The Qinchuangyuan innovation-driven platform is the largest incubator of practical applications of scientific and technological research in Shaanxi province. [Photo/Xi'an municipal government's WeChat public account]

Northwest China's Shaanxi province has decided to add the innovation-driven Qinchuangyuan award into the provincial sci-tech award framework, which previously included the top science and technology award, natural sciences award, technological invention award, science and technology improvement award, and international sci-tech cooperation award.

The new award came into effect on Dec 1.

The top science and technology awards are granted to scientists or researchers who have made huge contributions to sci-tech development and technology commercialization and industrialization, and have brought large economic, social or ecological interests to the province.

The award for natural sciences focuses on forward-looking and theoretical sci-tech breakthroughs, and is for those who have clarified natural phenomena and characteristics and made major scientific discoveries.

The newly-established innovation-driven Qinchuangyuan award gives more weight to exemplary entrepreneurs who have devoted much to technology transfers.

The international sci-tech cooperation award targets foreigners or foreign organizations who cooperate with Shaanxi in sci-tech innovation, talent cultivation, and sci-tech exchange.