530: Chapter 528 The Future Research Fund Begins to Close the Net

"Scooping up so much, what kind of projects are they?"

Shen Fei was also very curious; after all, he really hadn't expected to shell out so much funding.

Although the United States has many parasites, such a large amount of funding still required some accountability.

"Don't worry, Boss, they are all concepts that their capital loves to hype up the most."

As someone who mixed in capital circles, Huang Tianya understood exactly what they needed.

Seeing Shen Fei's curious look, he listed a few:

"Boss, listen to these and see if they have any feasibility."

"For example, the underlying protocol for metaverse global perception, the commercialization of low-Earth orbit space funerals, quantum biological anti-aging targets, ethical frameworks for general large models... They all sound cutting-edge, but in reality, they can't be implemented within 10 years, and some are theoretically impossible."

Listening to the series of names that Huang Tianya recited, Shen Fei nodded; they had indeed scammed them out of a large sum.

"I see some of these project teams are from our country; didn't they suspect anything?"

"Suspect what?" Huang Tianya smiled. "We found teams backed by prestigious universities and led by star scholars. The PPTs were beautiful, and the stories were grandiose."

"Those investment institutions in the United States eat that stuff up."

"And we didn't participate in any of these, which is why they dared to dump so much capital into them."

"However, there is one thing: some projects were indeed snatched away by them."

"But don't worry, we have already established corresponding replacement teams on our side, so it won't affect our technological layout."

Shen Fei nodded; there were indeed some good projects in there, like that general large model concept, which was indeed a good one.

"Pay attention to that general large model thing; I feel like it's a trend."

Huang Tianya quickly took out a notebook and wrote it down; after all, the trends Shen Fei spoke of were definitely trends, and even more so, a bright path forward.

Shen Fei also carefully reviewed the projects that had been poached.

He rejected some projects directly; they were too fake and empty, with no competitiveness.

Soon, he turned his attention to Li Qing:

"The project matters are settled; just push forward according to the rhythm."

"We have never wanted just these basic projects. How is the poaching of the foreign experts participating in the selection going?"

Li Qing had also been preparing:

"Currently, among the 227 foreign experts participating in the foundation's core review, 72 have clearly expressed their willingness to come to China for development."

"It currently covers many fields such as materials science, chip architecture, operating systems, and industrial software. These are all high-end talents we need."

After Li Qing finished reporting, a mischievous smile appeared on Huang Tianya's face; now it was his turn to perform:

"Boss, the families of 46 of these people have already been brought to China under the guise of academic exchanges or tourism visits."

"They have already been settled in talent apartments in Shanghai or Shenzhen, and all their worries have been taken care of. We are just waiting for these research experts to come over."

"What about the rest?"

Speaking of this, Li Qing sighed again: "Boss, it's my incompetence. They are still sitting on the fence."

At this time, Shen Fei instead persuaded them: "The rest are all research talents from top universities; they must have their own concerns."

Li Qing nodded again: "That is indeed the case. They have expressed more than once their appreciation for our research environment here."

"But one reason is that they have lived in the United States for decades, and their academic circles, connections, and roots are all there, so they are reluctant to leave."

"Another is the worry about their families and students. After all, the United States can do anything when cornered."

"For example, Professor Brooks from MIT, a leading figure in the Silicon Valley semiconductor field. We have contacted him four or five times, and his attitude is always very vague."

Huang Tianya also confirmed: "These top scholars are mostly not short of money. The treatment the United States gives them is already very high, so you can't poach them with salary alone."

"What they care about most is the research environment and project leadership. After all, they are most comfortable using their own hands."

"Then give them autonomy," Shen Fei said very casually; after all, raising a few more people was nothing.

Universities are popular with 1+1 bundling; a company as big as theirs couldn't afford to raise them, which would be a laughingstock if said out loud.

"Tell those who are hesitating that as long as they are willing to come to China, in addition to their salaries, they can bring their own teams if they can."

"And if their families are willing to follow, we can help."

"But the families of the research team need to solve their own work."

"Secondly, our research funding here has no upper limit. I believe this is what they like most."

"What about those who have already refused?"

"Step up the efforts," Shen Fei was still that way of accepting everyone. "If these people are not in a hurry to sign an employment contract, think of a way to let them come as visiting scholars..."

"Stay for two or three months, take a look at our laboratory in person, experience it, and see what it feels like to do research without looking at the faces of politicians?"

Li Qing instantly understood his boss's meaning; after all, recently, because of these issues, the Midea side has been on edge.

Recently, it seems like something called the "CHIPS Act" has been created. The general idea is academic discrimination against China, and even projects by local scholars require military approval.

As for Chinese-American scientists, they are investigated at the drop of a hat.

People's hearts have long since scattered.

Even if China Star doesn't poach them, these people will scatter sooner or later. Rather than letting them find another way out, it's better to come to China Star and continue to play their residual heat.

"Speaking of Professor Brooks, he is coming to Shenzhen next week."

"He is coming specifically to handle the key special project for silicon-based semiconductors for the foundation and wants to communicate with the project team."

"He is an authority in this field, and this project was also launched by us."

"He advocated for pushing it forward at the time. I will personally connect with him then and strive to win him over in person."

Silicon-based semiconductors.

This project is indeed very important, and it is the real core project of the Transsion laboratory. But Professor Brooks is also very important, otherwise, he would not have allowed this project to appear on the market.

"This person is very important." Shen Fei's expression became heavy again. "Silicon-based semiconductors are also very important. Be sure to let him join the Transsion laboratory."

"With these technical giants, we can avoid at least three years of detours on this material."

"Li Qing, you must accomplish this. You can put all your current work aside."

"Understood."

Li Qing nodded, and Huang Tianya next to him also nodded, agreeing to cooperate when the time comes.

...

A week later, 6:30 AM, Shenzhen Bay Park.

The morning sea breeze blew the palm trees along the trail. For the 996 corporate slaves, this time was still early, but there were already many people jogging on the road.

David Brooks was one of them. He was wearing headphones and jogging in this park to exercise his body.

Although he had just landed last night and should have needed to adjust and rest, it was really uncomfortable not to run 5km in the morning.

Li Qing also saw him and quickened his pace to follow.