Funding programmes in Tianjin

The High- and New-Technology Enterprise (HNTE) status is one of China’s core innovation tax policies under China’s Corporate Income Tax Law. The concept of HNTE status emerged in the 1990s to encourage investment in high-tech and R&D areas through a series of benefits including fiscal and tax incentives. The HNTE status offers qualified companies a significant reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate.

Eligibility requirements:

According to the latest revision of the Management Measures for the Recognition of High- and New-Technology Enterprises issued in January 2016 by MOST, MOF and SAT, enterprises must meet the following requirements in order to qualify to HNTE status:

• Being registered in Mainland China for at least one year before the application is submitted
• Own IP rights of the key technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services). Such rights may be obtained through independent R&D, transfer, donation, or mergers and acquisitions;
• The technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services) shall belong to one of the areas outlined in the Catalogue of High- and New-Technology Areas Specifically Supported by the State
• At least 10% of the total number of the enterprise’s employees should be engaged in R&D and related activities
• R&D expenditures in the last three financial years should account to a certain percentage of the enterprise’s total sales revenue in the same period:
• Over 5% if total revenue is below 50 million RMB;
• Over 4% if total revenue is between 50 and 200 million RMB;
• Over 3% if total revenue exceeds 200 million RMB.

In addition, at least 60% of the enterprise’s total R&D expenditure must be incurred in China

• Income derived from high- and new-technology products (services) should amount to at least 60% of the enterprise’s total revenue
• The assessment of the enterprise’ innovation capabilities is in line with relevant standards
• The enterprise should have not occurred any major safety or quality incident in the previous year, and should have not had any behaviour against the law

It is also commonly believed that the previous possession of the Tianjin Municipal-level HNTE status (see factsheet below) is a prerequisite for the obtainment of the national-level one.

What are the benefits?

• Reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT), from the standard 25% tax rate to 15%, regardless of the company’s investment type and where its headquarters are located.

Once approved, the HNTE status will last for three years, after which the application needs to be re-submitted.

When and where are application calls published?

Applications are opened after an official announcement is published on the web portal of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. The application period is usually divided into two batches, each with its own application deadlines (one generally in August, and the second in September).

International participation: figures and opportunities

Domestic and foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) are equally eligible to apply as long as they comply with the requirements listed above. However, it is commonly believed that the eligibility requirements might be more challenging to meet for FIEs. *

Thousands of enterprises are recognised with HNTE status every year. Around 2% of them in 2018 were FIEs, including a few examples of wholly-foreign owned enterprises (WFOEs):

• Leebucc （Tianjin） Hydraulics Equipment Co., Ltd. (US WFOE)
• JLG (Tianjin) Equipment Technology Co., Ltd (US WFOE)
• PPG Coatings (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (US WFOE)
• Amber Silicones (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (German WFOE)
• Tenova Loi Thermprocess (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (German WFOE)
• AB Agri (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (UK WFOE)
• Transcosmos Information Creative (China) Co., Ltd. (Japanese WFOE)
• Ferrotec (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (Japanese WFOE)
• Seven (Tianjin) Industrial Co., Ltd (HK WFOE)
• Ac Power (Tianjin) Corp. (Taiwanese WFOE)
• Faret Auto Radiator (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.

* Note: for instance, The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China in its Position Papers argues that the requirement on core IP may create an uneven playing field between domestic and international companies. This would be because the main technologies of the Chinese affiliates of foreign companies in part may still rely on the main technologies and products initially developed outside China and is still owned there, despite these companies now playing an increasingly important role in the Chinese innovation ecosystem.

Useful links:

2018 application announcement

2018 list of results (2^nd batch)

2018 list of results (1^st batch)

Similarly to other municipalities across China, Tianjin has also established its own municipal version of the High- and New-Technology Enterprise (HNTE) status – which is often a key prerequisite for Tianjin-based applicants to apply to the national-level HNTE status. Although the municipal-level HNTE status does not offer a reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate, it will ensure particular priority and support when applying to other local-level funding programmes, subsidies and awards. Requirements are also less strict than the national-level counterpart.

Eligibility requirements:

According to the Management Measures for the Recognition of the Tianjin Municipal HNTE status, enterprises must meet the following requirements:

• Being registered in Tianjin for at least 6 months before the application is submitted
• Own IP rights of the key technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services). Such rights may be obtained through independent R&D, transfer, donation, or mergers and acquisitions;
• The technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services) shall belong to one of the areas outlined in the Catalogue of High- and New-Technology Areas Specifically Supported by the State
• At least 7% of the total number of the enterprise’s employees should be engaged in R&D and related activities
• R&D expenditures in the last three financial years should account to a certain percentage of the enterprise’s total sales revenue in the same period:
• Over 4% if total revenue is below 50 million RMB;
• Over 3% if total revenue is between 50 and 200 million RMB;
• Over 2% if total revenue exceeds 200 million RMB.

