To accelerate the establishment of Ningbo as a global talent hub and strategic innovation center, and to position the city as a top destination for high-level talents, a source of innovation, and an industrial cluster, the 2025 Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme (Talent Introduction) is officially launched to attract global talents. The details are as follows:

I. Application & Appraisal Schedule

Applications for the 2025 Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme are accepted year-round, with selections conducted in two batches. Applications submitted by April 30, 2025, will be reviewed in the first batch, while those submitted from May 1 to August 31, 2025, will be reviewed in the second batch.

II. Targeted Talents & Priority Areas

The 2025 Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme focuses on supporting projects that align with Ningbo’s high-quality socioeconomic development needs, including manufacturing, university/research institution R&D, modern services, and modern agriculture. Specifically:

· Manufacturing Project: Prioritize digital industries, high-end equipment, new functional materials, new energy, and bioscience & healthcare, with an aim to foster leading industrial chains in areas like integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, and low-altitude economy.

· University R&D Project: Support talents and teams in key disciplines essential for building top-tier universities in Ningbo.

· Research Institution R&D Project: Focus on common key technologies, cutting-edge basic research, basic research for application, and application demonstration projects that empower industrial development.

· Modern Services Project: Prioritize sectors such as e-commerce, port & shipping logistics, financial services & insurance, education, culture & sports, professional services, planning & design, fashion & creativity, and S&T services.

· Modern Agriculture Project: Support sectors like modern seed industry, planting & breeding, agricultural processing, digital agriculture, and agricultural facilities.

Detailed priority areas are listed in the attachment.

Under equal conditions, priority will be given to projects that meet the following criteria:

- Fully established in Ningbo;

- Led by talents with over three years of overseas work experience;

- Entrepreneurial projects funded by professional institutions;

- Projects that have received policy support from districts (counties/county-level cities), or development zones under Ningbo’s jurisdiction;

- Projects that have undertaken major research tasks at the municipal level or above.

III. Project Categories & Eligibility

The 2025 Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme categorizes projects into manufacturing, university/research institution R&D, modern services, and modern agriculture for appraisal.

(I) Manufacturing Project

Applications for the Manufacturing Project are restricted to Ningbo-based enterprises and categorized into six sub-projects: entrepreneurial talents, innovative talents, young talents, entrepreneurial teams, innovative teams, and capital-backed entrepreneurial teams.

1. Sub-project for Entrepreneurial Talents

(1) Applicants should hold a master’s degree or above or possess significant industry influence, with at least 3 years of relevant work experience (by April 30, 2025, for the first batch; August 31, 2025, for the second batch). The age limit is 65 (born after January 1, 1960).

(2) Applicants should have worked or started a business in Ningbo within the last 5 years (since January 1, 2020), with their enterprise established for at least 1 year (by April 30, 2025, for the first batch; August 31, 2025, for the second batch). Alternatively, applicants with overseas degrees and entrepreneurship or senior positions abroad should have returned to China within 2 years (since January 1, 2023) and plan to start a business in Ningbo.

(3) Applicants must be the founder, legal representative, and largest shareholder (excluding the portion revealed through equity penetration, hereinafter the same) or largest natural person shareholder of the enterprise. Each enterprise may only submit one application under this category.

(4) Applicants (natural persons) must have personally contributed at least RMB 1 million to the enterprise’s paid-in registered capital.

2. Sub-project for Innovative Talents

(1) Applicants should hold a doctorate with over 3 years of full-time relevant experience or demonstrate significant industry influence. The age limit is 60 (born after January 1, 1965).

(2) Applicants should have worked in Ningbo within the last 2 years (since January 1, 2023) or plan to work here. Upon selection, they must engage full-time in innovation commercialization or basic research in Ningbo for at least 5 consecutive years and may not work full-time for institutions outside Ningbo during the project term.

(3) The applicant’s affiliated institution should have been established for at least 1 year, maintain sound financial and operational conditions, provide adequate research funds and equipment, and offer necessary resources for project industrialization.

(4) The legal representative, actual controller, principal founder, or largest natural person shareholder of the affiliated enterprise cannot apply under this category.

