EDB Circular No. 221/2025
Understanding 『智』啟學教｜Planning for the Next Funding Cycle
Up to HK$500,000 per school · One platform for Teach, Learn, Assess, Track
「『智』啟學教」 is the Hong Kong EDB funding programme supporting subsidised primary and secondary schools in adopting AI platforms, hardware, and school-based training. This page helps principals and AI coordinators understand the programme structure, KPI requirements, and how ESSAi can support the next application cycle. ESSAi is already deployed in 50 Hong Kong schools and is one of few local providers covering software, school-based customisation, and teacher development in a single solution.
The first application window closed on 28 February 2026. The next cycle is expected to open later in 2026. Now is the best time to prepare your application and align your internal stakeholders early.
How ESSAi Covers All Three Funding Categories
The programme covers software, hardware, and school-based solutions. ESSAi can be deployed in any combination.
Software & Platform
One platform to unify every AI tool across all subjects.
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Chinese writing / reading / oral (Cantonese & Putonghua)
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English speaking, listening, reading, writing
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Maths, Science, ICT school-based question banks
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Teacher dashboard + student self-study + progress tracking
Hardware Deployment (Optional)
Local LLM deployment for schools with strict data privacy needs.
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Local LLM server (Mac Studio / Nvidia DGX)
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Data never leaves school premises — fully private cloud
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Can be mixed with ESSAi cloud deployment
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Installation and maintenance by ESSAi team
School-Based Solutions
Customised to each school's curriculum and assessment standards.
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Custom-trained rubrics matching school marking standards
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Aligned with TSA, HKAT, DSE and school-based assessments
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Teacher training and cross-school exchange activities
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Two AI literacy workshops for students
How ESSAi Meets EDB KPI Requirements
The programme requires schools to cover "3 subjects × 2 levels × 6 resource types." ESSAi delivers all of this in one package.
3 Subjects Covered
Core academic (Chinese, English, Putonghua, Maths) + Humanities, Science, ICT self-study + cross-subject homework via YouTube + AI-generated MC for every non-core teacher (Music, PE, GS, Visual Arts)
2 Level Bands
From lower primary through senior secondary
6 Resource Types
Lesson generation, auto-marking, oral conversation, reading & listening, maths problem-solving, oral assessment
Demo Lesson Plans
Complete lesson plans and post-lesson review materials
Teacher Development
Per-semester training plus cross-school exchange
Student Workshops
Two AI literacy workshops covering ethics, prompting, and hands-on building
How ESSAi Meets EDB KPI Requirements
The programme requires schools to cover "3 subjects × 2 levels × 6 resource types." ESSAi delivers all of this in one package.
AI User
GenAI fundamentals and prompt engineering
AI Builder
Python basics, RAG hands-on workshops
AI Creator
Image, video, and audio generation tools
Critical Thinker
Deepfake detection, algorithmic bias, AI ethics
How ESSAi Meets EDB KPI Requirements
The programme requires schools to cover "3 subjects × 2 levels × 6 resource types." ESSAi delivers all of this in one package.
Data Owned by School
All student data stays in a private environment. ESSAi never uses school data for training. Full portability on request.
Already in 9 HK Schools
From subsidised primary/secondary to DSS schools — real school-based data and success stories.
Hong Kong Local Team
HK-registered company with local engineering, training, and Cantonese-speaking support.
School-Based, Not Generic
Built to match your school's rubrics, question types, and assessment formats.