Shanghai's Huangpu district has launched a new incentive policy aimed at attracting world-class scientists and entrepreneurs by offering tailored, full-cycle support that meets their individual needs.

Basic requirements

Applicants must:

• Be under 65 years old;
• Have worked in Huangpu for less than two years;
• Those who have worked in the district for more than two years may also qualify if they have recently initiated innovation or entrepreneurship projects that meet the required standards.

Talent categories

1. Strategic scientists

• Employed by Huangpu-based enterprises, universities or research institutions, or leading innovation platforms;
• Have international influence with strong academic and practical expertise;
• Lead projects in the Huangpu's key industries;
• Committed to working in Huangpu for at least five consecutive years, with an annual salary of no less than 1 million yuan ($138,000).

2. Strategic entrepreneurs

• Founders or key leaders of innovative, industry-leading enterprises;
• Have outstanding achievements in the industry; 
• Enterprises should be innovative and play a leading role in the sector;
• Enterprises must have headquarters and R&D centers based in Huangpu;
• Applicants should hold at least a 30 percent equity stake or be the actual controller;
• Committed to investing in Huangpu for at least five years, with a personal monetary contribution of at least 1 million yuan.

Incentive policies

1. Innovation support

• Up to 20 million yuan in funding for eligible projects launched in Huangpu;
• Up to 2.5 million yuan for enterprises that have established substantial office operations;
• Up to 10 million yuan to encourage investment in Huangpu;
• Up to 5 million yuan to help talent-led companies access investment and financing;
• Up to 250,000 yuan for each project involving technology commercialization agreements with universities or research institutes;
• Up to 1 million yuan for enterprises recognized with national or municipal honors, such as manufacturing single-item champion enterprises or "Little Giant" firms (top performers among specialized, high-end and innovation-driven SMEs) by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or Shanghai sci-tech "Little Giant" enterprises;
• Up to 2 million yuan for building world-class experimental facilities.

2. Comprehensive support

• Up to 5 million yuan in subsidies for newly recruited high-level talent;
• Up to 5 million yuan for housing subsidies, or long-term rent-free accommodation in designated talent apartments within Huangpu;
• Fast-tracked residency permit for top talent and their core team members;
• Access to 11 premium medical services at leading hospitals for talent and their families;
• One-on-one talent service from dedicated consultants;
• Priority recommendations for district-level talent programs and competitions;
• Fast-tracked customs clearance, green channels at domestic airports, and premium hotel services for top talent and their core team members.

Talent referral incentives

1. Talent-to-talent referral

• Up to 1 million yuan per year for top talent who help recruit other high-level professionals to their teams.

2. Market-based referrals

• Up to 1 million yuan for professional service agencies that bring in top talent to Huangpu.

Source: Huangpu district government