In addition, at least 60% of the enterprise’s total R&D expenditure must be incurred in China

• Income derived from high- and new-technology products (services) should amount to at least 50% of the enterprise’s total revenue
• The assessment of the enterprise’ innovation capabilities is in line with relevant standards
• The enterprise should have not occurred any major safety or quality incident in the previous year, and should have not had any behaviour against the law

What are the benefits?

The municipal-level HNTE status is often seen as a key prerequisite for enterprises to possess before they submit an application to the national-level HNTE status. In addition, it also offers several benefits such as:

• Priority when applying to local-level patent subsidies (for filing, enforcement, etc.)
• Priority and support when concluding technology transactions for the obtainment of IPR
• Priority and support when applying to local-level S&T projects, funding programmes, R&D facilities (e.g. engineering technology centre, key laboratory, etc.)
• Priority in government procurement processes.

When and where are application calls published?

Applicants will first need to register on the dedicated section on the website of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. Formal applications are then submitted to district-level authorities.

International participation: figures and opportunities

Domestic and foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) are equally eligible to apply as long as they comply with the requirements listed above.

Useful links:

Management Measures for the Recognition of the Tianjin Municipal HNTE status

The Tianjin Technology Leading Enterprise is a status given to certain enterprises operating in strategic and emerging industries, and with exceptional innovation capabilities, advanced core technologies, and good development prospects. Being recognised as Technology Leading Enterprise will ensure stronger government endorsement and priority when applying to local-level funding programmes or administrative support.

Eligibility requirements:

• Enterprise registered and with legal personality in Tianjin, established within 8 years before the application is submitted
• Operates in specific segments within strategic and emerging industries (AI, biotechnologies, new energy and new materials, new generation ICT, aviation and aerospace, high-end machinery and manufacturing, energy-saving and clean technologies, high-tech services). The specific list of industry segments is included in annual calls
• The enterprise’s main technology should rank among the top 3 nation-wide in the corresponding industry/segment
• Possession of IPR generated through indigenous innovation. Previous experience in international, national or industry standard-formulation
• R&D intensity ≥3% of the operational revenue
• Average annual revenue growth in the last three years ≥15%
• Absence of any negative records
• Eligibility requirements may be relaxed in exceptional cases

What are the benefits?

There seem to be no direct benefits in terms of funding and financial support received. However, it is expected that Technology Leading Enterprises will receive stronger endorsement and priority by the local administration when applying to local funding programmes (e.g. Municipal Key R&D Programmes) or other forms of administrative support (e.g. talent recruitment, loans, subsidies, etc.)

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis (usually in the second half), on the web portal of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. The deadline for submitting applications is generally within 4 weeks from the date of publication of the call.

Method of application:

Applications must be submitted online through the Tianjin S&T Project Management Information System. Proposals must be first pre-evaluated by district-level authorities.

International participation: opportunities and figures

3 of the 16 recognised Tianjin Technology Leading Enterprises in 2018 belonged to foreign-invested enterprises, although in all cases being Sino-foreign joint ventures (including the Sino-American Tianjin Reach Surgical Device Inc.).

Useful links:

Management Measures for the Recognition of the Tianjin Technology Leading Enterprise status (Trial)

2018 call for applications

2018 list of results

The Tianjin Intelligent Manufacturing Special Programme is a major programme established by the Tianjin Municipal Commission of Industry and Informatisation, the Tianjin Development and Reform Commission, the Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, the local office of cybersecurity, and the Tianjin Municipal Financial Bureau, in order to boost the development of intelligent technologies and industries in Tianjin, in line with local priorities. The programme grants a significant amount of subsidies to local entities launching projects in different areas, which in the latest call for 2019 (first batch) included:

• Enterprise smartification and upgrade:
  • Intelligent manufacturing demonstration projects
  • Purchase of new advanced R&D and manufacturing equipment
  • Smart industrial design
• Industrial internet development:
  • Transition to Internet+ and intelligent manufacturing
  • Enterprise shift to cloud technologies
• Development of robotics industry:
  • Introduction and application of robots
  • Indigenous innovation of robots
• Development of integrated circuits industry:
  • Development of integrated circuit design enterprises
  • Key integrated circuit projects
• Development of software and information service industry:
  • Support to the development of key enterprises in software and information services
  • Support to the launch of key projects in software and information services
• Development and expansion of data industry:
  • Support to big data core industry projects
  • Application and demonstration of big data projects
• Strengthening of military-civil S&T integration
• Enhancement of R&D and innovation capabilities:
  • Support to research structures to relocate to Tianjin
  • Support to the enhancement of enterprise R&D platforms
  • Support to enterprises increasing R&D expenses

Eligibility requirements:

• Enterprise or institution registered and paying taxes in Tianjin, with independent legal personality, and with no negative records
• Excellent management, financial and operational mechanisms
• Endorsement by district-level authorities, which must provide 50% of the total project budget (an official commitment letter must be submitted as part of the application materials)
• Projects which have already received funding from other funding channels at the municipal level, are not eligible to apply
• Additional requirements depending on the specific area and category of projects in which the application is submitted (detailed guidelines are included in annual calls)

What are the benefits?

