Tencent inspires youth to explore, discover

Tencent Group Holdings Ltd has announced it is teaming up with the country's leading scientists to launch a new award to inspire and support young individuals to explore scientific discoveries and technological innovation.

With an initial investment of 1 billion yuan ($144 million) from Tencent's charitable arm, the Xplorer Prize will recognize 50 science professionals each year who make special contributions to fundamental research and cutting-edge core technologies.

Prize winners under 45 years old are entitled to 600,000 yuan annually for five consecutive years, the Tencent Foundation said. Registration will open in January, with the first batch of winners announced in July.