Funding programmes in Guangdong province - China Innovation Funding

Many funding programmes and incentives are offered by the Guangdong provincial administration, both by the Department of Science and Technology (mainly for research and innovation projects) and the Department of Industry and Information Technology (mainly for technological upgrading, digitalisation, etc.). Other programmes are also offered by municipal administrations all across the province. Under this project, a total of 28 funding programmes were analysed at the provincial level and in the municipalities of Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan.

Enterprises - funding programmes in Guangdong province

High- and New-Technology Enterprise (HNTE) status

The High- and New-Technology Enterprise (HNTE) status is one of China’s core innovation tax policies under China’s Corporate Income Tax Law. The concept of HNTE status emerged in the 1990s to encourage investment in high-tech and R&D areas through a series of benefits including fiscal and tax incentives. The HNTE status offers qualified companies a significant reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate.

Eligibility requirements:

According to the latest revision of the Management Measures for the Recognition of High- and New-Technology Enterprises issued in January 2016 by MOST, MOF and SAT, enterprises must meet the following requirements in order to qualify to HNTE status:

Being registered in Mainland China for at least one year before the application is submitted
Own IP rights of the key technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services). Such rights may be obtained through independent R&D, transfer, donation, or mergers and acquisitions;
The technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services) shall belong to one of the areas outlined in the Catalogue of High- and New-Technology Areas Specifically Supported by the State
At least 10% of the total number of the enterprise’s employees should be engaged in R&D and related activities
R&D expenditures in the last three financial years should account to a certain percentage of the enterprise’s total sales revenue in the same period:
- Over 5% if total revenue is below 50 million RMB;
- Over 4% if total revenue is between 50 and 200 million RMB;
- Over 3% if total revenue exceeds 200 million RMB.

In addition, at least 60% of the enterprise’s total R&D expenditure must be incurred in China

Income derived from high- and new-technology products (services) should amount to at least 60% of the enterprise’s total revenue
The assessment of the enterprise’ innovation capabilities is in line with relevant standards
The enterprise should have not occurred any major safety or quality incident in the previous year, and should have not had any behaviour against the law

What are the benefits?

Reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT), from the standard 25% tax rate to 15%, regardless of the company’s investment type and where its headquarters are located;

Once approved, the HNTE status will last for three years, after which the application needs to be re-submitted.

When and where are application calls published?

Applications are opened after an official announcement is published on the web portal of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology, usually between March-June every year. Applications can be submitted in three different batches, each with specific its own deadline.

Several trainings and workshops on topics relating to the application process are also organised by municipal- and prefecture-level authorities.

International participation: figures and opportunities

Domestic and foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) are equally eligible to apply as long as they comply with the requirements listed above. However, it is commonly believed that the eligibility requirements might be more challenging to meet for FIEs. *

Over a ten thousands enterprises are selected as HNTEs every year. Around 3% in of newly-selected HNTEs in 2018 were foreign-invested enterprises, including many cases of wholly foreign-owned enterprises (though mostly Hong Kong or Taiwanese). A few examples include:

Drom Fragrances International (Guangzhou) Ltd. (German WFOE)
Heavy Goyo (Guangzhou) Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd (German WFOE)
AMS Product Assembly (Foshan) Co., Ltd. (Italian WFOE)
PR (Zhuhai) Auto parts Co., Ltd. (Italian WFOE)
Cnim Transport Equipment (Foshan) Co., Ltd (French WFOE)
Andritz (China) Co., Ltd. (Austrian WFOE)
Emicore Corporation (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd. (UK WFOE)
Essel Packaging (Guangzhou) Ltd. (Indian WFOE)
Maxcess International (American WFOE)
Caretek (China) Medical Devices Co., Ltd (Australian WFOE)
Barcol-Air Environmental Systems (Foshan) Co., Ltd
Superdata Software Technology (Guangzhou) Limited
Hitachi Elevator Electric Machine (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. (Sino-Japanese JV)
Honda Motor Products (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. (Sino-Japanese JV)

* Note: for instance, The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China in its Position Papers argues that the requirement on core IP may create an uneven playing field between domestic and international companies. This would be because the main technologies of the Chinese affiliates of foreign companies in part may still rely on the main technologies and products initially developed outside China and is still owned there, despite these companies now playing an increasingly important role in the Chinese innovation ecosystem.

Shenzhen municipal HNTE status

A municipal-level HNTE status also exist in Shenzhen. Applications are managed entirely by the municipal government, given the city’s classification as “city under separate state planning”. Individual calls for applications are published on the website of the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission.

Useful links:

2019 application announcement

2019 application announcement (Shenzhen municipality)

2018 list of selected HNTEs (2^nd batch)

2018 list of selected HNTEs (1^st batch)

Technology Advanced Service Enterprises (TASE) status

The Technology Advanced Service Enterprise (TASE) status (技术先进型服务企业认定) is of China’s core innovation tax policies, specifically targeting enterprises offering technology outsourcing services. The benefits derived from the TASE status are similar to those of the High- and New-Technology Enterprise, but at the same time the requirements for the obtainment of such status are perceived to be easier to meet for foreign-invest enterprises as these do not involve the possession of local IP rights.

Eligibility requirements:

According to the Notice on Expanding Nation-wide Corporate Income Tax Policies for Technology Advanced Service Enterprises, TASE status is granted to enterprises which meet the following requirements:

Independent legal personality in the jurisdiction through which the application is submitted (in this case in Guangdong province)
Be operating in one or more technology services included in a Catalogue appended to the Notice. Income in these services should exceed 50% of the total enterprise’s income
Over 50% of the staff should possess at least an associate college degree;
Revenue from the qualifying offshore outsourcing services should account for no less than 35% of total revenue of the year.

* The term “Revenue derived from offshore outsourcing services” refers to revenue derived by a TASE or its direct subcontractor under an outsourcing services agreement entered into by the TASE and an overseas entity, for the provision of ITO, BPO and KPO services as prescribed in list of qualifying technology advanced services.

What are the benefits?

Reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) to 15%, compared to the 25% statutory rate
Expenditure for the training and education of personnel, are deductible from their taxable income for a maximum of 8% of the personnel’s salary amount, compared to the 2.5% statutory rate; the part exceeding 8% can be deducted in the next fiscal year.

Once approved, TASEs will need to take part to annual evaluations.

When and where are application calls published?

Applications can be submitted after an official announcement is published on the web portal of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology, usually every year in the summer.

International participation: figures and opportunities

The TASE status is perceived to be easier to obtain for foreign-invested enterprises, as it does not require the enterprise to own local IP rights of the key technologies representing the enterprise’s core products or services (unlike HNTE status). The percentage of international enterprises among TASEs in other areas such as Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin is very high, around 30%-40% of the total.

In Guangdong province, 3 out of 20 new TASEs recognised in 2018 were wholly foreign-owned enterprises: Clarks (Dongguan) Footwear Service Co., Ltd. (UK WFOE); SPIN MASTER (Dongguan) Toys Co., Ltd (Canadian WFOE); and AxiSoft (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd. (HK WFOE).

Useful links:

Management Measures for the Recognition of TASE status in Guangdong province

Notice on Expanding Nation-wide Corporate Income Tax Policies for Technology Advanced Service Enterprises

2019 call for application

2018 list of newly approved TASEs in Guangdong (1^st batch)

2018 list of newly approved TASEs in Guangdong (2^nd batch)

Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre

Like the National Engineering Technology Research Centres under the national-level Bases and Talents Programme, the Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre is a status given to certain entities in Guangdong with strong conditions and capacities for innovation, dedicated to market- and industry-oriented engineering R&D, verification, application and integration of core technologies in key areas.

Target:

Enterprises; universities; research structures.