Financial support, depending on the area and category of project, but generally starting from 100,000 RMB to 10 million RMB.

When and where are calls published?

Since 2018, applications are published on an annual basis (generally during the summer), on the web portals of the Tianjin Development and Reform Commission and of the Tianjin Municipal Commission of Industry and Informatisation. Calls could also be published on the websites of district-level authorities.

Method of application:

District-level industry and informatisation departments are responsible for organising and collecting applications from candidates within their jurisdictions. After a preliminary evaluation and their official endorsement (which requires them to allocate 50% of the proposed project budget), proposals are submitted to municipal-level authorities for final evaluation and approval.

International participation: opportunities and figures

The majority of the 153 projects approved in 2018 were assigned to Chinese enterprises, either private or state-owned. Small evidence of projects assigned to foreign-invested enterprises was also identified (around 5% of the total), including wholly-foreign owned such as Danfoss (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. and Novozymes (China) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (both for projects involving industrial smartification).

Useful links:

2019 call for applications (1^st batch)

2018 list of results

In order to further stimulate additional R&D investments, the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau offers annual subsidies to local enterprises for their expenses incurred for R&D activities.

Target:

Enterprises; SMEs

Eligibility requirements:

• Enterprise registered and with independent legal personality in Tianjin municipality, with no negative records
• Has benefitted from pre-tax super deduction and amortisation policies in the previous year
• Has filled the relevant form for R&D activity on the dedicated platform of the National Bureau of Statistics.

What are the benefits?

Subsidies, calculated based on the following formula:

Basic Value + Increment Value

Basic value:

• Applicants which were recognised as ‘S&T-based SMEs’ in the previous year: 2.5% of the R&D expenses incurred
• Other applicants: 1.5% of the R&D expenses incurred

Increment value:

• Applicants whose R&D expenses in the previous year registered a growth: Basic Value * R&D expenses growth rate (if the growth rate exceeds 50%, then the increment value is calculated based on 50%)
• Applicants whose R&D expenses in the previous year registered a decreased: Basic Value * R&D expenses decrease rate * 2 (if the decrease rate exceeds 50%, then the increment value is calculated based on 50%)

The maximum amount of subsidies granted cannot exceed 5 million RMB per enterprise per year. In general, applicants which have already received similar R&D subsidies in the same year are not eligible to apply.

When and where are calls published?

Requests for subsidies can be submitted only after a relevant call/announcement is published on the website of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. The deadline for submitting the  application is usually very short – around 2-3 weeks.

Method of application:

Applications are submitted online on the Tianjin S&T Project Management Information System. An official account must be created by the enterprise and the person who submits the application.

International participation: opportunities and figures:

Foreign-invested enterprises are equally eligible to obtain the subsidy.

Useful links:

Management Measures for Subsidies for Enterprises’ R&D spending in Tianjin

2019 call for applications

2018 call for applications

The Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau grants specific subsidies to local entities which commit to the transfer, conversion and commercialisation of technology results generated under S&T projects funded by the municipal administration, thus strengthening the link between government-funded projects and the market.

Target:

Enterprises; SMEs

Eligibility requirements and benefits:

• Enterprise registered and with legal personality in Tianjin, and with strong capacities for technology commercialisation. Joint applications with universities or research structures are encouraged
• The proposed Principal Investigator should hold a mid to senior level position or Ph.D. degree, should be less than 57 years’ old, and should be officially employed by the entity submitting the application
• The project for which the application is submitted should target a specific technology result generated by Tianjin-based entity under Tianjin S&T Projects (e.g. Municipal Key R&D Programmes, Municipal Natural Science Fund, New Generation AI Megaproject, etc.)
• The technology transfer project may happen in one of the following forms:
• Ownership transfer or licensing
• Entrusted or joint technology development
• Stock/equity participation
• Conversion of one’s own technology results
• Max two applications can be submitted by one PI
• Technology transfer projects already completed or commercialised are not eligible

What are the benefits?

A subsidy of up to 500,000 RMB, 750,000 RMB, or 1 million RMB granted for each project (in exceptional cases, 1.5 million RMB can be granted), but not exceeding 25% of the total project budget

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis, on the web portal of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. The deadline for submitting applications is generally within 4 weeks from the date of publication of the call.

