Shanghai's Pudong New Area has released application guidelines for its 2026 support measures for Pudong's high-growth science and technology projects, with a focus on fostering local young talent in innovation and entrepreneurship.

I. Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following creteria:

1. The project must fall under priority development sectors such as leading industries, core hard-tech industries, and future industries. It must feature innovative products, technologies, or business and service models, possess strong commercial potential, and hold fully independent intellectual property rights.

2. The applicant enterprise must have been established after Jan 1, 2024. The project's functions and primary operations should be based in Pudong New Area.

Generally, the enterprise must have at least one employee enrolled in social insurance. Social insurance requirements may be relaxed for particularly high-quality projects and one-person companies.

Projects submitted as a team will be eligible for project approval and support after meeting the relevant requirements.

3. At least one of the principal founders, including the largest shareholder or the largest natural person shareholder, or core team members must be under the age of 45 as of Jan 1 of the application year.

Generally, the applicant should hold a bachelor's degree or above, or be a current student, and their social insurance contributions should be paid through the project-operating enterprise.

II. Incentives

Eligible enterprises can receive entrepreneurial funding of up to 1 million yuan (about $146,500) per year for three consecutive years, including both basic funding and matching funding.

Enterprises that meet certain conditions may also qualify for youth entrepreneurship policies, including low-rent entrepreneurial spaces and youth apartments.

1. Basic funding

Determined based on the number of insured employees and the operational status of the enterprise, with a maximum of 200,000 yuan per year.

2. Matching funding

The enterprise operating the project must sign a project agreement specifying annual development goals, including staffing levels, core patents, and market expansion goals.

Over the three-year period, subject to meeting annual targets, funding will be provided to cover up to 50 percent of the project's verified actual investment, with a maximum of 800,000 yuan per year.

The scope of verified actual investment includes one-time venue renovation costs and R&D expenditures, including the additional tax deduction amount for R&D expenses of the project-operating enterprise. Personnel costs for R&D staff shall not exceed 80 percent of the verified amount.

3. Application process

(1) Project application:

Applicants can submit materials via the official website at https://zjkxc.pudong.gov.cn/home/policy-E03. Eligible applicants will undergo an evaluation process.

(2) Project evaluation:

A professional evaluation committee will conduct assessments through initial document review and on-site presentations, producing a recommended shortlist. Relevant departments will review the shortlist and finalize the list of selected projects.

(3) Project agreement:

Selected enterprises will sign a project agreement with the relevant departments. The agreement will specify annual development goals and matching funding ratios.

(4) Funding disbursement:

Funding will be disbursed in phases in accordance with the agreement.

4. Required application materials

(1) Project development plan:

Covering the core team, core technologies and products, project investment, and annual goals. For selected projects, these details will be incorporated into the agreement.

(2) Identity documents, academic degree certificates, proof of enrollment, and proof of equity ownership for the founders of the project-operating enterprise or team.

For founders over 45 years of age, the application must include identity documents, academic degree certificates, proof of equity ownership, and social insurance payment records for eligible core team members.

(3) Lease agreement for the enterprise's business premises, or certificate of immovable property rights, real estate ownership certificate, and other required documents.

(4) Other relevant materials, such as proof of project financing and records of awards.

5. Compliance and supervision

Applicants must ensure that all application materials are lawful and authentic.

Any falsification will result in the recovery of disbursed funding, disqualification from future applications, and potential legal liability.

6. Application period

Application deadline: Dec 31, 2026

Working hours: 9:30 am – 11:30 am, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Monday–Friday

7. Contact

- Pudong New Area Commission of Science, Technology and Economy: 021-6854-1755

- Zhangjiang Science City Construction Management Office: 021-3383-3103

- Application inquiries: 021-6109-1250

- Technical support: 021-3383-3083

 

Sources: Official WeChat account of Zhangjiang Science City Science and Technology Innovation Industry Service Center (ID: "zhangjiangfabu"), Pudong New Area Commission of Science, Technology and Economy