Overview of Hainan Province’s Innovation Program for High-Tech Enterprises

Hainan Province, known for its commitment to developing innovation and technology, is taking a major stride forward with its “Innovation Program” for high-tech enterprises. The initiative aims to foster growth and development in the region’s high-tech sector, offering substantial funding measures and incentives to eligible businesses.

This innovative program, outlined in the “Implementation Details for Incentive Management in Hainan Province’s High-Tech Enterprises Innovation Program” (Qiongke Regulation [2022] No. 21), has garnered significant attention and is hoped to be a driving force in the development of technology and innovation in the province.

Three Categories of High-Tech Enterprises Eligible for Subsidies in Hainan

Under the program, three categories of high-tech enterprises are eligible for subsidies based on their actual research and development (R&D) investment exceeding 3% of their sales revenue. Seed enterprises, known for their potential and innovative breakthroughs, can receive subsidies of up to 3 million yuan. Gazelle enterprises, which have demonstrated rapid growth and promising prospects, are eligible for subsidies of up to 5 million yuan. Leading enterprises, at the forefront of technological advancements, can receive an impressive subsidy of up to 10 million yuan. These subsidies are calculated as 15% of the R&D investment that exceeds the 3% threshold.

To qualify for inclusion in the initiative, high-tech enterprises in Hainan Province must hold a valid business license. The program aims to support enterprises across different development stages, levels, and goals, prioritizing those with exemplary innovation capabilities, advanced R&D levels, and notable development statuses.

In addition, support is extended to three strategic emerging industries: the digital economy, petrochemical new materials, and modern biomedicine. The future industries of southern seed breeding, deep-sea exploration, and aerospace are also included, with relaxed application requirements for enterprises operating in these relevant fields.

Recognizing excellence and achievements, the program offers certain privileges to enterprises that have won provincial or national innovation and entrepreneurship competitions, received provincial, ministerial, or national-level scientific and technological awards, or have played a leading role in organizing and implementing national science and technology programs or major provincial scientific and technological programs. Such enterprises may benefit from lowered requirements based on their specific application category.

Subsidy Details for Seed Enterprises in Hainan

The application requirements for each category of high-tech enterprise are stringent yet tailored to ensure eligibility for deserving candidates. For “Seed Enterprises,” the criteria include a minimum operating income of 5 million yuan in the previous year, original technology in specific niche fields, leading production technology, processes, and product quality performance in the province, along with a strong R&D team. A compound annual growth rate of operating income exceeding 10% over the past three years and an average R&D investment intensity of at least 4% are also required. The maximum subsidy for Seed Enterprises is set at 3 million yuan.

Subsidy Criteria and Requirements for Gazelle Enterprises in Hainan

Gazelle Enterprises, which have shown positive growth in revenue and net profit, must meet various benchmarks to be eligible. The compound annual growth rate of revenue differs based on the revenue range, ranging from 20% for revenue between 10 million and 100 million yuan, 15% for revenue between 100 million and 500 million yuan, to 10% for revenue exceeding 500 million yuan. An average R&D investment intensity of at least 4% and the acquisition of valuable independent intellectual property in the relevant industry over the past three years are also prerequisites. Gazelle Enterprises can receive subsidies of up to 5 million yuan based on their R&D investment exceeding 3% of sales revenue.

Subsidy Allocation and Criteria for Leading Enterprises in Hainan

Leading Enterprises, characterized by their strong collaborations with universities, research institutions, international science and technology organizations, and renowned brands, play a pivotal role in driving innovation throughout the industry chain. To qualify, these enterprises must have an annual operating income of at least 500 million yuan and demonstrate positive compound growth trends in key economic indicators such as R&D investment, main business income, taxes paid, and net profit over the past three years.

The ownership of independent core intellectual property rights, sustained ability to create intellectual property, and transform research outcomes are crucial considerations. Moreover, an average R&D investment intensity of at least 3% is required. Leading Enterprises are eligible for a maximum subsidy of 10 million yuan.

Priority for High-Tech Enterprises in Hainan

Hainan Province’s “Innovation Program” for high-tech enterprises presents an unique opportunity for businesses to thrive in an innovation-driven ecosystem. With substantial subsidies and relaxed application requirements in relevant fields, the program seeks to propel Hainan Province to the forefront of technological advancement and economic growth. As the province embraces the future, this initiative takes a firm step towards establishing Hainan as a hub of innovation and an opportunity for high-tech enterprises.

This article provides an interpretation of the policies outlined in the Foreign Experts Program in Hainan Province based on the official Chinese text, (below). For more information, contact Business@tropicalhainan.com

Official policy in Chinese:

高新技术企业“精英行动

《海南省高新技术企业“精英行动”奖励管理实施细则》（琼科规〔2022〕21号）

资助措施：按照实际研发投入超过销售收入3%部分的15%对种子企业、瞪羚企业、领军企业分别给予最高300万元、500万元、1000万元的补贴。

高新技术企业“精英行动”

《海南省高新技术企业“精英行动”实施方案（修订）》（琼科〔2022〕177号）

面向对象：海南省有效期内的高新技术企业

补贴额度：按实际研发投入超过销售收入3%部分的15%对种子企业、瞪羚企业、领军企业分别给予最高300万、500万、1000万补贴。

入库要求：

按照企业的不同发展阶段、层次及培育发展目标，从创新能力、研发水平、发展状况等方面分层次择优培育一批标杆企业；

支持数字经济、石油化工新材料和现代生物医药等三大战略新兴产业以及南繁、深海、航天三大未来产业发展，相关领域企业的申请条件可以适当放宽；

获得省级、国家级创新创业大赛或省部级、国家级科技奖励或牵头组织实施国家科技计划项目、省内重大科技计划项目的企业根据申请类别可适当降低要求。

（一）“种子企业”申请条件：

上一年营业收入≥500万元；

在特定细分领域拥有独创技术；

生产技术、工艺及产品质量性能居省内领先地位，具有较好的品牌影响力及较强的研发团队；

近三年营业收入复合增长率≥10%；

近三年平均研发投入强度（三年研发投入总和/三年营业收入总和）≥4%。

补贴额度：按照实际研发投入超过销售收入3%部分的15%给予最高300万元补贴。

（二）“瞪羚企业”申请条件：

近三年营业收入和净利润均保持正增长；

近三年营业收入复合增长率（上一年度营业收入在1000万元（含）~1亿元（不含）之间【≥20%】、1亿元（含）~5亿元（不含）之间【≥15%】以及5亿元及以上【≥10%】）；

近三年平均研发投入强度≥4%；

近三年内取得相关产业领域内含金量较高的自主知识产权；

研发人员占企业职工人数≥10%，且三年复合呈正增长。

补贴额度：按照实际研发投入超过销售收入3%部分的15%给予最高500万元补贴。

（三）“领军企业”申请条件：

拥有知名品牌，产学研合作和国际科技合作能力较强；

上一年营业收入原则在5亿元以上；

研发投入、主营业务收入、实缴税金和净利等主要经济指标近三年保持复合正增长；

拥有自主研发核心知识产权，并具有持续的知识产权创造和成果转化能力；

近三年平均研发投入强度≥3%；

具有显著的产业链创新辐射带动作用，一般为领域内龙头企业。

补贴额度：按照实际研发投入超过销售收入3%部分的15%给予最高1000万元补贴。

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