Eligibility requirements:

Applicants must be enterprises, universities or research structures registered and with independent legal personality in Guangdong province. They must have rich experience and strong capacities for innovation and in implementing engineering-scale development. In addition:

Scale: If the applicant is an enterprise, the annual operational revenue in the previous year must have exceeded 20 million RMB, at least 3% of which should have been spent on R&D; If the applicant is a university or a research structure, the total R&D expenditure in the field in the past 3 years must have exceeded 5 million RMB;
Assets: Good conditions for innovation, with the total asset value of relevant instruments, equipment, devices and facilities exceeding 3 million RMB;
Scientific results: possession of at least 5 patents, software, copyrights, standards, etc., achieved through indigenous innovation. Universities and research structures must have generated at least 3 achievements in cooperation with universities;
Talents and team: at least 10 full-time S&T employees, 50% of which should have Bachelor’s degree or mid-level job title;
Priority may be granted to entities based in North-western Guangdong province.

What are the benefits?

Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centres will become key components of the local sci-tech innovation ecosystem, and as such will receive strong support from local authorities when applying to other provincial- or national-level funding programmes.

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis, on the web portal of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology. Deadline for submitting applications is usually within 4 weeks after the publication date. Applications must first be reviewed by municipal or county-level S&T bureaus, before being submitted to the provincial administration.

International participation: opportunities and figures

Hundreds of new Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centres are approved every year. Evidence of international entities was identified in 2018, around 3% of the total. Although most of them were enterprises invested or incorporated in Hong Kong, instances of wholly foreign-owned enterprises was also identified, such as Fremont Micro Devices (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Amphenol-Kai Jack (Shenzhen) Inc., FCI Connectors Dongguan Limited, Kalex Multi-Layer Circuit Board (Zhongshan) Co., Ltd. (all American), as well as Nidec (Shaoguan) Ltd. (Japanese WFOE).

Useful links:

2018 call for application

2018 list of winners

Guangdong Provincial Enterprise Technology Centre

Similarly to the National Enterprise Technology Centres under the Bases and Talents Programme, the Guangdong Provincial Enterprise Technology Centre is a status given to certain enterprises based in Guangdong with strong conditions and capacities for innovation, and which contribute significantly to the local innovation and economic development. Being recognised as Guangdong Provincial Enterprise Technology Centre guarantees a series of preferential policies and benefits, and is designed to further stimulate enterprises to increase and enhance their R&D and indigenous innovation capacities.

The Guangdong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology oversees the daily management and operations of the programme.

Eligibility requirements:

The applicant enterprise should meet the following basic requirements:

Guangdong-based enterprises (excluding those based in Shenzhen) with independent legal personality, which have strengths and large competitiveness within their respective industries, as well as solid capacities for innovation;
The enterprise should operate in specific sectors indicated in annual calls (generally being: manufacturing; construction; commercial distribution; information services; logistics);
Have already established and operated a technology centre for at least 1 year;
Strong R&D commitment and expenditure;
Experienced R&D talents and teams with strong capacities within their fields;
Good conditions for R&D, possession of necessary instruments, devices, equipment, as well as patents and achievements on key technologies;
No negative records.

What are the benefits?

Newly-recognised Guangdong Provincial Enterprise Technology Centres will be strongly supported in applying to other provincial-level funding programmes, and will also be encouraged and endorsed by the provincial administration to apply to the National Enterprise Technology Centre status.

When and where are calls published?

Applications can be submitted after an ad hoc announcement is published on the website of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology. The deadline for submitting applications is usually 4 weeks after the publishing date. Applications will first be reviewed by municipal- and county-level authorities.

International participation: opportunities and figures:

Around 5% of the 214 newly approved Guangdong Provincial Enterprise Technology Centres in 2018 were foreign-invested enterprises. Although the majority were invested or incorporated in Hong Kong SAR, a few instances of western FIEs was also identified, including:

Eco Schulte Doorsystem (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd. (German WFOE)
Andritz (China) Ltd. (Austrian WFOE)
ECI (Huizhou) Co., Ltd (American WFOE)

Sino-foreign JVs were also identified, e.g. Wuyang-Honda Motors (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. and Swell Marui (Guangzhou) Automobile Parts Co., Ltd. – both Sino-Japanese.

Useful links:

2019 call for application

2018 list of approved centres

Guangdong New R&D Organisations

The Guangdong provincial government has established a dedicated programme granting subsidies and financial support to local enterprises (private, foreign-owned, or state-owned), universities and research structures (including those from Hong Kong and Macao SARs) establishing R&D organisations within Guangdong province, thus contributing to increase the province’s competitiveness, innovation capacities and talents pool. Specifically, the programme supports: (i) the establishment of high-level R&D organisations; and (ii) the establishment of R&D organisations in North-western and North-eastern Guangdong province. Incubators may also be recognised as R&D organisations.

Target:

Enterprises; universities; research structures.

1. Establishment of high-level R&D organisations:

Aimed to support high-level and highly-competitive R&D organisations in key strategic sectors for Guangdong’s development. These R&D organisations must have been established in Guangdong by: (i) state-owned enterprises or State Key Laboratories; (ii) universities, research structures or leading enterprises from Hong Kong and Macao SARs; (iii) foreign first-tier universities and research structures, laboratories, Fortune 500 companies, or renowned foreign-invested enterprises.

Eligibility requirements:

Independent legal personality;
Officially registered before the application is submitted;
Possession of solid R&D teams and talents;
Possession of strong capacities for innovation, with the ability to match key national or international projects;
Has already signed cooperation agreements with provincial or other local administrations, or with leading enterprises;
Priority granted to Guangdong-based global R&D centres of MNCs, as well as to State Key Laboratories, National Engineering Technology Research Centres – especially if established with high-tech zones.

Benefits:

Up to 10 million RMB of financial support may be given by both the provincial and other local administrations (see this example for additional subsidies offered by the Guangzhou municipal government);
Priority when applying to other funding programmes or services.

2. Establishment of R&D organisations in North-western and North-eastern Guangdong province

Aimed to support the establishment of R&D organisations in less developed areas in North-western and North-eastern Guangdong province – in line with local industrial characteristics and strengths. These R&D organisations must have been established by: (i) a leading enterprise in North-western or North-eastern Guangdong province establishing a R&D organisation in cooperation with universities or research structures (not necessarily from the same area); or (ii) by domestic or international universities or research structures in North-western or North-eastern Guangdong province.

Eligibility requirements:

Independent legal personality;
Officially registered before the application is submitted;
In line with Guangdong’s development priorities and with the industrial competitiveness and strengths of the respective area in North-western or North-eastern Guangdong;
Possession of solid R&D teams and talents;
Has already signed cooperation agreements with the local administration or with leading enterprises;
Priority granted to R&D organisations established within high-tech zones

Benefits:

Up to 20 million RMB of financial support may be given by both the provincial and other local administrations. In principle, only 1 R&D organisation can be recommended for each municipality in North-western or North-eastern Guangdong province (or 2 in case the municipality also hosts a national high-tech zone).
Priority when applying to other funding programmes or services.

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis, on the web portal of the Guangdong Provincial Development of Science and Technology. Deadline for submitting applications is usually within 4 weeks after the publication date. Applications must be submitted online on the dedicated platform. After review by municipal or county-level administrations, shortlisted applications are submitted to the provincial administration.

International participation: opportunities and figures

No evidence of wholly foreign-owned enterprises was identified amongst the 25 selected R&D Organisations in 2018.

Useful links:

Management measures (in Chinese)

2018 call for application

2018 list of winners

Guangdong Subsidies for Technology Upgrading Projects

The Guangdong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology every year grants a series of subsidies to enterprises launching technology upgrading projects, e.g. purchasing new technologically advanced equipment to replace old ones, to introduce digitalisation or smartification technologies, etc. The purpose is to incentivise local enterprises to improve their technological conditions and capabilities, especially in key sectors such as information technologies, automotive, intelligent home appliances, robots, biopharmaceuticals, digital economy, new materials, etc. Subsidies are given after the purchase has been completed, and to eventually compensate for loan interests.

1. Purchase of new equipment (ex post subsidy)

Technologically advanced equipment or products purchased to replace obsolete equipment in order to increase productivity and efficiency. These include, for instance, digitalisation equipment, new software, smart products, etc.

