guidelines for Project Management of the Science and Technology Development Fund, subsidies are usually disbursed in stages: the first tranche is released after the Subsidy Agreement is signed, while the second or third tranche is only released after the annual or final report has been approved. Companies should treat interim reports as a prerequisite for the next disbursement, not merely as administrative paperwork.
Practical point: FDCT expressly requires funded entities to submit reports on time, maintain dedicated accounts, keep original income and expenditure records for at least five years, and accept financial inspections and on-site investigations. Source: FDCT General Guidelines for Project Management.
What Must Be Submitted in an Interim Report?
Annual or interim progress reports generally need to cover two areas at the same time: first, whether the project is progressing according to the original plan, such as the completion status of prototypes, sample machines, software, technical standards, formulas, or new processes; and second, how the funds have been used, including income, expenses, invoices, proof of bank transfers, employment records, and cooperation agreements. Taking the 2026 Enterprise Innovation and R&D Subsidy Scheme as an example, the maximum subsidy for potential or growing technology enterprises is MOP 3 million, and applicants must contribute matching R&D funding of no less than the FDCT subsidy amount. Therefore, companies cannot record only the “FDCT-funded portion”; their own matching contributions must also be documented in parallel.
What Should Business Owners Do?
- Set up project files from day one:Keep contracts, quotations, invoices, receipts, bank transfer records, attendance records, testing screenshots, and version histories properly categorized. Ideally, name them according to the relevant “budget item.”
- Conduct an internal settlement every month:Compare progress against the milestones in the application, and check whether technical progress, spending ratios, and proof of deliverables are aligned, so you do not need to scramble for documents when the interim report is due.
- Compare quotations in advance for related-party transactions:FDCT requires procurement to be lawful, reasonable, fair, and impartial. If a supplier is related to the company or its shareholders, you should prepare at least one quotation from an unrelated party for comparison and clearly state the reason for selecting the supplier.
- Allow time for audit work if the subsidy exceeds MOP 1 million:If the cumulative approved amount under the same subsidy scheme reaches MOP 1 million or above in a given year, an agreed-upon procedures report must be submitted within 90 days after project completion. It is advisable to contact an accountant at least 45 days in advance.
If the annual or final report is not submitted on time, FDCT may cancel the subsidy budget for that year and require the return of funds already disbursed. For projects with a final achievement rate below 50%, the project leader may also be barred from submitting new applications for one year. For Macau SMEs, the safest approach is to manage an FDCT project as an “R&D project subject to external review,” rather than as an ordinary subsidy.
Sources: FDCT Enterprise Innovation and R&D Subsidy Scheme - Potential or Growing Technology Enterprises Category (2026), FDCT General Guidelines for Project Management of the Science and Technology Development Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FDCT Enterprise Innovation R&D funding need to be repaid?
It is a form of funding support and does not need to be repaid. However, the project must be carried out in accordance with the agreement and progress reports must be submitted.
What type of FDCT funding can startups apply for?
Startups can apply for the “Enterprise Innovation R&D Funding Scheme” and collaborate with higher education institutions through the industry-academia-research online matching platform.
How long does FDCT funding approval usually take?
It generally takes 3-6 months, depending on the complexity of the project and the completeness of the application documents. Early preparation is recommended.
What are the basic requirements for applying for FDCT funding?
The applicant must be a company registered in Macao, have an R&D project plan, and be able to match with a higher education institution or research organization.
Can FDCT funding be used for AI projects?
Yes. Technology innovation projects such as AI systems, smart retail, and data platforms are all within the scope of funding support.