Method of application:

Applications must be submitted online through the Tianjin Technology Exhibition and Transfer Service Platform.

International participation: opportunities and figures

None of the 18 selected projects in 2018 belonged to foreign-invested enterprises. Reasons are unclear, but there are no indicators suggesting that FIEs or other international actors are not welcome to participate.

Useful links:

2018 call for applications

2018 list of results

The Binhai New District Municipal Administration for Market and Quality Supervision has established an ad hoc fund to encourage and support local actors to participate in or lead the formulation or revision of technology standards. Subsidies are granted according to the type of standard formulated or revised, in line with the priority sectors indicated in annual calls.

Target:

Enterprises; research structures; social organisations

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Enterprise, research structure or social organisation registered within Tianjin Binhai New District
• The standard-formulation or revision work should have been concluded in the year before the application for subsidies is submitted
• The standard-formulation or revision work for which the application is submitted should involve technology standards in priority sectors, as indicated in annual application guidelines (in 2018 these were: new generation ICT, smart industries, energy-saving and clean industries, life and health industries, new energy and new materials, modern services, and cultural industries)
• If the standard-formulation or revision work has been concluded jointly by different actors, the application for subsidy should be submitted by the main drafter/revisionist
• Maximum 2 applications for subsidies can be submitted every year

What are the benefits?

A subsidy is granted depending on (i) the type of standard formulated/revised, and (ii) the applicant’s involvement:

• International standard: 2 million RMB for a leading role (1 million RMB for a minor participation role)
• National standard: 1 million RMB for a leading role (500,000 RMB for a minor participation role)
• Industry standard: 250,000 RMB for a leading role (120,000 RMB for a minor participation role)
• Local standard: 100,000 RMB for a leading role (50,000 RMB for a minor participation role)

When and where are application calls published?

Applications can be submitted after relevant announcements are published, usually during the summer, on the website of the Binhai New District Municipal Administration for Market and Quality Supervision. The deadline for submitting application is generally within 4-5 weeks from the publishing date.

International participation: opportunities and figures

International actors are equally eligible to apply for subsidies, although no evidence of international awardees was identified in 2018.

Useful links:

Management Measures for the Binhai New District Standardisation Special Fund

2018 call for application

2018 list of results

The High- and New-Technology Enterprise (HNTE) status is one of China’s core innovation tax policies under China’s Corporate Income Tax Law. The concept of HNTE status emerged in the 1990s to encourage investment in high-tech and R&D areas through a series of benefits including fiscal and tax incentives. The HNTE status offers qualified companies a significant reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate.

Eligibility requirements:

According to the latest revision of the Management Measures for the Recognition of High- and New-Technology Enterprises issued in January 2016 by MOST, MOF and SAT, enterprises must meet the following requirements in order to qualify to HNTE status:

• Being registered in Mainland China for at least one year before the application is submitted
• Own IP rights of the key technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services). Such rights may be obtained through independent R&D, transfer, donation, or mergers and acquisitions;
• The technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services) shall belong to one of the areas outlined in the Catalogue of High- and New-Technology Areas Specifically Supported by the State
• At least 10% of the total number of the enterprise’s employees should be engaged in R&D and related activities
• R&D expenditures in the last three financial years should account to a certain percentage of the enterprise’s total sales revenue in the same period:
• Over 5% if total revenue is below 50 million RMB;
• Over 4% if total revenue is between 50 and 200 million RMB;
• Over 3% if total revenue exceeds 200 million RMB.

In addition, at least 60% of the enterprise’s total R&D expenditure must be incurred in China

• Income derived from high- and new-technology products (services) should amount to at least 60% of the enterprise’s total revenue
• The assessment of the enterprise’ innovation capabilities is in line with relevant standards
• The enterprise should have not occurred any major safety or quality incident in the previous year, and should have not had any behaviour against the law

What are the benefits?

• Reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT), from the standard 25% tax rate to 15%, regardless of the company’s investment type and where its headquarters are located.

Once approved, the HNTE status will last for three years, after which the application needs to be re-submitted.

When and where are application calls published?

Applications are opened after an official announcement is published on the web portal of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. The application period is usually divided into two batches, each with its own application deadlines (one generally in August, and the second in September).

International participation: figures and opportunities

Domestic and foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) are equally eligible to apply as long as they comply with the requirements listed above. However, it is commonly believed that the eligibility requirements might be more challenging to meet for FIEs. *

Thousands of enterprises are recognised with HNTE status every year. Around 2% of them in 2018 were FIEs, including a few examples of wholly-foreign owned enterprises (WFOEs):

• Leebucc （Tianjin） Hydraulics Equipment Co., Ltd. (US WFOE)
• JLG (Tianjin) Equipment Technology Co., Ltd (US WFOE)
• PPG Coatings (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (US WFOE)
• Amber Silicones (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (German WFOE)
• Tenova Loi Thermprocess (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (German WFOE)
• AB Agri (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (UK WFOE)
• Transcosmos Information Creative (China) Co., Ltd. (Japanese WFOE)
• Ferrotec (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (Japanese WFOE)
• Seven (Tianjin) Industrial Co., Ltd (HK WFOE)
• Ac Power (Tianjin) Corp. (Taiwanese WFOE)
• Faret Auto Radiator (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.