3. Sub-project for Young Talents

Priority is given to exceptional PhD holders and postdoctoral fellows. Applicants must be aged 40 or below (born after January 1, 1985) and meet the same criteria as those specified in the Sub-project for Innovative Talents.

4. Sub-project for Entrepreneurial Teams

Entrepreneurial teams must possess critical core technologies, demonstrate potential to enhance Ningbo’s industrial competitiveness, pioneer industry development, deliver significant economic and social benefits, and meet the following criteria:

(1) Teams should include one leader and at least four members. The leader should hold a master’s degree or above, or have notable industry influence, with over 3 years of relevant experience and be no older than 65. Members should hold a master’s degree or above, or a bachelor’s degree with over 3 years of relevant experience, and be no older than 55.

(2) The leader and members should have relocated to Ningbo for work or entrepreneurship within the past 3 years (since January 1, 2022) or plan to start a business in Ningbo. Upon selection, at least half of the team must work full-time in the Ningbo-based enterprise for at least 5 consecutive years. The leader (natural person) must be the founder, legal representative, and largest shareholder. The leader and members (natural persons) must collectively hold over 50% of the shares (including direct holdings in Ningbo-registered holding platforms of the applicant enterprise), and at least two team members must hold shares.

(3) The enterprise must have a paid-in registered capital of at least RMB 2 million, with no less than RMB 1 million contributed by the team leader (natural person).

5. Sub-project for Innovative Teams

Innovative teams must exhibit significant achievements or great potential in innovation and meet the following conditions:

(1) Teams should comprise one leader and at least four members. The leader should hold a doctorate or have notable industry influence, with over 3 years of relevant full-time experience, and be no older than 55 (born after January 1, 1970). Members should hold a doctorate or a master’s degree with over 3 years of relevant full-time experience, and be no older than 45 (born after January 1, 1980).

(2) The leader and members should have relocated to Ningbo for work within the past 2 years or plan to work here. Once selected, they must work full-time at the affiliated institution in Ningbo for at least 5 consecutive years and may not take full-time roles at other institutions outside Ningbo during the project term.

(3) The affiliated institution should have been established for at least 1 year, maintain sound financial and operational status, and provide the team with necessary research funds, equipment, and resources for project commercialization.

(4) The legal representative, actual controller, principal founder, or largest natural person shareholder of the affiliated enterprise may not serve as the leader or member of the applicant innovative team.

6. Sub-project for Capital-backed Entrepreneurial Teams

Teams should demonstrate strong market potential, bring technologies, projects, and funding to Ningbo, and meet the following criteria:

(1) The team should consist of one leader and at least four members. The leader should hold a master’s degree or above, or have significant industry influence, with over 3 years of relevant experience, and be no older than 65. Members should hold a master’s degree or above, or a bachelor’s degree with over three years of relevant experience, and be no older than 55.

(2) The leader and members should have relocated to Ningbo for work or entrepreneurship within the past 3 years and established an enterprise in Ningbo (business registration must be completed by April 30, 2025, for the first batch and August 31, 2025, for the second batch). Upon selection, at least half of the team must work full-time in the Ningbo-based enterprise for at least five consecutive years. The leader (natural person) must be the founder, legal representative, and largest shareholder. The team’s combined shareholding ratio (natural persons) must exceed 40% (including direct holdings in Ningbo-registered holding platforms of the applicant enterprise), and at least two members must hold shares.

(3) The enterprise must have a paid-in registered capital of at least RMB 5 million, with at least RMB 1 million invested by the team leader (natural person). Additionally, private capital investment (excluding government-funded portions at all levels in Ningbo, the team’s own funds, and contributions from the leader’s immediate family or spouse) of no less than RMB 3 million (including capital reserve) must be received no later than three months before the application deadline (by January 31, 2025, for the first batch, and May 31, 2025, for the second batch).

(II) University/Research Institution R&D Project

Applications are limited to universities and research institutions in Ningbo (including industrial technology research institutes and healthcare institutions) and are categorized into three sub-projects: innovative talents, young talents, and innovative teams. Applicants’ research should align with their institution’s key disciplines or development focus. Other qualifications are consistent with the corresponding sub-projects under the Manufacturing Project.

