East Lake High-tech Development Zone – which is also known as Optics Valley of China and is located in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province – began rolling out an innovative talent rewards program from the start of May.

Under the program, the zone will annually issue a total of 100 million yuan ($15.44 million) in special funds to top experts working in the zone, for three consecutive years.

The funds are designed for people in key industries and companies. These include areas such as optoelectronics information, the life and health sector, energy conservation and environmental protection, high-end equipment manufacturing, the modern services industry, integrated circuits and new displays and the digital economy.

The program emphasizes contributions to scientific and technological innovation and development.

To qualify for the rewards, the top people should be engaged in key areas relating to sci-tech R&D and the transformation of sci-tech achievements, industrial developments, international investment and trade, financial capital services, cross-border services – as well as the internet plus in key enterprises, units and R&D institutions.

Applicants can apply for the reward online. The program aims to attract the best people and offer streamlined services to them, according to zone officials.