* Note: for instance, The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China in its Position Papers argues that the requirement on core IP may create an uneven playing field between domestic and international companies. This would be because the main technologies of the Chinese affiliates of foreign companies in part may still rely on the main technologies and products initially developed outside China and is still owned there, despite these companies now playing an increasingly important role in the Chinese innovation ecosystem.

Useful links:

2018 application announcement

2018 list of results (2^nd batch)

2018 list of results (1^st batch)

Similarly to other municipalities across China, Tianjin has also established its own municipal version of the High- and New-Technology Enterprise (HNTE) status – which is often a key prerequisite for Tianjin-based applicants to apply to the national-level HNTE status. Although the municipal-level HNTE status does not offer a reduction of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate, it will ensure particular priority and support when applying to other local-level funding programmes, subsidies and awards. Requirements are also less strict than the national-level counterpart.

Eligibility requirements:

According to the Management Measures for the Recognition of the Tianjin Municipal HNTE status, enterprises must meet the following requirements:

• Being registered in Tianjin for at least 6 months before the application is submitted
• Own IP rights of the key technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services). Such rights may be obtained through independent R&D, transfer, donation, or mergers and acquisitions;
• The technologies which show core support to the enterprise’s main products (services) shall belong to one of the areas outlined in the Catalogue of High- and New-Technology Areas Specifically Supported by the State
• At least 7% of the total number of the enterprise’s employees should be engaged in R&D and related activities
• R&D expenditures in the last three financial years should account to a certain percentage of the enterprise’s total sales revenue in the same period:
• Over 4% if total revenue is below 50 million RMB;
• Over 3% if total revenue is between 50 and 200 million RMB;
• Over 2% if total revenue exceeds 200 million RMB.

In addition, at least 60% of the enterprise’s total R&D expenditure must be incurred in China

• Income derived from high- and new-technology products (services) should amount to at least 50% of the enterprise’s total revenue
• The assessment of the enterprise’ innovation capabilities is in line with relevant standards
• The enterprise should have not occurred any major safety or quality incident in the previous year, and should have not had any behaviour against the law

What are the benefits?

The municipal-level HNTE status is often seen as a key prerequisite for enterprises to possess before they submit an application to the national-level HNTE status. In addition, it also offers several benefits such as:

• Priority when applying to local-level patent subsidies (for filing, enforcement, etc.)
• Priority and support when concluding technology transactions for the obtainment of IPR
• Priority and support when applying to local-level S&T projects, funding programmes, R&D facilities (e.g. engineering technology centre, key laboratory, etc.)
• Priority in government procurement processes.

When and where are application calls published?

Applicants will first need to register on the dedicated section on the website of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. Formal applications are then submitted to district-level authorities.

International participation: figures and opportunities

Domestic and foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) are equally eligible to apply as long as they comply with the requirements listed above.

Useful links:

Management Measures for the Recognition of the Tianjin Municipal HNTE status

In order to further stimulate additional R&D investments, the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau offers annual subsidies to local enterprises for their expenses incurred for R&D activities.

Target:

Enterprises; SMEs

Eligibility requirements:

• Enterprise registered and with independent legal personality in Tianjin municipality, with no negative records
• Has benefitted from pre-tax super deduction and amortisation policies in the previous year
• Has filled the relevant form for R&D activity on the dedicated platform of the National Bureau of Statistics.

What are the benefits?

Subsidies, calculated based on the following formula:

Basic Value + Increment Value

Basic value:

• Applicants which were recognised as ‘S&T-based SMEs’ in the previous year: 2.5% of the R&D expenses incurred
• Other applicants: 1.5% of the R&D expenses incurred

Increment value:

• Applicants whose R&D expenses in the previous year registered a growth: Basic Value * R&D expenses growth rate (if the growth rate exceeds 50%, then the increment value is calculated based on 50%)
• Applicants whose R&D expenses in the previous year registered a decreased: Basic Value * R&D expenses decrease rate * 2 (if the decrease rate exceeds 50%, then the increment value is calculated based on 50%)

The maximum amount of subsidies granted cannot exceed 5 million RMB per enterprise per year. In general, applicants which have already received similar R&D subsidies in the same year are not eligible to apply.

When and where are calls published?

