Shanghai's Pudong New Area is now inviting applications for its "Pearl Summit Talent" program — a key component of the "Pearl Talent Plan"— aimed at attracting leading innovators who can drive industrial transformation and sci-tech advancement in the district.

Eligibility

To apply for the "Pearl Summit Talent" program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

For individuals (meeting at least one of the following criteria)

• Winner of major international science and technology awards.
• Recipient of sci-tech awards or academic honors in China or other leading innovation countries.
• Selected for key national or Shanghai talent programs or recognized at a similar level.
• Scientist employed at world-renowned universities or research institutions, or scientist and technology officers at leading technology companies.
• Leading scientist for major national or Shanghai sci-tech infrastructures, platforms, missions, or projects.
• Outstanding young sci-tech talent recognized in the past five years by leading journals, conferences, or forums — including, but not limited to, MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35, World Economic Forum's Young Scientists, and Science News magazine's Scientists to Watch of the Year.
• Talent who plays a strategic, decisive, and driving role in leading the development of high-end industries or sci-tech innovation in Pudong.

For projects (meeting at least one of the following criteria)

• For industrial projects, new investment over the past two years should be at least 100 million yuan ($14.44 million). The project should employ technology that is world-leading or advanced, and its investment density and output benefits should typically outperform the industry average by more than 30 percent. These requirements may be relaxed for projects with a high degree of technological innovation and strong industrial potential.
• Innovative projects should be new ventures within the past two years. The project should play a leading role in strengthening basic and applied basic research in Pudong, tackle key technologies, accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements into real-world applications, and enhance the level of the industrial chain.

The eligibility timeline is calculated from Jan 1, 2023. Applicants should be employed full-time by their organizations or hold a full-time employment contract or letter of intent, and must commit to at least three years of service upon selection.

Applications are accepted year-round, and selections may be made at any time based on project needs.

Support

1. Individual and team financial incentives

A one-time subsidy of 2 million yuan will be provided for each selected applicant.

Core team members recommended by the selected applicant (who must be senior management or technical personnel employed by the same employer, and in principle no more than five people) may be directly recommended as candidates for "Pearl Leading Talent" (Innovation category).

2. Business development support

Major industrial or innovative projects led by selected applicants may be eligible for a subsidy of up to 100 million yuan — not exceeding 50 percent of the project's actual expenses — determined on a case-by-case basis.

A green channel for policy services — including institutional subsidies, support for technology enterprises and R&D projects, intellectual property funding, financing and investment support, and assistance for talent residency — will be established for enterprises or organizations founded by selected applicants. Upon approval by relevant authorities through a special policy review process, these enterprises will be given priority policy support under equal conditions.

3. Living support

Eligible selected applicants may receive a housing subsidy of up to 30,000 yuan per month or a district-level talent apartment of up to 300 square meters free of charge.

Selected applicants may also enjoy a range of comprehensive services, including residency assistance, health care, health checks, and recuperation. They may benefit from measures such as direct recommendations for permanent residency in Pudong, long-term work and residence permits, and simplified customs procedures for personal belongings upon entry and exit.

How to apply

Employers, industry regulators, industry associations, or experts may directly submit nominations or recommendations to the Talent Work Bureau of Pudong New Area.

For inquiries, please call 021-5860-1269 or 021-5860-1307.

Source: Official website of Pudong International Talent Hub