1. Introduction

The Institute for Digital Economy & Artificial Systems (IDEAS) is a public welfare Category II institution jointly established by the Xiamen Municipal People’s Government, Xiamen University, and Lomonosov Moscow State University under the framework of the BRICS New Industrial Revolution Partnership. IDEAS is dedicated to international innovation achievement transformation and talent cultivation for industrialization, serving as a new-type R&D institution, university think tank, technology incubator, and overseas experts’ workstation.

2. Incubation Program Overview

IDEAS invites applications from universities, research institutes, and enterprises worldwide—especially from BRICS and “BRICS+” countries—to submit innovative projects for industrialization. This program focuses on supporting projects that can be rapidly industrialized at the BRICS Innovation Base in Xiamen.

3. Incubation Project Objectives

This program is designed to support innovative projects and technology-driven enterprises from all BRICS and “BRICS+” countries, regardless of their stage of development. The initiative welcomes a wide range of participants, including early-stage innovation teams, research groups with completed R&D results, and companies seeking to accelerate the international commercialization of their products or solutions. The program aims to foster cross-border technological cooperation, promote the localization and commercialization of advanced solutions in the Chinese and broader BRICS markets, and encourage collaboration with academic and industry partners. Projects with strong potential for industrial application, international market expansion, and support from the academic or research community are especially encouraged to apply.

4. Key Supported Areas (Project Types)

The IDEAS Project Incubation Program supports a wide spectrum of innovation and industrialization projects at all stages of development. The program encourages cross-border collaboration among universities, research institutes, and enterprises, with a focus on rapid industrialization and market impact at the BRICS Innovation Base in Xiamen.

Supported project types and priority areas include:

i. Research & Development and Technology Transformation Projects

• Projects addressing major challenges in the global digital economy, BRICS economies, the “Belt and Road” initiative, and the development of Fujian Province and Xiamen City.
• Focus on enterprise needs and key technical problems within the “4+4+6” modern industrial system, including but not limited to:

• Biomedicine and healthcare technologies
• New energy and energy storage
• Advanced materials
• Third-generation semiconductors
• Hydrogen technologies
• Deep-sea and space research
  • Emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of scientific research resources, with the goal of achieving technological breakthroughs and industrial upgrading.

ii. Industrialization of Foundational and Applied Artificial Intelligence Technologies

• Natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, intelligent computing services, and industry-specific large models.
• Development and deployment of intelligent software systems (e.g., AI programming languages, intelligent software engineering, smart human-computer interfaces).
• Industrialization of intelligent hardware systems, including smart storage and computing devices, intelligent equipment, smart factories, wearables, smart home devices, automotive systems, smart healthcare, and unmanned systems.

iii. Localization and Commercialization Projects

• Transfer and localization of high-tech projects with industrial value and commercialization potential to Xiamen, leveraging the strengths of leading BRICS research institutions such as Lomonosov Moscow State University and Xiamen University.
• Projects that facilitate the rapid commercialization and scaling of innovative solutions in the Chinese and BRICS markets.

iv. Key Technologies for Typical Application Scenarios

• Digital technology integration for new product R&D, adoption of new technologies in key industries, and the development of future industries.
• Provision of digital products, technologies, and solutions for typical application scenarios (refer to the “Intelligent Manufacturing Typical Scenarios Reference Guide, 2024”).
• AI-enabled solutions supporting policy, economic, scientific, and cultural exchanges among BRICS countries.

v. Other Innovative Projects

• Projects that demonstrate strong innovation, representativeness, demonstrative effect, and practical impact.
• Initiatives that adopt new technologies or business models to promote digitalization and intelligent transformation of industries, and that actively contribute to technological innovation and cooperation among BRICS countries.

Note:
All projects must demonstrate clear potential for industrialization, international market expansion, and positive impact on the BRICS Innovation Base. Collaboration with academic and industry partners is strongly encouraged.

5. Application Requirements

• Eligibility:The program is open to all BRICS countries and encourages participation from “BRICS+” nations.
• Team Requirements:Project leaders must hold a senior professional title (or equivalent in BRICS countries). Teams must include at least two members with associate senior titles. At least 40% of the research team must conduct their work in Xiamen during the project period. Non-Chinese citizens working in Xiamen must comply with Chinese laws and regulations.
• Project Requirements:Projects should demonstrate strong innovation, representativeness, demonstrative effect, and practical impact. Priority is given to projects adopting new technologies or models that promote digital and intelligent industrial development and facilitate BRICS technology innovation.
• Intellectual Property:Applicants must ensure no IP disputes exist for the project’s prior research and must submit a technology novelty search report.
• Integrity:Teams must have no record of research misconduct or credit blacklisting. Projects may not simultaneously apply for similar government funding.