Requests for subsidies can be submitted only after a relevant call/announcement is published on the website of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. The deadline for submitting the  application is usually very short – around 2-3 weeks.

Method of application:

Applications are submitted online on the Tianjin S&T Project Management Information System. An official account must be created by the enterprise and the person who submits the application.

International participation: opportunities and figures:

Foreign-invested enterprises are equally eligible to obtain the subsidy.

Useful links:

Management Measures for Subsidies for Enterprises’ R&D spending in Tianjin

2019 call for applications

2018 call for applications

The Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau grants specific subsidies to local entities which commit to the transfer, conversion and commercialisation of technology results generated under S&T projects funded by the municipal administration, thus strengthening the link between government-funded projects and the market.

Target:

Enterprises; SMEs

Eligibility requirements and benefits:

• Enterprise registered and with legal personality in Tianjin, and with strong capacities for technology commercialisation. Joint applications with universities or research structures are encouraged
• The proposed Principal Investigator should hold a mid to senior level position or Ph.D. degree, should be less than 57 years’ old, and should be officially employed by the entity submitting the application
• The project for which the application is submitted should target a specific technology result generated by Tianjin-based entity under Tianjin S&T Projects (e.g. Municipal Key R&D Programmes, Municipal Natural Science Fund, New Generation AI Megaproject, etc.)
• The technology transfer project may happen in one of the following forms:
• Ownership transfer or licensing
• Entrusted or joint technology development
• Stock/equity participation
• Conversion of one’s own technology results
• Max two applications can be submitted by one PI
• Technology transfer projects already completed or commercialised are not eligible

What are the benefits?

A subsidy of up to 500,000 RMB, 750,000 RMB, or 1 million RMB granted for each project (in exceptional cases, 1.5 million RMB can be granted), but not exceeding 25% of the total project budget

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis, on the web portal of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. The deadline for submitting applications is generally within 4 weeks from the date of publication of the call.

Method of application:

Applications must be submitted online through the Tianjin Technology Exhibition and Transfer Service Platform.

International participation: opportunities and figures

None of the 18 selected projects in 2018 belonged to foreign-invested enterprises. Reasons are unclear, but there are no indicators suggesting that FIEs or other international actors are not welcome to participate.

Useful links:

2018 call for applications

2018 list of results

Similarly to most other municipalities in China, the Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau of has launched a support mechanism for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs): the S&T Innovation Vouchers. S&T Innovation Vouchers consist of small lines of credit – usually up to 5,000 – 50,000 RMB per year – provided by district- or county-level administrations to MSMEs and entrepreneurship teams to purchase, at discounted rates, scientific research services provided by certain research infrastructures and agencies based in Tianjin (state and local key laboratories, engineering centres, etc), such as testing, measurement, R&D cooperation, IP protection, etc. Subsidies are also offered to research infrastructures and agencies which are willing to share and provide services to MSMEs. Similar vouchers are also made available by the Binhai New District administration to resident enterprises.

Target:

MSMEs, start-ups

What are the eligibility requirements?

MSMEs or start-ups with independent legal personality within the Tianjin National Innovation Demonstration Zone, with less than 100 employees, a turnover not exceeding 10 million RMB, and a registered capital not exceeding 20 million RMB

What are the benefits?

S&T Innovation Vouchers can be used to purchase, at discounted prices, scientific research services offered by institutions that have joined the dedicated web platform. Every year, up to 50,000 RMB worth of S&T Innovation Vouchers can be obtained.

When and where are application calls published?

Applications can be submitted after relevant announcements are published on the website of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau – usually in two batches (the first in January, and the second in June/July).

International participation: opportunities and figures

Foreign-invested MSMEs are equally eligible to apply to S&T Innovation Vouchers. Around 7% of the total beneficiaries in 2018 were FIEs, including wholly foreign-owned ones such as the Danish Danfoss (Tianjin) Ltd.; the American Emerson Process Management (Tianjin) Valves Co., Ltd; as well as several other joint ventures.

Binhai High-Tech Zone S&T Innovation Vouchers

Similar vouchers of up to 50,000 RMB are also made available by the Binhai New District administration to enterprises established within the area. The application procedures is basically the same as their municipal-level counterpart, with calls for application usually published in the second half of the year, on the website of the Industry and Informatisation Bureau of the Binhai New District.

Useful links:

Management Measures for the Implementation of S&T Innovation Vouchers in Tianjin

2018 application announcement (2^nd batch)

2018 application announcement (1^st batch)

2018 list of results (1^st batch)

2018 application announcement (Binhai S&T Innovation Vouchers)

2018 list of results (Binhai S&T Innovation Vouchers)

Similarly to other municipalities (e.g. Beijing, Shanghai, etc.), the Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau in 2018 launched, for the first time, the Tianjin New Generation Artificial Intelligence Megaproject – with the objective of generating key technology breakthroughs in core AI technologies, especially relating to data, algorithms, chips, software, communication, robots, internet-connected vehicles, drones, and smart health. The programme is expected to run at least until 2020.

