This English translation is for reference only. The Chinese version shall prevail in case of any inconsistencies.
Notice on Issuing the Measures to Support Innovation and Entrepreneurship Teams in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
All relevant departments:
The Measures to Support Innovation and Entrepreneurship Teams in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin has been deliberated and approved by the Executive Committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and is hereby issued for implementation. Should any issues arise during implementation, please report them to the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
Economic Development Bureau of Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
March 21, 2024
Normative Document No. 3/2024 of the Economic Development Bureau of the Executive Committee
Measures to Support Innovation and Entrepreneurship Teams in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
Contents
Chapter I General Provisions
Chapter II Support for the Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents
Chapter III Support for the Entrepreneurship Projects of Returned Overseas Talents
Chapter IV Support for the Construction of Offshore Innovation Platforms
Chapter V Supervision and Administration
Chapter VI Supplementary Provisions
Chapter I
General Provisions
Article 1.
Purpose of the Measures
With the purpose to implement the Several Measures for Supporting Talent Development in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and attract high-level talents with an international vision, industry leadership, and outstanding overseas experience to the Cooperation Zone for innovation, entrepreneurship and focused development, these Measures are hereby formulated to accelerate the construction of a high-level talent highland in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Article 2.
Scope of Applicability
These Measures apply to enterprises or institutions (hereinafter referred to as “employers”) that conduct substantial operations in the Cooperation Zone, as well as to personnel employed by these employers (excluding personnel with established positions in the Party and government entities and intuitions managed with reference to the Civil Servant Law).
Article 3.
Definitions
For the purposes of these Measures, the following terms are defined as follows:
1. “High-level talents” refer to distinguished talents, leading talents, top-notch talents, and young talents as recognized by the Measures for the Recognition of High-level Talents in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (Normative Document No. 4/2024 of the Economic Development Bureau);
2. “Overseas high-level universities” refer to those institutions that have been ranked in the top 500 over the past three years in the U.S. News Global University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU);
3. “Technology Innovation Funding in the Cooperation Zone” refers to the funds allocated by the Cooperation Zone as part of the special measures to promote the development of technological innovation;
4. “Special Industry Funding in the Cooperation Zone” refers to the funds allocated under the supportive policies for special industries in the Cooperation Zone, such as the Several Measures for Promoting the Development of the Integrated Circuit Industry in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and the Several Measures to Support the High-Quality Development of the Biomedicine and Healthcare-related Industries in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin;
5. “Returned overseas talents” refer to individuals who have studied abroad for at least one year and obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher from overseas universities or research institutions recognized by China. It also includes individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in the Chinese mainland or hold an intermediate or higher professional title and who have subsequently returned to China after working as visiting scholars or postdoctoral researcher for at least one year at overseas universities or research institutions;
6. “Offshore innovation platforms” refer to technology research and development institutions established and operated overseas by institutions in the Cooperation Zone, either independently or in collaboration with domestic and foreign universities, research institutes, and enterprises;
7. All monetary amounts specified in these Measures are in Renminbi (RMB).
Chapter II
Support for the Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents
Article 4.
Types and Standards of Support for Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents
High-level talents recognized by the Cooperation Zone will receive support to undertake innovation projects within the Cooperation Zone. The innovation teams of high-level talents are mainly composed of individuals recruited for major R&D platforms and key projects by employers such as research and development institutions and technology-based enterprises within the Cooperation Zone. Upon recruitment, the teams shall focus on strategic and forward-looking topics related to industrial development.
Support for innovation teams of high-level talents will be provided following evaluation and based on talent categories, through pre-funding method and in accordance with the provisions set forth below:
1. If the team leader is recognized as a distinguished talent, the team will be granted a maximum funding of RMB 10 million;
2. If the team leader is recognized as a leading talent, the team will be granted a maximum funding of RMB 8 million;
3. If the team leader is recognized as a top-notch talent or a young talent, the team will be granted a maximum funding of RMB 5 million.
