On July 8, 2026, the 2025 State Science and Technology Awards Conference was grandly held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, President of the People’s Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the conference, presented awards to laureates of the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award and other winners, and delivered an important speech.

General Secretary Xi emphasized that the period covered by the 15th Five-Year Plan marks a critical stage for advancing the building of a country strong in science and technology. We must seize historic opportunities, rise to the challenges of our times, accelerate the achievement of high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology, forge ahead firmly toward the goal of building a country strong in science and technology by 2035, and underpin and guide Chinese modernization with solid scientific and technological innovation.

This annual flagship event for China’s science and technology community represents the highest recognition for researchers nationwide who devote themselves to tackling key technical challenges and scaling new heights in scientific exploration. A total of 258 projects were honored this year, including 51 projects under the National Natural Science Award (3 First Prizes and 48 Second Prizes), which embodies the highest standard of China’s basic research; 58 projects under the National Technological Invention Award; and 149 projects under the National Science and Technology Progress Award. The review threshold was exceptionally high, with unprecedentedly fierce competition this year.

Among the distinguished list of awardees stand two investee companies of Efung Capital—CoreMed and Bioao Technology—along with Cai Yujia, founder of BenGene Therapeutics.

List of Award Winners

CoreMed

Award-winning Project: Establishment, Application and Promotion of Key Surgical Technologies for Severe Heart Failure 2025 Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award

Bioao Technology

Award-winning Project: Development and Application of a Key Technical System Uncovering Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Failure 2025 Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award

Cai Yujia, Founder of BenGene Therapeutics

Award-winning Project: Development and Clinical Application of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for Blindness-Causing Complex Retinal Diseases

A senior official from the National Office for Science & Technology Awards stated that, judging from the overall pool of awardees and achievements, the 2025 State Science and Technology Awards feature three standout characteristics: advancing in cutting-edge basic research to consolidate the foundation of scientific and technological innovation; addressing national strategic demands to boost independent innovation capacity; and focusing on people’s most pressing health and livelihood concerns to improve wellbeing for all households.

From laboratory breakthroughs to industrialization, from technical innovations to national-level official recognition, these honors not only validate the years of deep-rooted R&D efforts of the above enterprises, but also bear witness to sustained fruitful returns from Efung Capital’s long-term commitment to early-stage hard tech investment. Looking ahead, Efung Capital will stay true to its original aspiration, uphold profound respect for national scientific and technological advancement, act as a steadfast guardian of hard technologies, fuel scientific innovation with capital power, and jointly realize the Chinese Dream of Healthy China!

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