(III) Modern Services Project and Modern Agriculture Project

These projects are categorized into four sub-projects: entrepreneurial talents, innovative talents, entrepreneurial teams, and innovative teams.

1. Sub-project for Entrepreneurial Talents

Entrepreneurial talents (natural persons) must contribute at least RMB 0.5 million to the paid-in registered capital of their enterprise. Other qualifications are consistent with those specified in the Sub-project for Entrepreneurial Talents under the Manufacturing Project.

2. Sub-project for Innovative Talents

Applicants should hold a master’s degree or possess significant industry influence, with over 3 years of relevant full-time experience. Other qualifications are consistent with those specified in the Sub-project for Innovative Talents under the Manufacturing Project.

3. Sub-project for Entrepreneurial Teams

The enterprise’s paid-in registered capital must include at least RMB 1 million in monetary contribution, with no less than RMB 0.5 million invested by the team leader (natural person). Other qualifications are consistent with those specified in the Sub-project for Entrepreneurial Teams under the Manufacturing Project.

4. Sub-project for Innovative Teams

The team leader should hold a master’s degree or possess significant industry influence, with over 3 years of relevant full-time experience. Team members should hold a master’s degree or, alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with over 3 years of relevant full-time experience. Other qualifications are consistent with those specified in the Sub-project for Innovative Teams under the Manufacturing Project.

Exceptionally talented or urgently-needed individuals/teams may be exempted from one qualification requirement (age, academic degree, or work experience) at the discretion of the authorities. Applicants must submit a detailed exemption request, specifying the exemption sought and the significance of the project.

IV. Appraisal Procedure

The appraisal process will be jointly organized by the Organization Department (Talent Office) of the CPC Ningbo Municipal Committee, Ningbo Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau, Ningbo Education Bureau, Ningbo Science and Technology Bureau, Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security, Ningbo Investment Promotion Bureau, and other relevant authorities. Details are as follows:

(I) Application Acceptance: From the release date until August 31, 2025, eligible applicants may log in to the “Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme Online Application System” (http://rcgc.nbrc.com.cn), fill out the application forms, and upload required supporting documents as instructed.

Applications will be processed by different departments: regarding the Manufacturing Project, applications for the Sub-project for Capital-backed Entrepreneurial Teams will be handled by the Ningbo Investment Promotion Bureau, while others will be appraised by the Ningbo Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau. Applications for the University R&D Project will be processed by the Ningbo Education Bureau, while those for the Research Institution R&D Project (including industrial technology research institutes and healthcare institutions) will be handled by the Ningbo Science and Technology Bureau. Applications for the Modern Services Project and the Modern Agriculture Project will be jointly handled by the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security and relevant industry authorities.

(II) Eligibility Review. Applications will undergo a tiered eligibility review by relevant authorities. For the Sub-project for Capital-backed Entrepreneurial Teams, the Ningbo Investment Promotion Bureau will commission a third-party institution to conduct compliance due diligence. The first batch of reviews will take place in May 2025, and the second batch in September 2025.

(III) Expert Review. A panel of scientists, venture capital experts, and industry professionals will conduct reviews through written evaluations, oral defenses, or on-site visits. The first batch will be reviewed from May to July 2025, and the second batch from September to November 2025.

(IV) Approval and Issuance. Based on expert recommendations, review results, and in consideration of Ningbo's industrial priorities, approvals will be issued in two batches in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

V. Supportive Policies

The management period for projects under the Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme is generally 5 years.

(I) Manufacturing Project

Selected entrepreneurial, innovative, and young talents will receive personal subsidies of up to RMB 1 million during the project period. Entrepreneurial and innovative teams will be categorized into A, B, or C tiers, with maximum project funding of RMB 20 million, 10 million, and 5 million, respectively. For capital-backed entrepreneurial teams, funding will equal 30% of the paid-in private capital at the time of application, rounded down to the nearest RMB 100,000, with a maximum of RMB 20 million.