Teams with tremendous growth potential and outstanding performance may receive rolling support or additional funding based on actual needs.
Article 5.
Explanatory Notes on Supporting Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents
The employer of the innovation teams of high-level talents shall act as the applicant for the project and is responsible for establishing the work platform, implementing project support, and fulfilling other related duties.
These Measures provide support for no more than ten innovation teams of high-level talents per year. The Economic Development Bureau will determine the number of supported teams based on actual circumstances.
Overseas high-level talent teams that meet the criteria for talent recognition in the Cooperation Zone but are still working abroad and have not yet secured a host employer within the Cooperation Zone may apply directly through self-nomination. Upon settling in the Cooperation Zone in accordance with the previous provisions, teams that meet the criteria will be eligible for the corresponding support policies.
Innovation teams of high-level talents shall not receive duplicate funding for the same project from the Hengqing International Scientific and Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition prize fund, the Technology Innovation Funding in the Cooperation Zone, the Special Industry Funding in the Cooperation Zone, and other similar sources.
Article 6.
Application Requirements for Project Funding for Innovation Teams of High-Level Talents
To apply for project funding, Innovation Teams of High-level Talents shall meet all of the following application requirements:
1. The team leader shall be recognized as a high-level talent in the Cooperation Zone;
2. The project being applied for shall have a clear research direction and objectives, and its research field shall fall within the Catalog of Encouraged Industries of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Priority will be given to projects that address urgent and critical core technologies required for the industrial development of the Cooperation Zone;
3. The team shall possess innovative achievements with independent intellectual property rights, world’s leading technology, and strong potential for industrialization. The project for which the team is applying shall not have received funding from the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China or the science and technology departments of Guangdong Province, Zhuhai City, or the Macao Special Administrative Region (hereinafter referred to as “Macao”);
4. The team shall consist of at least three members, including one team leader and no fewer than two core members. The team leader shall have publicly recognized leading technologies, and the team members shall have a solid foundation for effective cooperation. The team shall be introduced by an employer in the Cooperation Zone from outside the Zone within the past three years. Priority will be given to teams recruited from abroad;
5. Team members shall sign a labor contract or employment agreement with the employer in the Cooperation Zone for a duration of no less than five years, with the contract period covering the project execution period. The team leader and the first two core members shall work full-time at the employer during the project execution period. Other core members may choose to work full-time or part-time in the Cooperation Zone for no less than three months per year. Priority will be given to teams with all members working in the Cooperation Zone;
6. The number of team members holding a doctoral degree or a senior professional title of technical qualifications shall account for no less than 70% of the total team members;
7. Team members shall pay personal income tax and social insurance continuously in the Cooperation Zone. As of the conclusion date of the funding application, team members shall still be paying personal income tax and social insurance in the Cooperation Zone. Team members who apply for this funding for the first time shall have been paying their personal income tax and social insurance for at least six consecutive months. Overseas talents who are exempt from paying social insurance in the Chinese mainland, as well as talents from Chinese mainland who are over the statutory retirement age and unable to pay social insurance or who are unable to pay social insurance in the Cooperation Zone due to objective reasons shall only provide proof of personal income tax payment.
8. The employer shall pay taxable wages and salaries of no less than RMB 600,000, RMB 500,000, RMB 400,000, and RMB 300,000 per year for “distinguished talents”, “leading talents”, “top-notch talents”, and “young talents”, respectively.
9. The employer shall be in good operational condition, with a sound technological innovation system and strong innovation capability, and shall be able to provide necessary research funding and R&D equipment for the innovation team.
Article 7.
Organization and Implementation of Application for Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents
The application for Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents will be organized and implemented by the Economic Development Bureau. The Economic Development Bureau will be responsible for project applications, reviews, approvals, assessments, and acceptances, and will provide timely report on relevant activities to the Executive Committee of the Cooperation Zone.
The Economic Development Bureau will work under the principles of dynamic application and centralized acceptance, and will release application guidelines globally in advance.