Eligibility requirements:

The project must be completed between 1 January and 31 December of the year when the application is submitted;
The project’s total investment value should exceed 5 million RMB (or 2 million RMB for applicants from North-western or North-eastern Guangdong province, or from Zhaoqing, Jiangmen and Huizhou municipalities);
Projects which have already obtained funding from other channels are not eligible

Benefits:

Subsidy of 20% the project’s total investment value (max 10 million RMB)

2. Loan interest subsidies

Subsidies for loans taken by enterprises to purchase new technologically advanced equipment. The purpose is to stimulate financial institutions to grant more support to local enterprises.

Eligibility requirements:

The loan taken for purchasing new equipment has not been repaid by the time the application is submitted;
The annual operational revenue as well as the project’s total investment value must exceed 30 million RMB for applicants on the Pearl River Delta (excluding Shenzhen, Zhaoqing, Jiangmen and Huizhou), or 10 million RMB for others;
The project’s total investment value should exceed 5 million RMB (or 2 million RMB for applicants from North-western or North-eastern Guangdong province, or from Zhaoqing, Jiangmen and Huizhou municipalities);
Projects which have already obtained funding from other channels are not eligible

Benefits:

Up to 10 million RMB of subsidy for loan interests (max 2 years)

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis, usually in the second half, on the web portal of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology. Applications are submitted to municipal- or county-level departments of industry and information technology, which after screening and review will submit to the provincial administration.

International participation: opportunities and figures

Foreign-invested enterprises are equally eligible to apply.

Useful links:

2020 call for application

2019 call for application

Shenzhen Subsidies for Enterprises R&D Expenditure

Based on the Several measures to Boost Science, Technology and Innovation (Shen Fa [2016] No. 7), article 21, issued by the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government in 2016, the local administration in Shenzhen offers up to 10 million RMB of subsidies to local enterprises for their R&D expenses in key high- and new-technology sectors.

Note: other subsidies are also available for enterprises which take loans from financial institutions or purchase insurances for R&D projects or products.

Target:

Enterprises

Eligibility requirements:

Enterprise with independent legal personality in Shenzhen or in the Shen-Shan Economic Cooperation zone;
Has a dedicated bank account for R&D expenditure (in line with SAT regulation 2015 No. 97);
Has already registered within local tax authorities for pre-tax R&D expenditure deduction;
If the annual sales revenue exceeds 20 million RMB, a specific R&D department/centre must have been established by the enterprise;
The R&D expenditure must be within one of the high- and new-technology sectors;
No negative tax records.

What are the benefits?

Up to 10 million RMB of subsidies based on their actual R&D expenditure.

Method of application:

Requests for subsidies can be submitted at any time of the year, online on the dedicated platform and then in paper version to the competent office.

International participation: opportunities and figures

Thousands of enterprises are granted R&D subsidies every year. Foreign-invested enterprises are equally eligible, with a few cases of WFOEs identified in 2018 (e.g. Valeo Interior Controls (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.; Foxconn; Amphenol-Kai Jack (Shenzhen) Inc.; Airmate Electrical (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.; etc.)

Useful links:

Several measures to Boost Science, Technology and Innovation (Shen Fa [2016] No. 7)

Official application instructions (in Chinese)

List of subsidies granted in 2018 (1^st batch)

List of subsidies granted in 2018 (2^nd batch)

Other subsidies available for loans, insurances, etc.

Guangzhou Subsidies for Enterprises R&D Expenditure

Based on the Implementation Plan for Subsidies for Enterprises’ R&D Expenditure in Guangzhou (Sui Ke Gui Zi [2019] No. 2), the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau offers a series of subsidies (from 100,000 RMB to 20 million RMB) to local enterprises for their R&D expenditure. The subsidies are aimed to stimulate more sustained R&D investments by local actors, so to reach the municipality’s development target of 3% R&D intensity on local GDP.

Note: other subsidies are available for financial institutions that grant loans or credit to local MSMEs (see for instance this link), or as part of the Guangzhou Municipal S&T Innovation Fund (see dedicated factsheet in this page).

Target:

Enterprises; SMEs

Eligibility requirements:

Enterprise with independent legal personality in Guangzhou;
R&D expenses exceeding 2% of annual operational revenue (and at least exceeding 2 million RMB);
Has already registered the R&D expenditure with local tax authorities.

What are the benefits?

Post-expenditure subsidies:

100,000 RMB for R&D expenditure > 2 million RMB but < 5 million RMB
400,000 RMB for R&D expenditure > 5 million RMB but < 10 million RMB
1 million RMB for R&D expenditure > 10 million RMB but < 50 million RMB
3 million RMB for R&D expenditure > 50 million RMB but < 100 million RMB
7 million RMB for R&D expenditure > 100 million RMB but < 500 million RMB
20 million RMB for R&D expenditure > 500 million RMB

Method of application:

Requests for subsidies can be submitted every year after a relevant announcement is published on the website of the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau.

Useful links:

Implementation Plan for Subsidies for Enterprises’ R&D Expenditure in Guangzhou (Sui Ke Gui Zi [2019] No. 2)

2019 application announcement

Dongguan Intelligent Manufacturing Key Programmes

The Guangdong Municipal Industry and Informatisation Bureau has launched a series of Intelligent Manufacturing Key Programmes, granting subsidies to local enterprises which introduce advanced and intelligent equipment to enhance their production and manufacturing capacities. Specifically, two categories of projects are supported:

Smartification upgrading projects: for projects integrating new generation information and communication technologies (e.g. internet of things, big data, cloud, etc.) to their manufacturing and management equipment and systems
Intelligent manufacturing demonstration project: for particularly outstanding projects which could represent role models and could inspire other enterprises

Eligibility requirements:

Enterprise with independent legal personality in Dongguan municipality;
The total project investment should exceed 5 million RMB;
The project should have been already launched and completed by the time the application is submitted;
Strong management and operational mechanisms;
Absence of negative records.

What are the benefits?

Smartification upgrading projects: subsidies for up to 20% of the total project investment (max 4 million RMB per project)
Intelligent manufacturing demonstration project: subsidies for up to 30% of the total project investment (max 8 million RMB per project)

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis, usually in the second half, on the website of the Dongguan Municipal Industry and Informatisation Bureau. Applications are submitted online and in paper version. Deadline is generally within 4 weeks after the publication date.

International participation: opportunities and figures

Although lists of results are not published online, large evidence of foreign-invested enterprises receiving such subsidies was identified in many other regions in China (e.g. Shanghai), therefore it is assumed that FIEs are equally eligible to apply.

Useful links:

2019 call for application

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises - funding programmes in Guangdong province

High- and New-Technology Enterprise (HNTE) status

Eligibility requirements:

Being registered in Mainland China for at least one year before the application is submitted
Own IP rights of the key technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services). Such rights may be obtained through independent R&D, transfer, donation, or mergers and acquisitions;
The technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services) shall belong to one of the areas outlined in the Catalogue of High- and New-Technology Areas Specifically Supported by the State
At least 10% of the total number of the enterprise’s employees should be engaged in R&D and related activities
R&D expenditures in the last three financial years should account to a certain percentage of the enterprise’s total sales revenue in the same period:
- Over 5% if total revenue is below 50 million RMB;
- Over 4% if total revenue is between 50 and 200 million RMB;
- Over 3% if total revenue exceeds 200 million RMB.

In addition, at least 60% of the enterprise’s total R&D expenditure must be incurred in China

Income derived from high- and new-technology products (services) should amount to at least 60% of the enterprise’s total revenue
The assessment of the enterprise’ innovation capabilities is in line with relevant standards
The enterprise should have not occurred any major safety or quality incident in the previous year, and should have not had any behaviour against the law

What are the benefits?

Reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT), from the standard 25% tax rate to 15%, regardless of the company’s investment type and where its headquarters are located;

Once approved, the HNTE status will last for three years, after which the application needs to be re-submitted.

