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Program

NSFC Key Program

Supports Major concentrated-effort grants for high-priority basic research directions program.

The Key Program (重点项目) provides concentrated NSFC support for high-priority basic-research directions with established scientific foundations. Awards average approximately CNY 3,000,000 over 5 years — roughly 6x the General Program per project — for topics where accumulated knowledge warrants a concerted research push. Key Programs are submitted in the same annual concentrated-reception window as General Programs but require a stronger track record and a research direction of nationally recognized importance.

BiotechAIAdvanced MaterialsEnergy TechMedtechQuantumHardware
Max award—
Realistic medianCNÂĄ3M
Success rate—
Decision time—

No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Annual.

Last verified: 31 May 2026Source: www.nsfc.gov.cn