Applications open for 2025 Shanghai Science & Technology 35 Under 35 program

The 2025 Shanghai Science & Technology 35 Under 35 program is now accepting applications. This annual initiative aims to recognize and support young talents under the age of 35 who have made outstanding achievements in scientific and technological innovation. A total of 35 winners will be selected, along with 15 finalists who will receive nomination awards.

How to apply

Applicants can submit materials online through the official website. The deadline is 4:30 pm on Aug 31, 2025. Paper submissions are not accepted.

Eligibility

Candidate must:

1. Uphold scientific ethics and have no history of violating national laws or endangering public interests.

2. Be born on or after Jan 1, 1990 (under 35 as of Jan 1, 2025).

3. Have led at least one research project or founded at least one company based in Shanghai or the Yangtze River Delta Integration Demonstration Zone (Qingpu district in Shanghai, Wujiang district in Suzhou, Jiangsu province; or Jiashan district in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province).

4. Demonstrate forward-looking, disruptive, or socially beneficial scientific research or technological innovation originating primarily from Shanghai or the demonstration zone.

5. Be the primary contributor and original proposer of the academic achievements or innovative products submitted for evaluation.

Fields for application

Applicants can submit their work in one of the following four categories:

1. Global frontiers of science and technology

Explore the unknown, pioneering and challenging areas, and constantly push the boundaries of human understanding.

2. National economic development

Drive the deep integration of technological innovation with economic and social progress, turning breakthroughs into real-world productivity.

3. Major national needs

Achieve breakthroughs in key technologies, lead scientific innovation, and secure a decisive edge in international competition.

4. Public health and safety

Prioritize human life by advancing technologies and innovations that enhance public health, safety, and well-being.

Ways to apply

• Nomination: Each previous 35 Under 35 winner may nominate one applicant.
• Self-recommendation: Applicants can apply independently, but must include a recommendation from an expert in the same field.

Applicants can choose either method.

Required documents

1. Personal information

A copy of your valid ID card or passport.

2. Personal innovation statement

• A brief statement of no more than 50 words explaining why you are applying.
• A detailed explanation of your innovation, up to 2000 words. It should clearly describe the core content of your work, its key innovations, scientific value, and impact on your field.

Note: Applications are reviewed in Chinese, so even if you submit in English, a Chinese translation is strongly recommended.

3. A recommendation from a previous winner or an expert in your field, limited to 500 Chinese characters. The letter should include the recommender's comments, signature, and basic information.

Please note that advisors, close relatives, or others with a conflict of interest should not act as recommenders.

4. Supporting materials

• A paper or patent showing the first publication of your core achievement
• Another paper or patent highlighting the most important aspect of your work
• Evidence of recognition from top academic journals or conferences
• Proof of real-world application or implementation of your scientific achievements

You may submit up to five files, in PDF, JPG, or PNG format only.

Timeline

Application deadline

Submit your materials online by 4:30 pm on Aug 31, 2025. A formal review of your submission will be conducted simultaneously.

Preliminary review (Aug 31 to Oct 15, 2025)

Applicants will be grouped by technical field, with five to seven people per group. After the review, 100 candidates will be shortlisted to advance to the final round.

Final evaluation (Oct 16 to Nov 31, 2025)

A panel of top experts, including academicians, university presidents, senior professors, and leading CEOs and CTOs, will conduct in-person interviews to select 35 winners and 15 nominees.

Approval

In December 2025, the final list will be reviewed and approved by the program's guiding organizations, followed by a public announcement of the awardees.

Award ceremony

Following the approval announcement, winners will be officially revealed and honored at an award ceremony.

Contact

Contact person: Liu Jiepei

Phone: 021-2419-7688

Email: sat35u35@stcsm.sh.gov.cn

Address:

Secretariat of the Shanghai Association of Young Talent in Science and Technology

Room 1002, No 1525 West Zhongshan Road, Xuhui district, Shanghai