To apply for Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents, applicants shall complete the Application Form for Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and provide the required supporting documents in accordance with the guidelines.
Article 8.
Review Process for Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents
The review process for Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents includes four stages: initial review, document review, background investigation, and on-site evaluation:
1. Initial Review:
(1) The Economic Development Bureau will conduct an initial review of the application materials to verify the eligibility of applicants, assess the completeness and validity of the submitted materials, and perform a preliminary review of the work foundation, research direction, innovation capabilities, project goals, and other aspects of the high-level talent innovation team. Projects that pass the initial review will proceed to the next stage of evaluation;
(2) Applications that do not pass the initial review will not proceed to the next stage of evaluation. If additional materials or information are required, the applicant organization shall submit the requested materials. Failure to resubmit the materials within the specified time will be considered as withdrawal from the application.
2. Document Review:
(1) Based on the professional domain of the innovation team, the Economic Development Bureau will invite no fewer than seven top experts from domestic and international fields to form an expert panel for evaluation. The panel shall include five technical experts, one expert on venture capital, and one financial expert, with at least three of the technical experts being from overseas;
(2) The expert panel will provide written review opinions based on the project application, with focus on the academic qualifications and innovation capabilities of the team leader, the feasibility of the project, market prospects and potential, as well as technical and financial risks, among other factors;
(3) Application that receive fewer than half of the experts’ agreements during the document review process will not proceed to the next stage of evaluation.
3. Background Investigation:
The Economic Development Bureau will commission professional institutions to conduct an investigate of the applying team based on the information provided in the project application. The investigation will verify the basic information of the team leader, the qualification of the team members, technological status, working conditions, financial capacities, and risk prevention and mitigation measures, and will produce a background investigation report. The background investigation report will serve as an important reference for the next stage of evaluation.
4. On-site Evaluation:
(1) Based on the professional domain of the innovation team, the Economic Development Bureau will invite no fewer than nine top experts from domestic and international fields to form an on-site evaluation panel. This panel includes five technical experts, two expert on venture capital, one expert on intellectual property, and one financial expert, with at least two of the technical experts being from overseas;
(2) The on-site evaluation includes the following procedures: a presentation by the innovation team, responses to questions from experts, an oral defense, group discussion, and anonymous voting. Final opinions will be made after the comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation mainly focuses on the academic level and innovation capabilities of the team leader, the feasibility of the project, market prospects and potential, as well as technical and financial risks.
Based on the outcomes from the initial review, document review, background investigation, and on-site evaluation, the Economic Development Bureau will make a project establishment proposal, including a list of selected teams (projects) and the proposed funding amount. The project establishment proposal will be publicly announced for five working days following approval.
If no objections are raised during the announcement period, the selected team’s employer will sign a project contract with the Economic Development Bureau. The contract will outline the research content, major technical and economic indicators, budget and its usage plan, and will clarify the rights and responsibilities of both parties during the implementation of the projects.
Article 9.
Explanatory Notes on the Project Funding for Innovation Teams of High-Level Talents
The innovation team of high-level talents will be supported through pre-funding method in the form of scientific research project applications. The project funding will be disbursed over a period of five years and the Economic Development Bureau will conduct annual assessment on the project’s progress, fund utilization, and other relevant aspects.
The expenditure of the project funds shall comply with the following regulations:
1. The project fund expenditure cover personnel costs, equipment expenses, material expenses, fees for testing, laboratory analysis, processing and outsourcing, fuel and energy costs, conference fees, travel expenses, expenses for international cooperation and exchanges, fees for publication/literature collection/information dissemination/intellectual property affairs, expert consultation fees, management fees, and taxes;
2. The budget allocated for equipment expenses, material expenses, fees for testing, laboratory analysis, processing and outsourcing, and fuel and energy costs shall not be less than 50% of the total funding;
3. The budge allocated for personnel costs shall not exceed 50% of the project funds;
4. The total cost of conference fees, travel expenses, and expenses for international cooperation and exchanges shall not exceed 20% of the project funds.
