Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China

Runs China's national science strategy through coordination, international partnerships, and policy mechanisms that guide major innovation funding.

The Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China is China's central science-and-technology ministry and the main national policy owner for strategic R&D funding. After the 2023 reorganization, its direct grant role narrowed, but it remains the coordinator for national programs, international cooperation, S&T awards, and the Torch policy system.

Its live funding families include the National Key R&D Programs, the National S&T Major Projects, the Innovation 2030 megaprojects, and intergovernmental international cooperation calls. The record places the active sector focus on quantum, fusion, energy, climate, AI infrastructure, hardware, manufacturing, materials, biotech, and semiconductors, all funded in CNY through the national project portal operated by ISTIC.

For applicants, MOST is a route for Chinese institutions working inside national priority agendas, not a broad open call for foreign teams or commercial startups. The strongest match is a university, institute, or enterprise that can fit a mission-led topic, clear government review, and work through the service platform rather than through an ordinary agency inbox.