[Photo/Wechat account of sh-italent]

In order to support and encourage outstanding overseas returnees to work and start businesses in Shanghai, the Shanghai Municipal Talent Work Bureau has initiated the 2024 Shanghai Magnolia Talent Plan Pujiang Project. The project application process is as follows:

 

01 Who can apply?

Overseas returnees and teams who come to Shanghai to work or start a business.

 

Category A: Research and Development

Requirements: Applicants should be engaged in natural science and technology research at universities, scientific research institutes (including new-type research and development institutions) or other organizations in Shanghai.

Duration: From Dec 1, 2024 to Nov 30, 2026.

Funding: Fixed amount of 300,000 yuan ($41,845) per project.

 

Category B: Enterprise Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Requirements: Applicants should be engaged in scientific innovation research at enterprises in Shanghai or have founded a technology-based enterprise as an overseas returnee.

Duration: From Dec 1, 2024 to Nov 30, 2026.

Funding: Fixed amount of 300,000 yuan per project.

 

Category C: Social Sciences

Requirements: Applicants should be engaged in humanities and social science innovation research at organizations in Shanghai or have founded a cultural and creative enterprise as an overseas returnee.

Duration: From Dec 1, 2024 to Nov 30, 2026.

Funding: Fixed amount of 150,000 yuan for each project.

 

Category D: Special Urgently Needed

Requirements for Applicants: The applicant’s innovative research or enterprise founded by returning overseas personnel must align with the fields of a special urgent need for talent funding this year and be recommended by relevant institutions based on merit.

Duration: From Dec 1, 2024 to Nov 30, 2026.

Funding: Fixed funding amount of 150,000 yuan (for social sciences) or 300,000 yuan per person (for natural sciences), 500,000 yuan per team.

 

02 Requirements

Project application institutions should be registered as incorporated or unincorporated organizations in Shanghai that can implement projects.

Research projects already supported by government funding cannot apply again.

All applicants and project participants must comply with ethical and research integrity management requirements, project leaders must ensure the authenticity of submitted materials, application institutions must verify their applicants' eligibility and the authenticity and completeness of application materials and confidential content should not be included.

 

Eligibility:

1. Applicants must be under 45 years old (born on or after Jan 1, 1979).

2. After selection, applicants must work full-time in Shanghai, with a minimum of nine months per year spent working in Shanghai.

3. For team projects, the team should consist of at least three members, all of whom must meet the application conditions and be collectively introduced by a Shanghai organization or start a business together as a team.

4. Overseas returnees working in Shanghai for innovation research must have entered the country after Jan 1, 2021; those coming for entrepreneurship must have entered after Jan 1, 2020.

5. Returnees and teams who have not yet entered the country but have reached a clear employment agreement with a Shanghai organization or have agreed to establish a business in a relevant startup park may also apply.

6. The continuous study or training period abroad and the time of entry for work and entrepreneurship will be verified through entry and exit records.

 

Special Urgently Needed Category Application Items for 2024:

Annual funding focuses on integrated circuits, biomedicines, artificial intelligence, electronic information, life and health, the automotive sector, high-end equipment, advanced materials and fashion consumer products.

 

03 How to apply?

Applicants should first undergo eligibility verification, the period of which extends from Aug 5 to Sept 8, 2024.

Applicants can log in through the "Shanghai International Talent Network" (http://www.sh-italent.com/) under "Talent Program One-Stop Application" → "Shanghai Magnolia Talent Program" → Pujiang Project, or directly via http://shrctcpt.sh-italent.cn/. Use the applicant account to log in (created by the institution account; no need to click "Register Now"). After submitting the "Project Application," the application institution will conduct the "Project Application Review."

The online application period starts on Aug 12, 2024. The deadline (including the online review and submission by the application institution) is Sept 15, 2024.

 

04 How to evaluate?

Two-round evaluation process.

 

05 Where to consult?

Eligibility verification and C, D category applications consultations: Shanghai Municipal Talent Bureau: 021-3250-8103 / 021-3250-8038 / PJRCJH@163.com

A, B category application consultations: Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality: 021-12345 / 8008205114 (landline) / 4008205114 (mobile)

 

Source: Wechat Account of sh-italent