5. Management fees shall not exceed 5% of the project funds.
The employer of selected team shall strictly comply with relevant fund management regulations and establish separate accounts for the Cooperation Zone’s financial funding, ensuring that the funds are used exclusively for their intended purposes.
The special funds shall primarily be used for project research, the purchase of instruments and equipment related to the project, and the improvement of research conditions. Employers and individuals are strictly prohibited from reducing or misappropriating the allocated funds for any reason.
Article 10.
Explanatory Notes on Amendments to the Contract for Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talent
If any of the following matters require amendments during the project implementation period, the innovation team shall report to the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone and obtain its approval before the project completion date.
1. Project leader. If the project leader is unable to perform their duties due to circumstances such as job transfer, relocation abroad (or overseas), death, illness, or other significant reasons, the innovation team shall report to the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone and apply for early project termination. The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone will conduct an audit for the allocated funding, and any unspent funds shall be returned to the finance department of the Cooperation Zone;
2. Core project personnel. If core project personnel are unable to perform their duties due to job transfer, relocation abroad (or overseas), death, illness, or other significant reasons, new project members replacing the original core members shall possess professional and technical capabilities and qualifications equivalent to those of the original members, and shall comply with the application regulations and restrictions. The replacement shall be subject to approval by the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone, following evaluation by a third-party institution commissioned by the Bureau for this purpose;
3. Project content. The amendment to project content, including the main research objectives, research topics, innovations, and evaluation criteria, shall be subject to approval by the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone, following evaluation by a third-party institution commissioned by the Bureau for this purpose;
4. Total project budget. The amendment to the total project budget shall not exceed 20% of the original budget specified in the task document. The amendments shall be subject to approval of the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone, following an evaluation by a third-party institution commissioned by the Bureau for this purpose;
5. Project extension. The project can only be extended once, and the extension shall not exceed one year. The extension application shall be subject to approval of the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone, following an evaluation by a third-party institution commissioned by the Bureau for this purpose.
Once mutual agreement on the amendments to the project contract is reached, a supplementary agreement shall be signed, which will form an effective part of the project contract and will serve as a key reference during the assessment and acceptance processes.
Article 11.
Annual Review of Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents
Starting from the second year, the innovation team of high-level talents shall submit an annual progress report each year.
The Economic Development Bureau will conduct an annual review of the team’s technological R&D status, industrialization progress, operational performance, and financial system.
For teams that fail the annual review, rectification measures will be proposed. If the team still fails the review after rectification, the special funds will be terminated. If a project is assessed as unqualified for two consecutive years, the project shall be terminated.
Article 12.
Acceptance of Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents
The innovation team shall submit an application for project acceptance to the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone within three months after the project implementation period, as stipulated in the project contract.
The Economic Development Bureau will invite experts to conduct the acceptance review. The results of the acceptance will be classified into three categories: “Pass”, “Completion”, and “Fail”, based on the following provisions:
1. If the financial funds are used in compliance with regulations and the project’s contractual indicators are completed on schedule, the acceptance result will be “Pass”; Any surplus funds will remain with the project implementing organization for use and will be allocated for direct expenses related to scientific research activities;
2. If the financial funds are used in compliance with regulations, the R&D work has been carried out in accordance with the project contract, and due obligations have been diligently fulfilled, except for some unaccomplished technical and economic targets specified in the contract due to force majeure, the acceptance result will be “Completion”. In such cases, the implementing organization must return the surplus funds;
3. If the project does not meet the standard of “Pass” or “Completion”, the acceptance result will be “Fail”. The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone will, based on the project organization’s fulfillment of R&D responsibilities, use of the funding, and the acceptance opinions, require the organization to return part or all of the financial funds.
Article 13.
