Scientists will get govt help to start business

China has pledged stronger support for scientists and overseas returnees seeking to start businesses as part of a broader push to boost entrepreneurship, employment and innovation.

A 2026-28 action plan issued recently by four central government departments, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, aims to foster a more diversified entrepreneurial landscape through targeted support for technology transfer, vocational training and consumer-driven services.

Authorities will, in accordance with the plan, encourage scientists and engineers to commercialize research findings, support rural returnees in developing agricultural supply chains, and integrate vocational training with entrepreneurship coaching. Community-focused services, including elderly care and childcare, will also receive greater support.

A key component of the initiative is unlocking innovation potential at research institutions.

The government will improve mechanisms for identifying, training and supporting technology entrepreneurs, with special measures aimed at people returning from overseas.

"A 'one-stop' service mechanism for returned overseas students will be established, strengthening post-return entrepreneurship services, standardizing personnel file management, and implementing social insurance benefits," the notice said.

Authorities will help returnees "faster understand and integrate into the domestic market environment", according to the document.

Eligible technology entrepreneurs will also receive support related to housing, healthcare, household registration and children's education.

The plan calls for greater efforts to cultivate technology transfer service institutions and expand the pool of professional technology managers.

Authorities will work with relevant parties to identify application scenarios, accelerate the matching of mature research outcomes with market demand, and promote a "use-before-pay" model for licensing scientific achievements to enterprises.

It also encourages companies to form industry-academia partnerships with universities and research institutes to pool research and development resources, helping startups and entrepreneurs develop core technologies and products along industrial supply chains.

Local governments are urged to encourage returnees and urban residents to establish and operate agricultural ventures in rural areas, including cooperatives, family farms and leading agribusinesses, while promoting differentiated business models.

The plan also calls for deeper integration of vocational training and entrepreneurship coaching to create a seamless training system that helps skilled workers turn their expertise into business ventures.

Eligible participants will receive government training subsidies.

Authorities will also enhance efforts to cultivate entrepreneurship instructors and hold competitions to identify trainers who can combine technical expertise with entrepreneurial skills.

Local governments are directed to identify entrepreneurial opportunities in sectors serving everyday consumer needs, including food, entertainment, culture, fitness and healthcare.

Entrepreneurs will be encouraged to focus on affordable services for elderly people and young children, including caregiving, rehabilitation as well as home-visit services.

In addition, authorities will establish a database of key incubation projects that require relatively low investment, carry limited risk and can be adjusted easily. Promising projects with strong job-creation potential will receive support, including mentoring and resource coordination.

Local governments must also strengthen publicity and education on relevant laws and regulations, keep supervision and complaint channels open, protect entrepreneurs' legitimate rights and interests, and maintain a market environment conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship and fair competition, the circular said.