When and where are application calls published?

Several trainings and workshops on topics relating to the application process are also organised by municipal- and prefecture-level authorities.

International participation: figures and opportunities

Drom Fragrances International (Guangzhou) Ltd. (German WFOE)
Heavy Goyo (Guangzhou) Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd (German WFOE)
AMS Product Assembly (Foshan) Co., Ltd. (Italian WFOE)
PR (Zhuhai) Auto parts Co., Ltd. (Italian WFOE)
Cnim Transport Equipment (Foshan) Co., Ltd (French WFOE)
Andritz (China) Co., Ltd. (Austrian WFOE)
Emicore Corporation (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd. (UK WFOE)
Essel Packaging (Guangzhou) Ltd. (Indian WFOE)
Maxcess International (American WFOE)
Caretek (China) Medical Devices Co., Ltd (Australian WFOE)
Barcol-Air Environmental Systems (Foshan) Co., Ltd
Superdata Software Technology (Guangzhou) Limited
Hitachi Elevator Electric Machine (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. (Sino-Japanese JV)
Honda Motor Products (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. (Sino-Japanese JV)

Shenzhen municipal HNTE status

Useful links:

2019 application announcement

2019 application announcement (Shenzhen municipality)

2018 list of selected HNTEs (2^nd batch)

2018 list of selected HNTEs (1^st batch)

Technology Advanced Service Enterprises (TASE) status

Eligibility requirements:

Independent legal personality in the jurisdiction through which the application is submitted (in this case in Guangdong province)
Be operating in one or more technology services included in a Catalogue appended to the Notice. Income in these services should exceed 50% of the total enterprise’s income
Over 50% of the staff should possess at least an associate college degree;
Revenue from the qualifying offshore outsourcing services should account for no less than 35% of total revenue of the year.

What are the benefits?

Reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) to 15%, compared to the 25% statutory rate
Expenditure for the training and education of personnel, are deductible from their taxable income for a maximum of 8% of the personnel’s salary amount, compared to the 2.5% statutory rate; the part exceeding 8% can be deducted in the next fiscal year.

Once approved, TASEs will need to take part to annual evaluations.

When and where are application calls published?

Applications can be submitted after an official announcement is published on the web portal of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology, usually every year in the summer.

International participation: figures and opportunities

Useful links:

Management Measures for the Recognition of TASE status in Guangdong province

Notice on Expanding Nation-wide Corporate Income Tax Policies for Technology Advanced Service Enterprises

2019 call for application

2018 list of newly approved TASEs in Guangdong (1^st batch)

2018 list of newly approved TASEs in Guangdong (2^nd batch)

Guangdong High-growth Tech SMEs

The Guangdong High-growth SME is a status given to certain SMEs in Guangdong which have registered significant growth in revenue or profit for in the last two years. SMEs recognised with such status will be granted priority by the local administration when applying to certain government services or other incentives / funding programmes.

Eligibility requirements:

SME (in line with the definition of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) with independent legal personality in Guangdong province;
Operates in a national or provincial priority sector for development;
Solid management, financial and operational mechanisms, with no negative records;
R&D expenditure in the last 2 years exceeding 3% of sales revenue;
Total asset value in the previous year: 30 million RMB for applicants from the Pearl River Delta; or 20 million RMB for applicants from North-western or North-eastern Guangdong;
Total operational revenue in the previous year: 30 million RMB for applicants from the Pearl River Delta; or 20 million RMB for applicants from North-western or North-eastern Guangdong;
Total growth rate in operational revenue or profit in the last 2 years: over 20%.

What are the benefits?

Priority when applying to certain government-sponsored services, incentives or funding programmes, especially relating to financing, technology services, technological upgrading, etc. Additional financial support may also be given by municipal- or district-level administrations.

When and where are application calls published?

Calls are published on an annual basis, usually in the first four months, on the website of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology. Applications are collected and reviewed by municipal or county-level authorities, before being forwarded to the provincial administration.

International participation: figures and opportunities

Hundreds of SMEs are selected as Guangong High-growth SMEs every year. An average of 3% is foreign-invested, although in the majority of cases being Sino-foreign JVs (including the Sino-Belgian Umicore Vital Film Materials (Guangdong) Co., Ltd.; and the Sino-Korean HunaRobo Tech (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd) mostly with Hong Kong-based investors. Limited evidence of wholly foreign-owned enterprises was also identified (e.g. the American Cyagen (Guangzhou) Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; the Japanese Seiko Printing Ink (Sihui) Co., Ltd.; or the Taiwanese Meilv Electronic (Huizhou) Co., Ltd.).

Useful links:

Management measures (in Chinese)

2019 call for application

2019 list of results

Guangdong Subsidies for Technology Upgrading Projects

1. Purchase of new equipment (ex post subsidy)

Eligibility requirements:

The project must be completed between 1 January and 31 December of the year when the application is submitted;
The project’s total investment value should exceed 5 million RMB (or 2 million RMB for applicants from North-western or North-eastern Guangdong province, or from Zhaoqing, Jiangmen and Huizhou municipalities);
Projects which have already obtained funding from other channels are not eligible

Benefits:

Subsidy of 20% the project’s total investment value (max 10 million RMB)

2. Loan interest subsidies

Subsidies for loans taken by enterprises to purchase new technologically advanced equipment. The purpose is to stimulate financial institutions to grant more support to local enterprises.

Eligibility requirements:

The loan taken for purchasing new equipment has not been repaid by the time the application is submitted;
The annual operational revenue as well as the project’s total investment value must exceed 30 million RMB for applicants on the Pearl River Delta (excluding Shenzhen, Zhaoqing, Jiangmen and Huizhou), or 10 million RMB for others;
The project’s total investment value should exceed 5 million RMB (or 2 million RMB for applicants from North-western or North-eastern Guangdong province, or from Zhaoqing, Jiangmen and Huizhou municipalities);
Projects which have already obtained funding from other channels are not eligible

Benefits:

Up to 10 million RMB of subsidy for loan interests (max 2 years)

When and where are calls published?

International participation: opportunities and figures

Foreign-invested enterprises are equally eligible to apply.

Useful links:

2020 call for application

2019 call for application

Shenzhen Subsidies for Enterprises R&D Expenditure

Note: other subsidies are also available for enterprises which take loans from financial institutions or purchase insurances for R&D projects or products.

Target:

Enterprises

Eligibility requirements:

Enterprise with independent legal personality in Shenzhen or in the Shen-Shan Economic Cooperation zone;
Has a dedicated bank account for R&D expenditure (in line with SAT regulation 2015 No. 97);
Has already registered within local tax authorities for pre-tax R&D expenditure deduction;
If the annual sales revenue exceeds 20 million RMB, a specific R&D department/centre must have been established by the enterprise;
The R&D expenditure must be within one of the high- and new-technology sectors;
No negative tax records.

What are the benefits?

Up to 10 million RMB of subsidies based on their actual R&D expenditure.

Method of application:

Requests for subsidies can be submitted at any time of the year, online on the dedicated platform and then in paper version to the competent office.

International participation: opportunities and figures

Useful links:

Several measures to Boost Science, Technology and Innovation (Shen Fa [2016] No. 7)

Official application instructions (in Chinese)

List of subsidies granted in 2018 (1^st batch)

List of subsidies granted in 2018 (2^nd batch)

Other subsidies available for loans, insurances, etc.

Shenzhen Subsidies for Winners of Entrepreneurship Competitions

In order to boost mass innovation and entrepreneurship, the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission offers subsidies to winners of relevant entrepreneurship / start-up competitions who implement their business plans and projects in Shenzhen.

Target:

Winners of entrepreneurship / start-up competitions.

Eligibility requirements:

Winners or finalists, within the last two years, of relevant entrepreneurship / start-up competitions, such as China Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition finals, China (Shenzhen) Innovation % Entrepreneurship Competition, China National Agricultural S&T Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition, etc.
A company has been created and registered in Shenzhen to implement the winning / finalist project

What are the benefits?