(II) University/Research Institution R&D Project

Selected innovative and young talents will receive personal subsidies of up to RMB 1 million during the project period. Innovative teams will be categorized into A, B, or C tiers, with maximum project funding of RMB 20 million, 10 million, and 5 million, respectively.

(III) Modern Services Project and Modern Agriculture Project

Selected innovative and entrepreneurial talents will receive personal subsidies of up to RMB 0.5 million during the project period. Entrepreneurial and innovative teams will be categorized into A, B, or C tiers, with maximum project funding of RMB 5 million, 3 million, and 1 million, respectively.

In addition to the funding mentioned above, selected talents/teams are eligible for supportive policies, including housing assistance and financial credit, as outlined in the relevant documents. Funding will be granted based on the highest eligible amount, with any gaps addressed, and without duplication of benefits.

VI. Miscellaneous

(I) Individuals/teams not yet settled in Ningbo may submit only one application per year. Applicants (including team members) are not allowed to apply for more than one category under the Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme in the same year.

(II) Disqualification Criteria for the Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme:

1. Talents, team leaders, and members already selected for the Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme (Talent Introduction/Cultivation);

2. Individuals, team leaders, and members already selected for the 3315 Talent Plan;

3. Those already selected for the Ningbo Young Leading Talents in S&T Innovation Project;

4. Those who have received support under the Ningbo Top Talent Project;

5. Those who are selected for national or provincial talent programmes (excluding participation as team members);

6. Civil servants, personnel governed by the Civil Servant Law, and deputy-level or higher leaders in SOEs, universities, or research institutions;

7. Talents/teams directly introduced through ad-hoc deliberation by municipal authorities;

8. Individuals who have failed to fulfill or properly resolve previous agreements, including government-sponsored overseas students, senior visiting scholars, postdoctoral fellows in international exchange programs, or others funded by public finances; as well as individuals with records of misconduct, legal violations, or academic dishonesty.

(III) Applicants (including team leaders and members) must make prudent commitments within the application system. Failure to meet these commitments as required will be considered a voluntary forfeiture of eligibility.

(IV) Submission of false information will result in disqualification, inclusion on a dishonesty blacklist, and permanent ineligibility for the Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme. For those already selected, approval will be revoked. In cases of legal violations, the responsible individuals will be held accountable in accordance with the law.

(V) Submitted application materials must not contain any state secrets.

(VI) Unauthorized editing of this NOTICE is prohibited and will result in legal consequences.

(VII) No intermediary organizations have been authorized to offer application guidance for the Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Programme. Please verify authenticity and remain alert to potential fraud.

VII. Contact information

1. Manufacturing Project

Mr. Xu 0086-574-89292060

Capital-backed Entrepreneurial Teams:Mr. Yang 0086-574-89585030

2. University/Research Institution R&D Project

University R&D Project:

Mr. Chen 0086-574-89186473

Research Institution R&D Project:

Mr. Wang 0086-574-89292217

Healthcare: Mr. Chen 0086-574-89183886

3. Modern Services Project and Modern Agriculture Project

General Contact: Mr. Gao 0086-574-89298093

E-commerce: Mr. Hu 0086-574-89387098

Port & Shipping Logistics: Mr. Jiang 0086-574-89189042

Financial Services & Insurance: Ms. Ye 0086-574-89292379

Education, Culture & Sports:

Culture & Sports: Mr. Ying 0086-574-89182745

Education: Mr. Chen 0086-574-89186473

Professional Services:

Accounting: Ms. Xu 0086-574-89388559

Legal Services: Ms. Zhou 0086-574-87002630

Human Resource: Ms. Zheng 0086-574-89298066

Other professional services: Mr. Li 0086-574-89382493

Planning & Design:

Planning: Mr. Wang 0086-574-89284642

Architecture: Ms. Wang 0086-574-89187220

Fashion & Creativity: Ms. Liu 0086-574-89186461

S&T Services: Mr. Yu 0086-574-89292504

Modern Agriculture: Ms. Zhu 0086-574-89184264

Appendix：Detailed priority areas.docx