On June 26, Beijing Municipal Administrative Center (BMC) officially unveiled the “Grand Canal Talent Program 2.0”. The upgraded program offers over 4,000 talent apartments across the core area and key industrial parks, alongside more than 20 exclusive services such as the “Grand Canal Talent Card” and “New Youth Night School”, creating a welcoming urban ecosystem where young professionals can arrive, settle, and thrive.

Comprehensive Support System Upgraded to Strengthen Talent Development

The “Grand Canal Talent Program 2.0” aligns with BMC’s functional orientation and high-quality development goals by establishing a multi-level, full-spectrum support system covering housing, employment, and personal development.

In terms of financial incentives, the policy fully leverages its motivational role. Newly selected “Grand Canal Talents” will receive corresponding financial rewards based on their tier and contributions. Meanwhile, a dynamic reward enhancement mechanism has been introduced: those who advance in talent tiers will receive additional subsidies accordingly, thereby inspiring continuous excellence and breakthrough innovation.

For housing support, a flexible “dual-track” rental subsidy model has been innovatively designed for young reserve talents without housing in Tongzhou District. Those choosing to live in talent apartments may enjoy preferential rates; those opting for rental subsidies may lease housing on the open market within the district and receive partial rent coverage. At present, over 4,000 talent apartments have been reserved, with nearly 2,000 units ready for immediate use. Further housing resources will be allocated based on demand. These apartments also extend to the vicinity of key industrial zones such as the National Cyber-security Park (Tongzhou Park) and the Yujiawu International Seed Technology Park, precisely addressing the residential needs of enterprise-affiliated talents and ensuring a harmonious work-life balance.

In the field of scientific and technological innovation, policy serves as a strong pillar supporting talent-driven research. Outstanding teams and exceptional young scientists in the field of scientific and technological innovation receive annual support through project-based funding mechanisms. For eligible postdoctoral researchers entering certified postdoctoral research workstations, both research funding and living allowances are provided. Individuals who secure provincial-level / department-level or higher project funding or recognition receive one-time financial rewards. Those qualified postdoctoral researchers who choose to continue innovating and starting businesses in BMC are also eligible for a one-time relocation subsidy.

In the realm of public services, the focus is on efficiency and convenience, delivering a truly “fast-track experience” for talent. A dedicated express channel for government services is provided, offering proxy and assisted handling of administrative approval procedures for employers, including business registration, taxation, finance, banking, and human resources services. The processing of the Beijing Work and Residence Permit is streamlined through an on-demand, immediate approval mechanism. BMC warmly welcomes foreign professionals, offering a range of facilitated entry-exit services, including joint application procedures for the Foreigner’s Work Permit and Residence Permit, instant issuance of entry-exit documents, and simplified processes for salary remittance and foreign exchange purchases.

Precision Support for Five Key Talent Groups with Customized Development Pathways

The “Grand Canal Talent Program 2.0” tailors its support strategies based on the specific needs and characteristics of five categories of talent—strategic, industrial, international, entrepreneurial, and youth talents—implementing precision-targeted policies to design customized development pathways for each.

For strategic talent, a customized model of scientific research support is in place. BMC offers a “case-by-case” approach that includes organizing research teams, managing basic research projects, and providing access to local R&D programs and funding, based on specific needs.

For industrial talent, the government provides a fast-track service package, closely aligned with BMC’s functional positioning and high-quality development goals. The focus is on six key sectors—digital economy, modern finance, advanced manufacturing, business services, culture and tourism, and modern seed industry—with enhanced training programs targeting urgently needed, highly skilled professionals.

For international talent, BMC is committed to fostering global engagement. This includes invitations to major conferences, forums, and events, and provision of shared meeting rooms and event spaces for organizing their own activities.

For innovation and entrepreneurship talent, a comprehensive one-stop support system is provided. This includes startup guidance, incubation matchmaking, office space, patent evaluation, commercialization path design, technical solution visualization, and seed funding for commercialization.

For youth talents, recognized as the driving force of innovation, the program offers broad development opportunities. A dedicated policy—Implementation Guidelines on Supporting Young Reserve Talents in BMC (Trial)—has been introduced, offering multi-dimensional safeguards and pathways to foster their growth and success.

Fostering Fertile Ground for Youth Development and Building a Youth-Friendly City Full of Vitality

The new policy demonstrates three prominent features. First, it upgrades the level of support by extending its focus beyond basic living guarantees such as housing to a comprehensive system encompassing housing, employment, and personal development. Second, it delivers targeted empowerment by providing differentiated measures tailored to the specific needs of key talent groups. Third, it expands its coverage to include the broader population of young professionals, offering support in areas such as housing, culture and tourism, and leisure, thereby striving to cultivate a talent-friendly environment that is both welcoming and aspirational.

In addition, the accompanying Implementation Guidelines on Supporting Young Reserve Talents in BMC (Trial) establishes an express pathway for youth development. Growth is empowered through a range of activities, including signature programs such as “BMC and Me – New Youth Night School,” the “Youth Innovation in Beijing” Entrepreneurship Competition, and the “BMC and Me – Young Achievers” internship initiative. These are further complemented by career development lectures, networking salons, and on-site visits, helping young talent broaden their perspectives and enhance their capabilities. Excellence is incentivized through competitive rewards: young professionals who receive prizes in international, national, or municipal vocational skills competitions are granted one-time financial awards based on competition rankings.

In terms of supporting services, certified young reserve talents may apply for the “Grand Canal Talent Card,” which provides access to exclusive services in cultural tourism, mobility, finance, and legal affairs. Social and professional integration is further facilitated through events such as networking meetups, outdoor development activities, and creative markets organized in collaboration with enterprises, research institutes, and universities. Young talents are also entitled to a 40% discount on tickets for major cultural performances hosted by Tongzhou District and enjoy priority participation in marathons and other fitness events, meeting their desire for a quality and enjoyable urban lifestyle.