Up to 500,000 RMB of subsidies.

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis on the website of the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission.

Useful links:

2019 call for application

Guangzhou Subsidies for Enterprises R&D Expenditure

Target:

Enterprises; SMEs

Eligibility requirements:

Enterprise with independent legal personality in Guangzhou;
R&D expenses exceeding 2% of annual operational revenue (and at least exceeding 2 million RMB);
Has already registered the R&D expenditure with local tax authorities.

What are the benefits?

Post-expenditure subsidies:

100,000 RMB for R&D expenditure > 2 million RMB but < 5 million RMB
400,000 RMB for R&D expenditure > 5 million RMB but < 10 million RMB
1 million RMB for R&D expenditure > 10 million RMB but < 50 million RMB
3 million RMB for R&D expenditure > 50 million RMB but < 100 million RMB
7 million RMB for R&D expenditure > 100 million RMB but < 500 million RMB
20 million RMB for R&D expenditure > 500 million RMB

Method of application:

Requests for subsidies can be submitted every year after a relevant announcement is published on the website of the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau.

Useful links:

Implementation Plan for Subsidies for Enterprises’ R&D Expenditure in Guangzhou (Sui Ke Gui Zi [2019] No. 2)

2019 application announcement

Dongguan Municipal Seed and Startup Investment Fund

The Dongguan municipal government has established an ad hoc innovation and entrepreneurship seed fund, to invest in equity in seed- and early-stage tech start-ups based in Dongguan.

Target:

Seed- and early-stage tech start-ups

Priority sectors and targets:

Priority will be granted by the fund to start-ups operating in the following industries: artificial intelligence, mobile internet, advanced manufacturing, cloud computing and big data, new energy, new materials, healthcare, biopharma, and civil-military integration.

Priority will also be granted to start-ups which have been awarded government-funded projects, exceptional entrepreneurship teams, and to winners of start-up competitions.

Eligibility requirements:

Start-up with legal personality in Dongguan:
Established not more than 5 years before the application is submitted;
At least 500,000 RMB of total net asset value;
Annual sales revenue below 30 million RMB;
Possession of indigenous IPR;
Good market prospects and management capacities.

What are the benefits?

Equity investment of up to 3 million RMB (up to max 30% of the start-up’s shares).

When and where are calls published?

Interest applicants must submit an expression of interest to the Dongguan Municipal Science and Technology Bureau (via e-mail, indicated in annual announcements). After an eligibility check, applications are forwarded to the investment firm managing the fund for further consideration. Applications can be submitted at any time of the year.

Useful links:

2019 call for application

Dongguan S&T Innovation Vouchers

Like many other municipalities in China, the Dongguan Municipal Science and Technology Bureau of has launched a support mechanism for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs): the S&T Innovation Vouchers. S&T Innovation Vouchers consist of small lines of credit – usually 20,000 RMB per year – provided by the municipal administration to tech enterprises to (i) support R&D activities; or to (ii) purchase, at discounted rates, technology or research services provided by certain Dongguan-based service providers. The list of available services is available on a dedicated platform.

Target:

Tech SMEs with legal personality in Dongguan.

When and where are application calls published?

Calls are published on an annual basis on the website of the Dongguan Municipal Industry and Informatisation Bureau.

Useful links:

2019 call for application

Dongguan Intelligent Manufacturing Key Programmes

Smartification upgrading projects: for projects integrating new generation information and communication technologies (e.g. internet of things, big data, cloud, etc.) to their manufacturing and management equipment and systems
Intelligent manufacturing demonstration project: for particularly outstanding projects which could represent role models and could inspire other enterprises

Eligibility requirements:

Enterprise with independent legal personality in Dongguan municipality;
The total project investment should exceed 5 million RMB;
The project should have been already launched and completed by the time the application is submitted;
Strong management and operational mechanisms;
Absence of negative records.

What are the benefits?

Smartification upgrading projects: subsidies for up to 20% of the total project investment (max 4 million RMB per project)
Intelligent manufacturing demonstration project: subsidies for up to 30% of the total project investment (max 8 million RMB per project)

When and where are calls published?

International participation: opportunities and figures

Useful links:

2019 call for application

Talents (scientists, entrepreneurs) - funding programmes in Guangdong province

Shenzhen Distinguished Talents – Subsidies for foreign academicians

The Shenzhen municipal administration also offers a series of additional bonuses and rewards to domestic, returnee or foreign high-level experts who have recently moved to Shenzhen. These also target members or fellows of national science or engineering academies in developed countries – including European countries.

Eligibility requirements:

Nobel prize winners (physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, or economy)
Winners of national S&T prizes
Academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences or the Chinese Academy of Engineering
Members or fellows of national science or engineering academies in developed countries (including: Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Spain).

Benefits:

1 million RMB work bonus
6 million RMB of subsidy, or a free 200 m² apartment for 10 years (which could eventually be assigned to the expert for free to at the completion of the 10^th year, based on work performance and residency status obtained in Shenzhen)
5,000 – 20,000 RMB of subsidies for several activities such as: participation to national or international conferences (as speakers), publication of papers, etc.
Schooling for children in Shenzhen schools

Additional benefits:

Foreign experts who meet the above requirements (and are less than 60 years’ old), can also apply to be recognised as Category A Overseas Senior Talent, which grants additional 3 million RMB, 10,000 RMB / month of housing subsidy, and entry-exit immigration support.

How to apply:

Applications can be submitted at any time of the year by the talent’s employer – which should be an entity based in Shenzhen.

Useful links:

Application guidelines (in Chinese)

Shenzhen Overseas Senior Talents Programme – Peacock Teams

The Shenzhen Overseas Senior Talents Programme (Peacock Teams programme) supports high-level returnees and foreign expert teams to relocate to Shenzhen to conduct research, innovation or entrepreneurship activities in the city. It particularly prioritises projects in the following fields: internet, biology, new energy, new materials, ICT, energy saving and environment protection, oceans, aerospace and aviation, health, robotics, wearable devices, and intelligent equipment.

Eligibility requirements:

The team should be composed of a team leader (max 60 years’ old) and at least two core members (average team age of 55). The team members should have already been working together for at least 2 years, should have strong capacities for research and innovation, and should have realised important achievements with good prospects for commercialisation
The team should be composed of overseas experts (including foreign experts, returnees, or Chinese nationals with extensive overseas study or work experience), or of high-level talents (Nobel prize laureates, academicians from China or development countries, awardees of the 1,000 Talents Plan or the Changjiang Scholar, etc.)
Should have relocated to Shenzhen no more than 3 years before the application is submitted
If selected, the team must commit to work in Shenzhen for at least 5 years, with at least half of the team core members and the leader working full-time (more than 9 months per year). Restructuring and adjustment of the team composition is not allowed if it involves the team leader, while that of core members must follow strict procedures.

Benefits:

10 to 100 million RMB of grants per team (the average award is 20 million RMB). It is understood that failed applications which nonetheless have strong potential can be offered up to 5 million RMB of grants. Additional funding support may be granted by relevant district-level authorities.

How to apply:

New calls for application are published on an annual basis on the website of the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission.

Applications, however, must be submitted by the recruiting entity (and not by the recruited expert) – which should be an entity with legal personality in Shenzhen municipality, or in the Shenzhen-Shanwei Special Cooperation Area.

Useful links:

Latest call for application in 2019 (in Chinese)

Management Measures (in Chinese)

Shenzhen Subsidies for Winners of Entrepreneurship Competitions

Target:

Winners of entrepreneurship / start-up competitions.

Eligibility requirements:

Winners or finalists, within the last two years, of relevant entrepreneurship / start-up competitions, such as China Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition finals, China (Shenzhen) Innovation % Entrepreneurship Competition, China National Agricultural S&T Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition, etc.
A company has been created and registered in Shenzhen to implement the winning / finalist project

What are the benefits?

Up to 500,000 RMB of subsidies.

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis on the website of the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission.