Explanatory Notes on the Early Termination of Innovation Team Projects of High-Level Talents
The project may be terminated during execution if any of the following circumstances occur:
1. If the leader of the innovation team resigns or undergoes a change, the project may be terminated;
2. If the employer is not able to honor contractual obligations due to force majeure, the project may be terminated;
3. If a dispute or other issues arise between the team leader and the employer, making it impossible for the project to continue, the project may be terminated;
4. If the progress of the project is delayed or behind schedule, and it is difficult to complete the tasks and goals set out in the contract, the project may be terminated;
5. If the team leader reduces their shareholding through transfer or withdrawal of investment, and after the enterprise increases its registered capital, the team leader’s direct shareholding ratio falls below 5%, the project may be terminated;
6. Other circumstances that necessitate the termination of the contract.
If any of the above circumstances for early termination of project occur, the employer shall proactively submit a written application to the Economic Development Bureau to explain the reasons for termination. The Economic Development Bureau will organize an audit of the allocated funding, and any remaining funds must be returned to the financial department of the Cooperation Zone.
If the team leader or the employer engages in fraud, academic misconduct, or illegal behavior during the project application or execution process, the disbursed funds will be reclaimed. Cases constitute illegal or criminal activities shall be referred to the appropriate legal authorities.
Article 14.
Explanatory Notes on the Support for Entrepreneurship Projects of High-Level and Industry-Leading Talents
Entrepreneurship Projects of High-level and Industry-leading Talents are primarily based on industrialization projects and characterized by proprietary technologies and self-raised funds.
Entrepreneurship projects that are led by high-level and industry-leading talents and focus on achieving breakthroughs in key core technologies and demonstrating strong potential for industrialization are encouraged to actively participate in the Hengqing International Scientific and Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone.
Chapter III
Support for the Entrepreneurship Projects of Returned Overseas Talents
Article 15.
Supporting Standards for Entrepreneurship Projects of Returned Overseas Talents
Overseas talents who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a top university outside the Chinese mainland and establish technology-based enterprises with their projects in the Cooperation Zone are eligible for applying support based on the following three funding standards, subject to evaluation:
1. First-class funding of RMB 1 million, with no more than five recipients per year;
2. Second-class funding of RMB 500,000, with no more than ten recipients per year;
3. Third-class funding of RMB 300,000, with no more than fifteen recipients per year.
Article 16.
Application Requirements for Entrepreneurship Projects of Returned Overseas Talents
Returned overseas talents applying for entrepreneurship funding shall fulfill the following basic requirements:
1. Returned overseas talents shall have studied and worked outside the Chinese mainland for a minimum of two years;
2. Returned overseas talents shall have legally registered and established an enterprise with independent legal entity status within the Cooperation Zone. The returned overseas talents shall be among the top three founding shareholders, have made a personal capital contribution of no less than RMB 300,000, and hold a position of vice general manager or higher, or an equivalent technical role within the enterprise;
3. The entrepreneurship project shall demonstrate advanced technology, focus on key industries of the Cooperation Zone, and exhibit strong market potential;
4. The entrepreneurship team shall have strong R&D and innovation capabilities, a qualified talent team, and essential resources such as office space, and R&D equipment, with business operations conducted in a lawful and stable manner;
5. The application for entrepreneurship funding shall be submitted within six to 36 months following the enterprise’s registration.
For projects applying for funding amounts of RMB 500,000 and RMB 1 million the returned overseas talents’ actual capital contribution shall be no less than RMB 500,000 and RMB 1 million respectively, and the applicant organization shall employ no fewer than three full-time staff members.
Article 17.
Application Materials for Entrepreneurship Projects of Returned Overseas Talents
The following materials are required when applying for the entrepreneurship project of returned overseas talents:
1. Application form for entrepreneurship funding of returned overseas talents in the Cooperation Zone;
2. A briefing on the enterprise’s overall business development status, including details of the talent team, R&D and innovation capabilities, market prospects, venture capital, and industry position, among other relevant information;
3. Patent, copyright certificates, or intellectual property commitment letter;
4. Individuals who have pursued a degree at overseas universities or institutions shall provide the overseas degree certification issued by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange; individuals engaged in postdoctoral or visiting scholar research shall provide proof of employment issued by the hosting institution;
5. Materials proving at least two years of studying and working abroad or outside the Chinese mainland (such as employment verification document or entry/exit records issued by immigration authorities).