6. Funding Plan

• Maximum Funding:Up to RMB 3 million per project.
• Funding Period:No more than 3 years, depending on project type.
• Expenditure:70% for R&D expenses, 30% for company start-up funds (detailed in the project budget).

7. Application Process

• Submission:Teams must complete the Project Application Form and the Project Commitment Letter. Submit both the signed, stamped scanned copy and the editable Word version by June 15, 2025, to transform@ideas-brics.org / srrcde@xmu.edu.cn. IDEAS accepts applications year-round and conducts project reviews periodically.
• Contacts Information:

• For Chinese Projects:Zhong Xupeng, Fang Fang. Tel: +86-0592-5032896
• For International Projects (including BRICS and “BRICS+” countries): Shameem A. Nawber, Vlad, Sofia Tel: +86-0592-5032896

8. Review Process

The review and approval process for the IDEAS Project Incubation Program is comprehensive and multi-staged, ensuring that all applications are evaluated rigorously for quality, feasibility, and alignment with program objectives. The process includes the following steps:

1. Format Review
   All submitted materials are checked for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with the required documentation standards. Applications that do not meet the basic format and submission requirements will not proceed to further review stages.
2. Technical Feasibility Review
   A panel of technical experts evaluates the scientific and technological soundness of the project, its innovation level, and the feasibility of achieving the proposed objectives within the specified timeframe and budget.

• Investment Audit Committee Review
  The Investment Audit Committee conducts a financial and risk assessment, reviewing the project’s budget, funding allocation, and potential return on investment. This step ensures the responsible and effective use of program funds.

1. Expert Committee Review
   An independent committee of subject matter experts conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the project’s innovation, industrialization potential, and expected impact. This review may include both written assessments and in-person presentations or interviews.
2. Board of Directors Approval
   The Board of Directors of IDEAS reviews the recommendations from previous stages and makes the final decision on project approval, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of the Institute and the BRICS Innovation Base.
3. Contract Signing
   Upon approval, the project team and IDEAS will sign a formal contract (Project Task Book) outlining the funding terms, project milestones, intellectual property arrangements, and other relevant obligations.

Note:

• The review process is conducted in batches, with the current round of evaluations commencing on June 16, 2025.
• Applications are accepted year-round, and project reviews are organized periodically.

9. Project and Funding Stages

• R&D Period:6 months to 2 years, as set by the team.
• Company Registration:Parallel to R&D, with registration in Xiamen upon funding.
• Commercialization:5-year period after contract signing and company registration.
• Funding Disbursement:Two stages during R&D (after contract signing and after mid-term evaluation). After company registration, the team receives IP rights. If commercialization in the first year reaches RMB 200,000, the team receives 30% of the funding.

10. Expected Results

• Complete R&D work according to the team’s indicators and schedule.
• Register a company in Xiamen.
• Integrate R&D results into a company (for technology transformation projects).
• Commercialize R&D results, with annual targets set for five years in the contract.
• Companies that achieve successful commercialization must, after five years, provide IDEAS with a charitable donation equal to the funding received, supporting further development or joint projects.

11. Intellectual Property

• Scope:Includes patents, know-how, new plant/animal varieties, trademarks, new drug certificates, products and solutions (software, publications, reports, designs, models, audiovisual works), data, virtual property, and other property rights.
• Attribution:During R&D, IDEAS holds IP rights. After R&D, IP will be shared by IDEAS and the company per agreement.

12. Documentation Requirements

• Authenticity:All information must be true and accurate. Falsification, exaggeration, or concealment will result in disqualification and possible legal liability.
• Completeness:All required materials must be provided, strictly following the application form, with supporting attachments.
• Compliance:All content must comply with the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China.

1. Attachments

1. Project Application Form
2. Project Commitment Letter (Project Task Book)
3. Project Review Flowchart (Application Process Map)

Institute for Digital Economy & Artificial Systems (IDEAS)
April 15, 2025