Target:

Enterprise; research structure; university

Eligibility requirements:

• Proposals in line with the specific research areas, topics and deliverables indicated in the appendixes of each annual call
• Enterprise, university or research structure registered and with legal personality in Tianjin. Some specific research areas and topics may require consortium leaders to be enterprises conducting R&D activities and/or with HNTE status
• The proposed PI should be regularly employed by the consortium leader, should hold a mid to senior level position or Ph.D. degree, and should be less than 57 years’ old
• Applicants every year can submit applications to a maximum of two research topics
• There are limits on the total number of ongoing projects which can be implemented simultaneously by the proposed PI or consortium leader

What are the benefits?

1 to 5 million RMB of funding (max 25% of the total project budget for projects led by enterprises)

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis (at least until 2020), on the web portal of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. The deadline for submitting applications is generally within 4 weeks from the date of publication of the call.

Method of application:

Applications must be submitted online through the Tianjin S&T Project Management Information System. Proposals must be first pre-evaluated by district-level authorities.

International participation: opportunities and figures

No evidence of foreign-invested enterprises or international entities was identified among the 38 projects approved in 2018.

Useful links:

2018 call for applications

2018 list of results

On the basis of National Key R&D Programmes, the Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau has launched a series of Municipal-level Key R&D Programmes, supporting R&D in local priority areas for development as well as in traditional sectors in need of technological upgrading – as specified in annual project application guidelines. These generally target aviation and aerospace, new energy and environment-friendly technologies, electronics and information, new materials, etc.

Target:

Enterprises; universities; research structures

Eligibility requirements:

• Proposals in line with the specific research areas, topics and deliverables indicated in the appendixes of each annual call.
• The consortium leader should be an entity (enterprise, university, research structure) registered and with legal personality in Tianjin. Consortium partners could be entities based in other areas in China.
• The team leader should be a regular employee of the consortium leader, should occupy a mid-senior level or hold Ph.D. degree, less than 57 years’ old, and work on the project for at least 6 months per year.
• Consortia led by enterprises should provide additional funding, generally 75% of the total project’s budget.
• The project should last for 4 years.

What are the benefits?

Direct project funding: 300,000 RMB, 500,000 RMB, 750,000 RMB, or 1 million RMB. Applicants should specify in their proposals the amount of funding needed, based on a rational and objective assessment of their needs, and keeping into account that additional funding from the consortium is welcomed (or required if the consortium leader is an enterprise).

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis (usually in January), on the web portal of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. The deadline for submitting applications is generally within 4-5 weeks from the date of publication of the call.

Method of application:

Applications must be submitted online through the Tianjin S&T Project Management Information System. Proposals must be first pre-evaluated by district-level authorities.

International participation: opportunities and figures

Evidence of international participation was identified in 2018, in around 5% of the 135 projects approved. There was one case of an Australian company (Dimer Technologies Pty Limited), one Sino-American JV, and six cases from the Tianjin Sino-German University of Applied Sciences.

Useful links:

2019 call for applications

2018 call for applications

2018 list of results

Similarly to other administrations across China, the Tianjin Municipal Natural Science Fund was established to support original innovative research in the field of natural sciences, and to contribute to talent growth in Tianjin. The Fund is also open to foreign researchers, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements specified below. Different categories of programmes are funded every year by the Fund, including:

• Young Scientist Programme, supporting young scientist to conduct exploratory basic research on topics in line with annual project application guidelines
• General Programme, similar to the young scientist category, but more oriented towards applied research and without strict age limits
• Key Programme, larger projects which are expected to lead to lab scale experiments, the publication of a high-quality paper, and/or the filing of an invention patent.

Target:

Chinese and foreign scientists employed by Tianjin-based research institutes

Eligibility requirements:

The applicant should be a regular employee of a host institution registered and with legal personality in Tianjin, under 57 years’ old (or 35 years’ old for the ‘young scientist programme’ category). Only one application per year can submitted by one applicant. Multi-disciplinary cooperation among different institutes is encouraged, although no sub-topics or subcontracting are allowed.

What are the benefits?

• Young Scientist Programme: direct funding of up to 60,000 RMB per project (around 150 projects funded every year)
• General Programme: direct funding of up to 100,000 RMB per project (around 150 projects funded every year)
• Key Programme: direct funding of up to 200,000 RMB per project (around 100 projects funded every year)

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis (usually at the end of the year), on the website of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. Applications must be generally submitted online within 1 and a half months after the publishing date (note: earlier deadlines might be required by specific host institutions as they will need to review and approve the applications of their affiliated PIs).

