Dear leaders and colleagues:
RTAO has received notification from the Macau Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) that applications for the "2023 Funding Scheme for Scientific Research and Innovation" is opened on August 22, 2023. The funding categories include：Type C: for research projects with application-oriented scientific research findings, with funding amount exceeding MOP 3,000,000, but not exceeding MOP 5,000,000. Project Duration：Each project of Type C has a funding duration of 3 years, without prejudice to the application for continuous funding prescribed in Article XIV. The amount of continuous funding for the fourth and fifth years ranges from MOP 3,000,000 to MOP 5,000,000.
Requirements for Expected Project Findings
Type C:
1) The expected project findings shall include software, hardware (prototype, mock-up), technical standards, formulas, new materials, new technologies, etc., details refer to the attachment, and specify the potential economic or social benefits after the utilization of the project;
2) Upon project conclusion, the expected TRL of the project shall be TRL 5 or above after 3 years’ research duration; and TRL 6 or above after 5 years’ research duration.
Special Note：
- In terms of Types B or C, the research subject of project proposed shall align with the policy direction of the Macao SAR Government, current Five-Year Plan of Macao economic and social development, the Macao SAR Government’s Policy Address, related planning and programs of Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, etc., giving priority to the production of application-oriented scientific research findings.
- In terms of Type C, a 5-year project plan and corresponding budget must be provided.
- The funding scheme of Type C of 2023 includes two categories: “Technical Requirements Category” and “Application Development Category”, and the research projects shall cover the research contents and meet all assessment indicators in line with the corresponding guideline directions.
3.1 “Technical Requirements Category” is divided into two fields: “Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedicine” and “Big Data and Artificial Intelligence”, and each field includes a number of technical requirements put forward by enterprises or other application institutions. The applying entity shall carry out R&D catering to the relevant requirements.
3.2 “Application Development Category” is divided into three fields: “Biomedicine”, “Information Technology” and “Engineering and Materials”, and each field includes several specific research directions set by FDCT. The applying entity shall carry out technology R&D for practical applications in a specific research direction.
- Other indicators for research findings stated in the Application Guideline.
Please note that the other funding requirements and rules remain unchanged. For more details please check https://www.fdct.gov.mo/en/RIA.html. The application form shall be subject to the version provided by FDCT.
In addition, we would like to remind you that colleagues who are interested in applying for the application must fill out the online system（https://apps.fdct.gov.mo/subsidy/public/index.html#/）and obtain the approval from your Faculty/ Research Institute/ Research Supervisor of Department, then get the original recommendation form (including the opinions and signatures), as well as related attachments should be submitted on or before September 11, 2023 to RTAO.
Thank you for your kind attention. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.