Useful links:

2019 call for application

Industry-University-Research cooperation- funding programmes in Guangdongprovince

Guangdong Basic and Applied Research Megaprojects

In addition to projects for general exploratory research and for distinguished young scientists established under the Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Fund (see above), the provincial administration has also launched a series of Guangdong Basic and Applied Research Megaprojects. These have the objective of solving key major scientific issues in key priority areas, and to contribute to a deeper integration within the Greater Bay area and the international scientific community. Megaprojects usually last 5 years.

Research topics and subjects:

Megaprojects address a total of 36 research topics within 8 key research areas, indicated in the Implementation Plan for Guangdong Basic and Applied Research Megaprojects in Key Fields (link below).

Eligibility requirements:

The research team should meet the following requirements:

Previous experience in implementing major basic and applied research projects (e.g. Key Projects under the National Natural Science Fund; 973 or 863 Plan; National Key R&D Programmes; etc.);
Awardee (within the last 5 years) of provincial or national-level S&T awards; beneficiary of the Zhujiang Talent Plan or other talent attraction programmes at the national level; CAS or CAE academicians;
The participation of foreign and international teams is encouraged;

The applicant’s host institution must be one of the following:

Strong research structure with experience in implementing major basic and applied research projects (e.g. at the national level under the National Natural Science Fund); or R&D structure; or state-owned entity with strong basic research capacities; leading enterprises;
Guangdong Provincial or State Key Laboratory;
China’s “Global First Tier University”, or university whose major is ranked within the top 1% of the ESI ranking;
Strong universities, research structures or laboratories from Hong Kong and Macao SARs.

Finally, there are also limits in terms of maximum number of applications that can be submitted in one year (generally 3).

What are the benefits?

Direct funding (paid in two instalments) of 30 to 50 million RMB per project.

When and where are calls published?

Calls are published on an annual basis on the website of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology. Applications are submitted on a dedicated platform, and are divided into two stages: pre-application (generally consisting of a very brief project concept note), and official application (where a detailed methodology and project implementation plan must be formulated). The deadline for submitting pre-applications is usually within 4 weeks after the annual call is published.

International participation: opportunities and figures

Foreign scientists and teams (employed by Guangdong-based institutions, eligible institutions from Hong Kong and Macao SARs, or even based abroad), are strongly encouraged to apply, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements indicated above.

Useful links:

Implementation Plan for Guangdong Basic and Applied Research Megaprojects in Key Fields

2019-2020 call for applications

Guangdong Provincial Key R&D Programmes

On the basis of National Key R&D Programmes, the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology has launched a series of Provincial-level Key R&D Programmes, supporting R&D in key priority fields. These include:

New generation communication and networks
New generation artificial intelligence
Quantum science and engineering
Brain science
Precision medicine and stem cells
Additive and laser manufacturing
New types of displays
Materials genetic engineering
Graphene and carbon nanotubes
Carbon fibres and high-performance polymer composites
R&D of advanced functional materials
4K/8K ultra high-definition video
Modern seed industry
Disaster prevention and early response

Specific topics and subjects are funded within each of these areas. These vary every year and are specified in individual annual calls (see below).

Target:

Enterprises; universities; research institutes

Eligibility requirements:

Enterprises, universities, research institutes, research structures or industrial associations legally established within Guangdong province, with strong conditions and capacities for R&D
Entities based in Hong Kong and Macao SARs are encouraged to apply independently or in consortium (as consortium leads)
Strong and innovative entities based in other regions in China are also welcome to apply and will receive equal treatment, but should partner with at least one Guangdong-based entity
Enterprises are encouraged to be presented as consortium leads (in this case they should generally be HNTEs or leading enterprises), and should provide additional funding (generally not less than 70% of the total project’s budget). Industry-university-research cooperation encouraged
The project for which the application is submitted must be in line with the priority topics and subjects appended to the annual call. Project duration is 3 years
The consortium lead and team leader cannot have more than three ongoing provincial- or national-level projects. Absence of negative records
Other requirements may apply for individual projects / topics

What are the benefits?

Direct project funding, depending on the project (generally starting from 300,000 RMB, up to 20 million RMB per project).

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis (usually in the second half), on the website of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology. A previous call for comment on a draft version of the tender is generally published before the official call. Applications must be submitted online (on a dedicated project management platform) and in hard copy versions. Some projects accept applications submitted at any time of the year.

International participation: opportunities and figures

Lists of selected projects are not published online. It is expected however that European entities based in Guangdong, Hong Kong or other parts of China, are equally welcome to apply, as long as they meet the necessary requirements.

Useful links:

Example of a call for applications in 2018 (six projects)

Example of a call for comments in 2018 (seven projects)

Example of a call for application in 2019 (one project)

Example of a call for comments in 2019 (two projects)

Shenzhen Municipal Key R&D Programmes

On the basis of National Key R&D Programmes, and in line with the Guangdong provincial government, the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission has launched a series of Municipal-level Key R&D Programmes, supporting R&D in key priority fields for Shenzhen’s development and competitiveness, generally in the fields of: internet technologies; biotechnologies; new energy; new materials; new generation ICT; clean and environment-friendly technologies; oceans; aviation and aerospace; robotics; life sciences; intelligent manufacturing; digital finance; labour safety; etc.

Specific topics and subjects are funded within each of these areas. These vary every year and are specified in individual annual calls.

Target:

Enterprises; universities; research institutes

Eligibility requirements:

Enterprise with HNTE or TASE status based in Shenzhen or in the Shen-shan Special Cooperation Zone. Joint applications with universities and research structures are encouraged;
Enterprises should provide additional funding – generally at least equalling the amount of funding requested from the Shenzhen government;
Solid operational, management and financial mechanisms, with good conditions for R&D (e.g. possession of dedicated facilities, equipment and instruments, etc.);
Other consortium partners can include entities from other areas and regions in China;
The Team Leader should be an employee of the enterprises which submits the application. At least 50% of the team members should have a social insurance in Shenzhen;
The project proposal must fully reflect the specific research topics, subjects and deliverables indicated in annual calls;
Limits in the number applications that can be submitted, or in the number of ongoing projects by the time of application;
Other requirements may apply for individual projects / topics.

What are the benefits?

Direct funding, generally not exceeding 10 million RMB per project.

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis (usually in two batches), on the website of the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission. Applications must be submitted online (on a dedicated project management platform) and in hard copy versions. Deadline is usually within 4 weeks after the publishing date.

International participation: opportunities and figures

No evidence of foreign-invested enterprises as consortium leaders was identified in 2018 and 2019.

Useful links:

2019 call for application (1^st batch)

Guangzhou Municipal S&T Innovation Fund - Key R&D Programmes

In order to enhance innovation capabilities of local actors, the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau has created an ad hoc fund which every year supports different categories of activities. These mainly include: (i) basic and applied research projects; (ii) key R&D programmes on areas of public interest; (iii) subsidies for technology transfer firms and brokers, as well as for universities that transfer their scientific achievements; (iv) support to local entities to establish key laboratories; (v) support to enterprises from Taiwan; (vi) international S&T cooperation programmes; etc.

Key R&D programmes aim to support R&D and application of key technologies in key areas of public interest, in order to solve bottlenecks and societal challenges. These areas generally include:

New drugs and medical devices
Healthcare
Agriculture, agricultural products, and rural development
Environment and clean technologies
Urbanisation
Establishment of S&T public service platforms

Specific topics and subjects are funded within each of these areas. These vary every year and are specified in individual annual calls.

Target:

Enterprises; universities; research institutes

Eligibility requirements:

Enterprise, medical structure, university or research structure with independent legal personality in Guangzhou. Some topics may require specific consortium leaders;
In case the consortium lead is an enterprise, additional funding from the consortium is generally required;
Some research topics and subjects require the consortium lead to possess relevant invention patents or utility models;
Some research topics and subjects require the project activities to be launched in specific areas (e.g. agricultural areas in certain districts such as Nansha, Conghua, Panyu, Huangpu, etc.);
The proposed Team Leader should be less than 60 years’ old (except in the case he/she is a CAS or CAE Academician), with previous experience in implementing key R&D projects. Master’s degree or Ph.D. degree is required, depending on whether the Team Leader is employed by an enterprise or a university/research institute;
Absence of negative records.