Article 18.
Application Instructions for Entrepreneurship Projects of Returned Overseas Talents
The Entrepreneurship Funding Projects of Returned Overseas Talents adopts a dynamic application process with centralized review and acceptance.
The Economic Development Bureau may adjust the number of Entrepreneurship Projects for Returned Overseas Talents based on the actual development of the Cooperation Zone.
The funding period for the projects is two years, and the funds will be disbursed in two installments, with the first payment not exceeding 50% of the total amount.
If the same returned overseas talent registers or holds shares in multiple enterprises in the Cooperation Zone, only one of the eligible enterprises can apply for funding support.
The applicant organization and the designated returned overseas talent can only receive one entrepreneurship funding grant. If the same returned overseas talent, project, or enterprise has already received other similar funding support from the Cooperation Zone, they are not eligible for applying the entrepreneurship funding support under these provisions.
Article 19.
Review Process for Entrepreneurship Projects of Returned Overseas Talents
The application and approval process of Entrepreneurship Funding Projects of Returned Overseas Talents are as follows:
1. Application and Qualification Review. The applicant organization submits the application to the Economic Development Bureau. The Economic Development Bureau will conduct review of the eligibility of the returned overseas talents and their projects. Projects that do not meet the application requirements will not proceed to the next stage of evaluation;
2. Expert Review. The Economic Development Bureau will organize a panel of more than seven experts for an on-site defense and evaluation of the project, including three technical experts (at least one of whom shall be an overseas expert), two experts on venture capital, one expert on intellectual property, and one financial expert. The panel will evaluate aspects such as technology and product, business model and implementation plan, industry development and market prospect, team composition, and financial analysis. Based on these evaluations, the panel will recommend a list of approved projects along with suggested funding amounts.
3. On-site inspection. Based on the expert evaluation results and recommendations, the Economic Development Bureau will organize experts to conduct on-site inspections for enterprises with funding amounts of RMB 500,000 or more, with a focus on the office space, R&D equipment, and team composition.
4. Review and approval. Based on the expert evaluation and the results of the on-site inspection, the Economic Development Bureau will finalize a list of proposed projects and their corresponding funding amounts.
5. Public Announcement: The list of proposed funded organization and their corresponding funding amounts will be publicly announced on the official website of the Executive Committee of the Cooperation Zone for a period of five working days. The Economic Development Bureau will conduct investigation in case any objections to the results in the public announcement occurs and will issue a conclusion based on the findings of the investigation.
6. Contract Signing. If the public announcement receives no objections, or if the objections are found to be unsubstantiated after investigation, the Economic Development Bureau will sign a funding usage contract with the funded organization and the returned overseas talent. The contract will mainly cover the funding amount, fund usage, performance evaluation, and liabilities for breach of contract.
Article 20.
Scope of Fund Usage of Entrepreneurship Projects of Returned Overseas Talents
The scope of usage for entrepreneurship funding for returned overseas talents includes the following aspects:
1. The funded organization’ costs for the purchase and maintenance of materials and equipment for scientific research and production as well as R&D expenditures, with the total amount being no less than 50% of the total funding amount;
2. The funded organization’s costs for purchasing legal services, talent resource services, information services, technical services, financial services, etc.
3. The funded organization’s rent, utilities, and property management fees;
4. The funded organization’s costs for participating in domestic and international academic exchanges and exhibitions.
Article 21.
Process Management of Entrepreneurship Projects of Returned Overseas Talents
Within three months of the project funding expiration, the funded applicant organization and the returned overseas talent shall submit a project summary report to the Economic Development Bureau. Based on the project report, the Economic Development Bureau will organize experts to conduct a sample-based acceptance review.
