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Wuhan’s East Lake High-Tech Development Zone, also known as the “Optics Valley of China,” has established a dedicated fund aimed at attracting top-tier technology talent from around the world to develop projects locally. The fund offers incentives of up to 100 million RMB (approximately 14 million USD) for a single project.
This initiative primarily targets advancements in sixth-generation mobile communication and third-generation semiconductor technologies. According to a policy document released yesterday, the goal is to draw in leading experts with critical core skills and significant influence within the industry to this high-tech innovation hub.
The program aspires to generate a ripple effect by bringing in high-level talent, forming core teams, nurturing the growth of new local industries, and developing a new wave of productive forces.
The talent pool includes recipients of major international scientific awards such as the Nobel and Turing Prizes, pioneering researchers in fundamental science and cutting-edge technology, as well as industry leaders instrumental in commercializing research breakthroughs. Candidates also include R&D leaders from renowned companies and academics from prestigious universities and research institutes, all recognized as future tech trailblazers.
An official from the talent bureau explained that this three-tiered talent system encompasses the entire innovative process—from basic research (‘0 to 1’), through industrial development (‘1 to N’), to technological leadership (‘N to the future’).
The development zone will offer initial support starting at 20 million RMB (around 2.8 million USD) for each category of talent, with top-tier specialists working in highly critical technology fields potentially receiving up to 100 million RMB.
Beyond funding, the local government commits to providing comprehensive support including housing guarantees, equity investments, and premium services. The aim is to create an integrated support system that facilitates the growth and success of these talented individuals and their projects, the official noted.
Additionally, the development zone plans to conduct an annual application process to select top-tier projects for ongoing backing. Multiple outreach strategies will be employed to encourage submissions and facilitate the selection of supported projects.
This high-tech area primarily focuses on optoelectronic information technology but also encompasses emerging fields such as integrated circuits, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence. Its economic output reached 235 billion RMB (approximately 32.9 billion USD) in the first nine months of the year, reflecting a growth rate of 6.3% compared to the previous year.
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