One hundred scientists received the Tencent Foundation's 2021 and 2022 Xplorer Prize for their research over the past two years on November 26. 

The Tencent Foundation created the prize in 2018 to encourage scientists younger than 45 to pursue their work in basic science and cutting-edge technology, ranging from mathematics to electronics. The award has funded 200 young scientists to date.

"Free exploration does not mean being a lonely warrior. It means being part of a team of like-minded scientists in the same field, with each of whom can be creative in their own position and cooperate with others to solve scientific problems together," said Fan Zhiyong, a 2022 Xplorer Prize winner and a researcher at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, whose work can help restore vision to the blind and protect the public from the threat of toxic and harmful gases. 

The prize is awarded annually to 50 scientists, and each winner will receive 3,000,000 yuan (about $418,150) over the next five years.

"The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has stressed that, 'We must regard science and technology as our primary productive force, talent as our primary resource and innovation as our primary driver of growth.' This makes us feel that it is the right time and a great opportunity for us to support young scientists to venture into 'no man's land' through the prize," said Xi Dan, senior vice president of Tencent.

Xue Qikun, president of the Southern University of Science and Technology, called for long-term and stable support for young scientists. 

Xue said there were many uncertainties in scientific research and that he hoped that with the development of the country's economy and society, more support would be given to young scientists so that they could better devote themselves to tackling key problems.

Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed invigorating China through science and education and developing a strong workforce for the modernization drive at the 20th National Congress of the CPC in October.

With joint efforts from government leaders, tech companies and scientists, the journey will likely be much easier.