During the project funding period, the funded applicant organization and the returned overseas talent shall submit an annual written report to the Economic Development Bureau at the end of each year, detailing the project progress and fund usage. The Economic Development Bureau will conduct a mid-term assessment based on the project report. Failure to pass the mid-term assessment will lead to the termination of the funding.
For projects that fail the acceptance review and not complete the contractual tasks due to subjective reasons, part or all of the disbursed funds may be reclaimed, depending on the severity of the situation.
In cases where the project requires a delay in the mid-term assessment or acceptance review for valid reasons, the project applicant organization shall submit a written request. The extension will be subject to the approval by the Economic Development Bureau following a review. In principle, the project may be extended only once, and the extension period shall not exceed one year.
Article 22.
Explanatory Notes on Ineligibility for Funding of Entrepreneurship Projects of Returned Overseas Talents
The funding for the entrepreneurship projects of returned overseas talents will be denied if any of the following situations occur:
1. The applied project by the returned overseas talent or the applicant organization is involved in any intellectual property dispute;
2. The returned overseas talent or the applicant organization is under investigation or legal proceedings due to violations of law;
3. The applicant organization has engaged in serious acts of dishonesty, such as malicious wage arrears or defaults on its debts;
4. The same organization substitutes its applicant and reapply for the same project;
5. Other circumstances deemed inappropriate for granting entrepreneurship funding.
If the returned overseas talent or the applicant organization is found to have provided false information, withdrawn capital during the project management period, misappropriate or embezzle the funding, the contract will be terminated upon discovery, and part or all of the disbursed funds will be reclaimed depending on the severity of the situation. Cases constitute illegal or criminal activities shall be referred to the appropriate legal authorities.
Chapter IV
Support for the Construction of Offshore Innovation Platforms
Article 23.
Support for Offshore Innovation Platforms’ Introduction of High-Level Talent Innovation Teams
Employers in the Cooperation Zone are encouraged to establish R&D centers, high-end incubation bases, and other offshore innovation platforms to provide serves and support for returned overseas talents to carry out innovation projects in Macao and the Cooperation Zone.
Employers in the Cooperation Zone may be rewarded up to RMB 1 million for recruiting one recognized overseas high-level talent innovation team, and each employer may be rewarded a maximum of RMB 5 million according to the following regulations:
1. For innovation teams led by distinguished talents that are successfully approved and funded, the employer will receive a talent introduction reward of RMB 1 million for each team introduced;
2. For innovation teams led by leading talents that are successfully approved and funded, the employer will receive a talent introduction reward of RMB 700,000 for each team introduced;
3. For innovation teams led by top-notch talents that are successfully approved and funded, the employer receive a talent introduction reward of RMB 500,000 for each team introduced;
4. For innovation teams led by young talents that are successfully approved and funded, the employer will receive a talent introduction reward of RMB 200,000 for each team introduced.
Article 24.
Criteria for the Recognition of Offshore Innovation Platforms
Organizations applying for recognition as an offshore innovation platform in the Cooperation Zone shall meet both the basic conditions and operational performance requirements.
1. Basic Conditions:
(1) The Cooperation Zone organization, either independently or in collaboration with domestic and foreign universities, research institutes, and enterprises, establishes an offshore innovation platform outside the Chinese mainland and maintains actual control;
(2) The organization shall have strong R&D capabilities and conditions, a solid foundation for international scientific and technological cooperation, and established channels for cooperation. The organization shall also have potential access to overseas innovative talents, projects, and advanced technologies, and is able to provide necessary conditions and financial support for the construction of the offshore innovation platform;
(3) The organization shall have been in operation for at least six months and have established close and long-term cooperation with local universities, research institutes, technology-based enterprises, industry associations, and other relevant entities;
(4) The organization shall have the necessary R&D facilities, infrastructure, and personnel, with at least 200 square meters of fixed, usable space and no fewer than six full-time local R&D personnel;
(5) The organization shall be equipped with essential instruments, equipment, or software tools, and have at least two R&D projects that are substantively underway.
