SHENZHEN has recently launched special subsidies for techinical projects related to pandemic prevention and control.

The highest subsidy will be awarded to an R&D project targeting oral coronavirus drugs. The subsidy will be capped at 15 million yuan (US$2.3 million), Shenzhen Economic Daily reported.

A project guidebook released by the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission said that higher education institutions, research institutes, medical organizations and technology enterprises that registered in the city, including the Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone, and have qualified legal representatives, are eligible for applying for the subsidies. Eligible applicants can login and apply online via https://sticapply.sz.gov.cn/, the website of “深圳市科技业务管理系统,” until Aug. 29.

There are 13 programs for applications, including 5G intelligent remote quarantine equipment technology R&D, vehicle drivers and passengers’ health management and rapid inspection equipment key technology R&D, and imported food traceability management and warning technology R&D.

Most research projects are expected to qualify for receiving a subsidy maximum of 5 million yuan. The government will support a two-year R&D of oral coronavirus drugs program with a subsidy of up to 15 million yuan.

Funding for selected applicants adopt a horse-racing and milestone system. The former aims to find the best project from three or less applicants and award the subsidy to the winner through competitions using distinctive technologies.

The latter applies to situations where only one applicant submits a proposal. During the early stage, 30 percent or up to 3 million yuan of the subsidy will be awarded and will receive the next subsidy upon passing the second phase examination. The project will receive the rest of the subsidy when it meets further requirements.

The commission has carried out 59 research projects, making technology proposals at national, provincial and municipal levels in rapid inspection and medicine R&D fields.

Also, the city's science, technology and innovation commission on Tuesday announced a list of 1,180 enterprises that will receive the city’s second batch of subsidies supporting their research and development.

The subsidies, totaling 238.77 million yuan, will be distributed to the enterprises, including Chinese tech giant Tencent, Shenzhen Kaizhong Precision Technology Co. Ltd. and Malong Technologies Co. Ltd.

In April, the commission announced the first batch of 11,971 enterprises would receive subsidies totaling 2.5 billion yuan.  

(Xia Yuanjie)