What are the benefits?

Direct funding, generally 1 million RMB per project. Project duration is 2 to 3 years.

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis (usually in two batches), on the website of the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau. Applications are submitted via the dedicated platform (an official account must first be created). Deadline is usually within 4 weeks after the publishing date.

International participation: opportunities and figures

No evidence of foreign-invested enterprises as consortium leaders, or of foreign Team Leaders, was identified in 2019.

Useful links:

2020 call for application (1^st batch)

2019 call for application (2^nd batch)

2019 call for application (1^st batch)

2019 list of results (1^st batch)

Research institutes/universities - funding programmes in Guangdong province

Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Fund

Like other local administrations across China, the Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Fund was established to support original innovative research in the field of natural sciences, and to contribute to talent growth in Guangdong province. The Fund supports different categories of programmes:

General Programme, supporting researchers (less than 60 years’ old, with previous experience in conducting scientific research projects) and especially young ones to launch original basic or applied research in natural sciences topics chosen independently (duration: max 3 years).
Distinguished Young Scientist Programme, supporting outstanding young researchers (less than 40 years’ old, with Ph.D. degree or senior job position) with already a solid track of scientific achievements (duration: max 4 years), and with previous experience in implementing provincial- or ministry-level basic/applied research projects.

Scientists from eligible institutions in Hong Kong and Macao SARs (list is appended to the official call in Chinese, see link below) are encouraged to apply or to participate in consortium – especially talented young scientists.

Eligibility requirements:

The applicant should be affiliated with an entity which has already registered as host institution on the website of the Guangdong Provincial Basic and Applied Research Fund, and at the same time meeting the following requirements:

Legally registered in Guangdong province;
In the case of an entity from Hong Kong or Macao SAR, it should be included in the list of eligible institutions (appended in the official call in Chinese, see link below);
Only 1 application can be submitted for the same typology of projects every year; only 1 project can be awarded to one PI every year.

What are the benefits?

General Programme: 100,000 RMB / project
Distinguished Young Scientist Programme: 1 million RMB / project (max 60 projects will be funded)

When and where are calls published?

Calls are published on an annual basis on the website of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology. Applications are submitted online by the PI on a dedicated platform, and then are reviewed by the PI’s host institution. The deadline for submitting applications is usually within 6-8 weeks after the publishing date (note: earlier deadlines might be required by specific host institutions).

International participation: opportunities and figures

Foreign PIs employed by Guangdong-based institutions or eligible institutions from Hong Kong and Macao SARs, are equally eligible to apply, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements indicated above.

Useful links:

2019-2020 call for applications

NSFC-Guangdong province Joint Fund

Since 2005, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Guangdong Provincial People’s Government, have been supporting a joint fund to support research projects in priority areas for Guangdong’s development. Every year, tens of projects are supported by the joint fund.

The joint fund follows the rules and regulations of the National Natural Science Fund in terms of procedures for application, evaluation, and approval.

Eligibility requirements:

The project team must necessarily include a university or research institute based in Guangdong province. The proposed project must be in line with the research topics and subjects indicated in the annual calls (see below).

Benefits:
Direct funding of 3 million RMB per project (key projects) or 14 million RMB per project (integration projects).

How to apply:

New calls are published every year in December as part of the NSFC Annual Project Application guidelines, with deadline for application being in March of the following year (see link below for more information on the NSFC Annual Project Application guidelines)

Useful links:

2019 NSFC-Guangdong province Joint Fund annual application guidelines

Factsheet on the National Natural Science Fund

NSFC-Guangdong Big Data Research Centre Projects

In addition to the NSFC-Guangdong province Joint Fund (see above), based on an agreement signed in 2015 the NSFC and the Guangdong provincial government also support joint projects in the area of big data, especially surrounding the Tianhe-2 supercomputer located in the National Supercomputer Centre in Guangzhou.

Eligibility requirements:

Project proposals must involve the Tianhe-2 supercomputer based in Guangzhou, and managed by the Sun Yat-sen University (which must be an official project cooperation partner). Other project partners must include universities or research institutes/hospitals based in Guangdong. The proposed project must be in line with the research topics and subjects indicated in the annual calls (see below).

How to apply:

Useful links:

2019 NSFC-Guangdong Big Data Research Centre projects annual application guidelines

Factsheet on the National Natural Science Fund

NSFC-Shenzhen Robotics Research Centre Projects

In addition to the two joint funds with the Guangdong provincial government, based on an agreement signed in 2015 the NSFC and the Shenzhen municipal government also support joint projects in the area of robotics. Around ten projects (ranging from 3 million to 12 million RMB for projects lasting 4 years) are funded every year according to priority topics and subjects indicated in annual calls.

Eligibility requirements:

Applications are open for entities based anywhere in China, provided that the consortium partner is a university, research institute or enterprise based in Shenzhen. The proposed project must be in line with the research topics and subjects indicated in the annual calls (see below).

How to apply:

Useful links:

2019 NSFC-Shenzhen Robotics Research Centre projects annual application guidelines

Factsheet on the National Natural Science Fund

Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre

Target:

Enterprises; universities; research structures.

Eligibility requirements:

Scale: If the applicant is an enterprise, the annual operational revenue in the previous year must have exceeded 20 million RMB, at least 3% of which should have been spent on R&D; If the applicant is a university or a research structure, the total R&D expenditure in the field in the past 3 years must have exceeded 5 million RMB;
Assets: Good conditions for innovation, with the total asset value of relevant instruments, equipment, devices and facilities exceeding 3 million RMB;
Scientific results: possession of at least 5 patents, software, copyrights, standards, etc., achieved through indigenous innovation. Universities and research structures must have generated at least 3 achievements in cooperation with universities;
Talents and team: at least 10 full-time S&T employees, 50% of which should have Bachelor’s degree or mid-level job title;
Priority may be granted to entities based in North-western Guangdong province.

What are the benefits?

When and where are calls published?

International participation: opportunities and figures

Useful links:

2018 call for application

2018 list of winners

Guangdong New R&D Organisations

Target:

Enterprises; universities; research structures.

1. Establishment of high-level R&D organisations:

Eligibility requirements:

Independent legal personality;
Officially registered before the application is submitted;
Possession of solid R&D teams and talents;
Possession of strong capacities for innovation, with the ability to match key national or international projects;
Has already signed cooperation agreements with provincial or other local administrations, or with leading enterprises;
Priority granted to Guangdong-based global R&D centres of MNCs, as well as to State Key Laboratories, National Engineering Technology Research Centres – especially if established with high-tech zones.

Benefits:

Up to 10 million RMB of financial support may be given by both the provincial and other local administrations (see this example for additional subsidies offered by the Guangzhou municipal government);
Priority when applying to other funding programmes or services.

2. Establishment of R&D organisations in North-western and North-eastern Guangdong province

Eligibility requirements:

Independent legal personality;
Officially registered before the application is submitted;
In line with Guangdong’s development priorities and with the industrial competitiveness and strengths of the respective area in North-western or North-eastern Guangdong;
Possession of solid R&D teams and talents;
Has already signed cooperation agreements with the local administration or with leading enterprises;
Priority granted to R&D organisations established within high-tech zones

Benefits:

Up to 20 million RMB of financial support may be given by both the provincial and other local administrations. In principle, only 1 R&D organisation can be recommended for each municipality in North-western or North-eastern Guangdong province (or 2 in case the municipality also hosts a national high-tech zone).
Priority when applying to other funding programmes or services.

When and where are calls published?

International participation: opportunities and figures

No evidence of wholly foreign-owned enterprises was identified amongst the 25 selected R&D Organisations in 2018.