Method of application:

Online applications are submitted by the PI on the Tianjin S&T Project Management Information System. An account must be registered.

International participation: opportunities and figures

Foreign PIs meeting the necessary requirements are equally eligible to apply. Only 2 projects however were assigned to foreign PIs in 2017 and 2018, in both cases under the “Key Programmes” category.

Useful links:

2019 call for applications

2018 list of winners

2017 list of winners

The Binhai New District Municipal Administration for Market and Quality Supervision has established an ad hoc fund to encourage and support local actors to participate in or lead the formulation or revision of technology standards. Subsidies are granted according to the type of standard formulated or revised, in line with the priority sectors indicated in annual calls.

Target:

Enterprises; research structures; social organisations

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Enterprise, research structure or social organisation registered within Tianjin Binhai New District
• The standard-formulation or revision work should have been concluded in the year before the application for subsidies is submitted
• The standard-formulation or revision work for which the application is submitted should involve technology standards in priority sectors, as indicated in annual application guidelines (in 2018 these were: new generation ICT, smart industries, energy-saving and clean industries, life and health industries, new energy and new materials, modern services, and cultural industries)
• If the standard-formulation or revision work has been concluded jointly by different actors, the application for subsidy should be submitted by the main drafter/revisionist
• Maximum 2 applications for subsidies can be submitted every year

What are the benefits?

A subsidy is granted depending on (i) the type of standard formulated/revised, and (ii) the applicant’s involvement:

• International standard: 2 million RMB for a leading role (1 million RMB for a minor participation role)
• National standard: 1 million RMB for a leading role (500,000 RMB for a minor participation role)
• Industry standard: 250,000 RMB for a leading role (120,000 RMB for a minor participation role)
• Local standard: 100,000 RMB for a leading role (50,000 RMB for a minor participation role)

When and where are application calls published?

Applications can be submitted after relevant announcements are published, usually during the summer, on the website of the Binhai New District Municipal Administration for Market and Quality Supervision. The deadline for submitting application is generally within 4-5 weeks from the publishing date.

International participation: opportunities and figures

International actors are equally eligible to apply for subsidies, although no evidence of international awardees was identified in 2018.

Useful links:

Management Measures for the Binhai New District Standardisation Special Fund

2018 call for application

2018 list of results

Similarly to other areas in China (e.g. Shanghai, Zhejiang, etc.), the Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau has established an ad hoc programme supporting local entities to launch international S&T cooperation projects with partners from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Different categories of projects are supported, including:

• Establishment in Tianjin of Sino-foreign joint research centres with foreign research structures, universities, enterprises, or Tianjin-based foreign invested R&D centres
• Establishment of overseas research centres, independently, through mergers & acquisitions, or joint investment with foreign partners
• Joint R&D and commercialisation projects in Tianjin (or Tianjin entities to export their technologies and products abroad)

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Entities registered in Tianjin and with legal personality, with previous experience as well as strong conditions and capacities for launching international S&T cooperation projects
• Enterprises with HNTE status (see corresponding factsheet above) will receive priority under the same conditions
• The project for which the application is submitted should be in line with national and municipal development strategies and priorities, and should serve national and socio-economic development needs. An agreement with the foreign partner on IPR ownership, utilisation and dispute settlement should be submitted
• Limits on the total number of ongoing projects which can be implemented simultaneously by the proposed PI or consortium leader
• The foreign partner should be an enterprise, university of research structure based in Belt and Road countries (or, under exceptional cases, in any other countries)
• Additional requirements depending on the specific category of project for which the application is submitted (joint centre, R&D project, etc.), as outlined in the specific annexes in each annual call
• Additional funding provided by the consortium (higher if the consortium leader is an enterprise)

What are the benefits?

Joint research centres or overseas research centres will receive funding from 500,000 to 1 million RMB. Joint R&D or commercialisation projects with receive funding from 300,000 to 500,000 RMB.

When and where are calls published?

Applications are published on an annual basis (usually in January), on the web portal of the Tianjin Municipal S&T Bureau. The deadline for submitting applications is generally within 1 month from the date of publication of the call.

Method of application:

Applications must be submitted online through the Tianjin S&T Project Management Information System.

International participation: opportunities and challenges

• European actors based in countries adhering to the Belt and Road Initiative can apply as foreign partners
• Tianjin-based affiliates of European entities can apply as Chinese partner, as long as the eligibility requirements above are met. In fact, 5 out of 44 projects approved in 2018 were assigned to consortium led by or featuring foreign-invested entities, such as the South Korean P&S Technology, the Sino-British joint venture UniNova (Tianjin) Limited Company, and the Tianjin Sino-German Vocational Technical College.

Useful links:

Tianjin “Belt and Road” S&T Cooperation Action Plan (2017-2020)

2018 call for application

2018 list of results