2. Operational Performance:
(1) The quantity and quality of high-level talent innovation teams and high-level talents introduced to the Cooperation Zone and Macao;
(2) The quantity and quality of introduced or cooperative projects;
(3) Conferences and events held locally that help to promote the scientific and technological R&D and the high-end manufacturing industries in the Cooperation Zone and Macao.
Specific standards for operational performance will be released annually together with the application guidelines based on the actual circumstances of the Cooperation Zone.
Article 25.
Explanatory Notes on the Recognition of Offshore Innovation Platforms
The application for the recognition of offshore innovation platforms in the Cooperation Zone follows a dynamic application process with centralized acceptance. The applicant organization shall submit the application for recognition along with the supporting materials, in accordance with the specific requirements.
The Economic Development Bureau will, either independently or by commissioning a third-party institution, conduct a comprehensive review of the application materials through written assessments, on-site defenses, and other methods. The top candidates will be selected and awarded the title of Offshore Innovation Platforms in the Cooperation Zone.
The recognition of offshore innovation platforms in the Cooperation Zone is valid for a period of three years. Upon the expiration of the three-year validity period, the platform shall undergo re-recognition organized by the Economic Development Bureau every three years. If the platform passes the re-recognition, it will retain the title of Offshore Innovation Platform in the Cooperation Zone; if the platform fails, its relevant qualifications of the platform will be revoked.
Support will be provided for the construction of talent innovation platforms in the Cooperative Zone. A project application mechanism of “preliminary review and prompt implementation” will be trialed and established for overseas high-level talent innovation teams and projects settling on the platform.
Chapter V
Supervision and Administration
Article 26.
Application Instructions
The relevant funding under these Measures will operate on a basis of voluntary application and strict review. The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone is responsible for issuing the application guidelines and organizing the application process.
The application guidelines will be publicly released on the official website of the Executive Committee.
Applicants shall submit the required materials within the validity period of the application as specified in the guidelines.
Applicants and applicant organization shall provide truthful and accurate application materials and are responsible for the truthfulness and correctness of the materials. If any violations of laws and regulations or false applications are found, or if the applicant is included in the List of Dishonest Judgment Debtors, the applicant will be disqualified from receiving funding under these Measures.
Unless otherwise specified by other regulations, applicants may benefit from these Measures while also applying for other national or Guangdong provincial policy support and incentives, provided that such support or incentives are not funded by the Cooperation Zone’s finances.
Unless otherwise specified by other regulations, and in cases where these measures overlaps or conflicts with other policies issued by the Cooperation Zone or with requirements from higher authorities that involve financial obligations or surpporting funds from the Cooperation Zone, applicants may choose the most favorable option by following the principle of “prioritizing the higher allowance without duplication”.
Article 27.
Source of Funds
Funds required for these Measures shall be managed through budget control and allocated annually from the special funds budget of the Cooperation Zone.
The funding received by the applicant and applicant organization is subject to taxation in accordance with the law.
Article 28.
Legal Liabilit
Any applicant organization that provides false application materials will be disqualified from applying for funding under these Measures. If funds have already been granted, they will be reclaimed; if illegal or criminal activities are suspected, legal liability will be pursued accordingly.
Chapter VI
Supplementary Provisions
Article 29.
Right of Interpretation
The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone reserves the right to interpret these Measures.
Article 30.
Effective Date and Validity Period
These Measures shall come into force on April 1, 2024, and remain in force until December 31, 2025.
Those eligible for support under these Measures after January 1, 2023 may apply in accordance with the provisions stated herein.
For projects involving continuous subsidies, if the subsidies have already been applied for within the validity period of these Measures, the remaining subsidies may be applied for according to the subsequent annual application guidelines, provided the conditions are met after the expiration of the validity period.