National Key R&D Programs (国家重点研发计划)

National Key R&D Programs

Offers Chinese organizations support through National Key programs for mission oriented technology projects moving toward practical use.

China's National Key R&D Programs (国家重点研发计划, NKP) are the primary competitive merit-based grant mechanism administered by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) for applied and translational research aligned with national strategic priorities. Established in 2016 by consolidating several predecessor programs including the 863 and 973 Programs, the NKP operates through multiple thematic sub-programs — covering areas such as advanced manufacturing, new materials, energy, agriculture, health, and environmental technology — each of which issues its own annual call governed by a published program guide (专项指南). Applications are submitted through the National S&T Management Information System public service platform at service.most.gov.cn.

Eligible applicants include Chinese universities, research institutes, state-affiliated enterprises, and technology-based SMEs, as well as consortia combining multiple institutions. Each sub-program guide specifies the thematic focus for that call cycle, the award ceiling, co-funding requirements, and project duration, with project terms typically ranging from three to five years. The NKP is explicitly designed to address applied research and pre-commercial development rather than fundamental science, which is primarily funded separately through the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). MOST retained direct administration of the NKP following its 2023 institutional reorganization, which transferred some affiliated functions to other ministries while keeping strategic program oversight within MOST.

Call windows open at varying times throughout the year depending on the sub-program, with most thematic program guides published in the first quarter of the calendar year and submission windows typically running between early spring and midsummer. Award values differ substantially across sub-programs and project categories, and specific ceilings are published in each program guide. Chinese research institutions and enterprises interested in applying should monitor the service.most.gov.cn portal and MOST's official announcements for current open calls.