China Unveils Plan To Boost Sci-Tech Insurance System
China has unveiled a new set of measures aimed at strengthening its sci-tech insurance system, as part of efforts to support innovation and advance technological self-reliance.
The guideline, jointly issued by multiple government departments including the Ministry of Science and Technology and financial regulators, outlines 20 measures across six key areas. These include support for major national technology projects, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strategic sectors.
Officials said the initiative is designed to position insurance as a stabilising force in the innovation process, helping manage risks associated with high-cost and uncertain research and development.
Focus on SMEs and key innovation regions
The plan emphasises expanding insurance coverage for technology-based SMEs, offering more flexible products tailored to emerging business models. These include arrangements that support commercialisation of new technologies.
It also highlights the need to strengthen insurance services in major innovation hubs such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta and the Greater Bay Area.
Support for frontier technologies
The guideline places strong emphasis on developing insurance products for advanced sectors including artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, quantum technology and brain-computer interfaces.
Authorities aim to improve underwriting, claims services and the broader ecosystem supporting innovation, while clarifying key aspects such as coverage scope and target beneficiaries.
Rapid growth but challenges remain
China’s sci-tech insurance sector has expanded quickly. By September 2025, insurers had provided over 10 trillion yuan in risk coverage for technology research and development.
Premium income in the sector rose sharply, reflecting growing demand for financial tools to support innovation. Insurance funds have also been increasingly directed towards technology investment.
However, experts note that long-term sustainability remains a challenge, with insurers needing to balance risk management and financial stability while supporting high-risk technology ventures.