Useful links:

Management measures (in Chinese)

2018 call for application

2018 list of winners

Shenzhen Municipal Basic Research projects

The Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission every year funds a series of general projects supporting researchers to conduct original and exploratory basic research on topics and subjects within the field of natural sciences. Research outputs generally include articles, publications, or patents. Projects generally last 3 years.

Eligibility requirements:

The applicant should be affiliated with a university, research structure or laboratory established within Shenzhen municipality or in the Shen-Shan Special Cooperation Zone. At the same time, the applicant should meet one of the following requirements:

Hold a senior job title;
Ph.D. degree;
Recommendation from two senior experts in the field;
Researchers in post doc stations are eligible (a written letter must however be presented by their hosts);
There may be limits in terms of maximum number of applications that can be submitted every year.

What are the benefits?

Direct funding generally not exceeding 600,000 RMB / project

When and where are calls published?

Calls are published on an annual basis on the website of the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission (usually during the summer). Applications are submitted online by the PI on a dedicated platform, and then are reviewed by the PI’s host institution. The deadline for submitting applications is usually within 4 weeks after the publishing date (note: earlier deadlines might be required by specific host institutions).

International participation: opportunities and figures

Foreign PIs employed by Shenzhen-based institutions are equally eligible to apply, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements indicated above. Foreign-invested host institutions based in Shenzhen are also eligible (e.g. Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen-based campuses of Hong Kong universities, etc.)

Useful links:

2020 call for applications

2019 list of results

Guangzhou Municipal S&T Innovation Fund - Basic and Applied Research

Basic and applied research projects aim to support researchers in Guangzhou to conduct explorative and original research in the field of natural sciences. There are no limits in terms of areas or subjects, but cross-disciplinary research is considered to be encouraged.

Eligibility requirements:

The applicant should be affiliated with a university, research structure, laboratory, medical structure, or social organisation established within Guangzhou municipality. At the same time, the applicant should meet one of the following requirements:

Hold a senior job title or Ph.D. degree;
The percentage of young scientists (less than 35 years’ old) in the project team should be at least 30%;
There are quotas for each local university, medical structure, research institute for maximum number of projects that can be recommended.

What are the benefits?

Direct funding, generally 200,000 RMB per project. Project duration is 2 to 3 years. Around 500 projects are funded every year.

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis (usually in two batches), on the website of the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau. Applications are submitted online by the PI on a dedicated platform, and then are reviewed by the PI’s host institution. The deadline for submitting applications is usually within 4 weeks after the publishing date (note: earlier deadlines might be required by specific host institutions).

International participation: opportunities and figures

Foreign PIs employed by eligible institutions in Guangzhou are equally eligible to apply, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements indicated above.

Useful links:

2020 call for application (1^st batch)

International cooperation - funding programmes in Guangdong province

In addition to the above programmes which target Guangdong-based actors, local adminsitrations in Guangdong province and Shenzhen municipality have also established ad hoc programmes targeting international science and technology cooperation with foreign partners from certain countries and regions. Affiliates of foreign-invested enterprises based in Guangdong (or Shenzhen) cannot apply as foreign partners (but can apply as Chinese partners).

Guangdong International S&T Cooperation Programme

The Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology has established one category of programmes specifically aimed at promoting international S&T cooperation and exchanges between Guangdong-based entities and other partners overseas (including specific projects for partners from Hong Kong and Macao SARs). Areas supported vary every year, but generally include:

Joint projects with key countries which have signed bilateral S&T cooperation agreements with the Guangdong provincial government, including: United States (only certain states), Canada, Germany, Belarus, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, and Pakistan.
Joint projects with “Belt and Road” countries, especially in the fields of new generation ICT, high-end equipment, green energy and low emissions, biopharmaceuticals, digital economy, new materials, oceans, modern seed industry, precise agriculture, and modern engineering technologies.
Foreign young scientists recruitment: designed to recruit outstanding foreign young scientists for conducting short-term (3, 6 or 12 months) research in a Guangdong-based entity.

Eligibility requirements:

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the programme, but generally at least 1 entity from the foreign partner country is required. Foreign young scientists generally should be less than 40 years’ old, and should commit to work in the Guangdong-based host entity for a certain amount of days throughout the visiting period (e.g. 300 days for 12-month exchanges). Other requirements may apply, e.g. in terms of experience and profile of proposed team members, or based on bilateral agreements.

What are the benefits?

Direct project funding, ranging from 500,000 to 1 million RMB.

Foreign young scientists will receive a living allowance and stipend depending on the duration of their exchange (36,000 RMB for three months; 60,000 RMB for six months; 120,000 RMB for 12 months. These could be cumulated with other benefits and allowances granted by the recruiting entity).

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published every year on the website of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology (generally between May and August). Applications are submitted by the Guangdong-based partner.

Useful links:

2019 call for applications

2018 call for applications

Shenzhen International S&T Cooperation Programme

The Shenzhen Municipal Commission of Science, Technology and Innovation has established one category of programmes specifically aimed at promoting international S&T cooperation and exchanges between Shenzhen-based entities and other partners overseas. Three specific categories of projects are supported:

Shenzhen-Israel intergovernmental cooperation projects: supporting joint projects in key priority areas and sectors indicated in the bilateral cooperation agreement between the Shenzhen and Israeli governments;
Open international cooperation projects: supporting joint projects with foreign partners from any country or region, with preference granted to proposals in key priority sectors (see below). Sino-foreign joint laboratories based in Shenzhen can also apply even if they do not possess legal personality;
International exchanges: supporting Shenzhen-based enterprises, universities, research structures or medical institutions to organise international events in Shenzhen.

Key priority sectors:

Particular priority will be granted to proposals in the fields of: new generation ICT; high-end manufacturing; green and low-carbon technologies; biopharma; digital economy; new materials; oceans.

Particular priority will also be granted to cooperation proposals with advanced foreign partners that can fill blanks or gaps in the Shenzhen industrial chain.

What are the benefits?

Shenzhen-Israel intergovernmental cooperation projects: max 3 million RMB (up to 50% of the total project’s budget);
Open international cooperation projects: max 1 million RMB (up to 50% of the total project’s budget);
International exchanges: max 1 million RMB (up to 50% of the total costs of the event).

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published every year on the website of the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission (usually in the third quarter). Applications are submitted by the Shenzhen-based partner.

Useful links:

2020 call for applications

2019 list of results

Guangzhou Municipal S&T Innovation Fund - International S&T Cooperation Programme

International S&T Cooperation programmes aim to support joint practical cooperation projects in the field of technology application, experiment, development and commercialisation, between Guangzhou-based entities and foreign partners which have signed official cooperation agreements with the Guangzhou municipal government. These include:

University of Birmingham;
Ukraine National Academy of Sciences;
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (including Fok Ying Tung Research Institute in Guangzhou);
Belarusian National Academy of Sciences;
University of Auckland, New Zealand;
University of Macao;
Stanford Institute of International Studies;
University of Waterloo Energy Technology Co., Ltd.;
Canada’s National Centre for Drug Research and Development;
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Priority fields will be Guangzhou’s “IAB” and “NEM” industries, namely: Information; Artificial Intelligence; Biology; New energy; New materials.

Eligibility requirements:

The consortium should include at least 1 partner entity;
The cooperation between the Chinese and foreign partners should be complementary and win-win;
Consortia led by research structures or medical institutions must also feature the participation of at least one enterprise; universities cannot be consortium leaders, but only partners;
The proposed Team Leader should hold a senior job title or Ph.D. degree;
Additional funding from the consortium is required, at least equalling the amount of funding requested from the Guangzhou municipal government;
Absence of negative records.

What are the benefits?

Direct funding, generally 2 million RMB per project. Project duration is 2 to 3 years. Around 50 projects are funded every year.

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis (usually in two batches), on the website of the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau. Applications are submitted by the Chinese partner via the dedicated platform (an official account must first be created). Deadline is usually within 4 weeks after the publishing date.

Useful links:

2019 call for application

2019 list of results