Global Talent Programs

Talent Projects

Qingfei connects international researchers and technology entrepreneurs with enterprise-led innovation opportunities in China. Explore the three source pathways and review their original criteria below.

Books and glasses representing research and innovation

Innovative Talent Project

Enterprise-defined research challenges for experienced doctoral talent.

Pre-requisites

  • A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent).
  • More than three years of post-Ph.D. work experience in recognized enterprises, universities, research units or related institutions, with outstanding performance.
  • Currently outside Mainland China, or resident in Mainland China for less than 1.5 years.
  • Under 75 years old.

Entrepreneurial Talent Project

A company-building pathway for experienced technology leaders.

Pre-requisites

  • A master's degree or above.
  • At least three years of work experience; applicants with a Ph.D. must have more than one year of experience in recognized enterprises, universities, research units or related institutions.
  • After selection, establish a company in China and serve as chairman, general manager (CEO), chief technology officer or chief scientist, with more than 30% ownership.
  • Independent intellectual property and a technical level that is internationally advanced or leading in China.
  • No age limitation is listed in the source.

Young Talent Project

Postdoctoral and Ph.D. pathways for early-career researchers.

Postdoc Program

  • Under 40 years old.
  • A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent).
  • More than two years of postdoctoral experience in recognized enterprises, universities, research units or related institutions, with outstanding performance.
  • Currently outside Mainland China, or resident in Mainland China for less than 1.5 years.

Ph.D. Program

  • Under 35 years old.
  • A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent).
  • Currently outside Mainland China, or resident in Mainland China for less than 1.5 years.

Eligibility Criteria

Original general criteria listed for the 2025 scheme.

  • Completed a Ph.D. before 31 August 2021.
  • Work in science and technology. The source excludes humanities, linguistics and other non-scientific fields, while allowing applications of AI and mathematical algorithms to non-scientific fields.
  • Not working in Mainland China as a regular employee.

Tentative Dates

2025 Innovative Scheme source dates · historical reference

  • Research problem statements received from Chinese enterprises: 15 May 2024 – 31 May 2025.
  • Researcher matching with problem statements: 1 May 2024 – 30 May 2025.
  • Final results announcement: first week of November 2025.
  • Start of work: February–March 2026; the source states that researchers may request a delayed start.

Remunerations

Source-listed support · subject to program rules, approval and current confirmation

  • Complimentary airfare to China for contract signing.
  • A source-listed signing grant of RMB 1 million.
  • Source-listed personal funding of RMB 5–8 million over three years; RMB 2–4 million for young talent with less than ten years of experience.
  • Source-listed project funding of up to RMB 100 million, subject to project requirements.
  • Accommodation and tuition-free education for children while the researcher resides in China for the project; the source excludes remote consultants.
  • Eligibility to apply for a Chinese green card after successful project completion.
  • Post-retirement social welfare benefits after project completion, as listed by the source.
  • Team leaders may propose a commission percentage during the initial agreement if the research leads to business income.