Shockingly, a counterfeit factory has produced a 3-nanometer chip.

Chapter 528 The Future Research Fund Begins to Close the Net

"What kinds of projects are all these?"

Shen Fei was also very curious, after all, he really didn't expect to spend so much money.

Although there are many corrupt officials in the United States, there still needs to be an explanation for how much money was involved.

"Don't worry, boss, these are all concepts that capitalists love to hype up."

As someone who's been involved in the capital circle, Huang Tianya knows all too well what they need.

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

"Boss, listen to this and see if it's feasible."

For example, the underlying protocol for meta-universe-wide perception, the commercialization of near-Earth orbit space funeral services, quantum biological anti-aging targets, and the ethical framework of a general large model...

These all sound like forward-looking theories, but in reality, they won't be implemented within the next 10 years, and some are even theoretically impossible.

Hearing the series of names Huang Tianya brought up, Shen Fei nodded in agreement; they had indeed been swindled out of a large sum of money.

"I noticed some of the project teams here are from China. Didn't they have any suspicions?"

"Doubt what?" Huang Tianya smiled. "We only hired teams with prestigious universities backing them and celebrity scholars leading them. The PPTs were beautifully made, and the stories they told were very grand."

American investment institutions fall for this kind of thing.

Moreover, none of us were involved, which is why they dared to pour so much money into it.

However, there is one thing: they did indeed snatch some projects away.

But rest assured, we have already established a corresponding replacement team, so it will not affect our technological strategy.

Shen Fei nodded. There were indeed some good projects here, such as the general-purpose large model, which was a really good concept.

"You should pay attention to that general-purpose large model thing; I feel like it's going to be a hot trend."

Huang Tianya quickly took out his notebook and wrote it down. After all, the opportunity Shen Fei mentioned was definitely an opportunity, and a bright future.

Shen Fei also carefully examined those projects that had been poached.

He rejected some projects outright, as they were too grandiose and uncompetitive.

He quickly turned his attention to Li Qing:

"That's how things are with the project; just keep it on track."

"What we've never wanted are these basic projects. How's the recruitment of foreign experts involved in the selection process going?"

Li Qing was also preparing just now:

"Of the 227 foreign experts currently participating in the foundation's core review, 72 have clearly expressed their willingness to develop in China."

Currently, the field covers multiple areas such as materials science, chip architecture, operating systems, and industrial software—all of which are high-end talents we need.

After Li Qing finished his report, a wicked smile crept onto Huang Tianya's face. Now it was time to see what he would do next.

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

They've already been settled in talent apartments in Shanghai or Shenzhen, and all their concerns have been addressed. All that's missing is for these research experts to arrive.

"What about the rest?"

At this point, Li Qing sighed again: "The boss said it was my fault for not handling things well, and they are still observing."

At this point, Shen Fei instead tried to persuade them: "The rest are all top-tier research talents from universities, and they must have their own concerns."

Li Qing nodded again: "That's true. They have expressed their liking for our research environment more than once."

However, one reason is that they have lived in America for decades, and their academic circles, connections, and roots are all there, so they are reluctant to leave.

Another concern is for my family and students; after all, people in America are desperate and capable of anything.

"For example, Professor Brooks from MIT, a titan in the Silicon Valley semiconductor field, we've contacted him four or five times, and each time his attitude has been very vague."

Huang Tianya also confirmed this: "Most of these top scholars are not short of money. The United States has already given them very high salaries, and they cannot be poached by salary alone."

What they care about most is the research environment and project leadership; after all, they're most comfortable using their own equipment.

"Then give them autonomy," Shen Fei said casually, after all, it's just a matter of supporting a few more people, it's not a big deal.

Universities are all about "1+1" partnerships; how can such a large company not afford to support its employees? Aren't they afraid of being laughed at?

"Tell those who are hesitant that as long as they are willing to come to China, in addition to their salaries, they can bring over any team members they can lead."

Furthermore, if family members are willing to come along, we can also provide assistance.

However, the research team members' family members need to find their own jobs.

Secondly, there's no cap on our R&D funding, which I believe is what they like most.

"What about those who have already refused?"

"Go all out," Shen Fei said, still with his usual indifferent attitude. "If these people aren't in a rush to sign employment contracts, we can think of a way to get them to come as visiting scholars."

"Spend two or three months there, see our lab with your own eyes, and experience what it's like to do research without having to worry about politicians."

Li Qing instantly understood what his boss meant. After all, recently, because of these issues, Midea's stores had become extremely wary.

Recently, something called the "Chip Act" seems to have been introduced. The general idea is to exclude Chinese scholars from academia, requiring even projects by local scholars to be approved by the military.

As for Chinese scientists, they are almost always investigated.

People's hearts have long since fallen apart.

Even if Huaxing doesn't poach them, these people will eventually leave anyway. Rather than letting them find other ways out, it's better for them to come to Huaxing and continue to contribute their remaining energy.

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

I specialize in reviewing key projects related to silicon-based semiconductors from the foundation and would like to communicate with the project team.

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

He advocated for pushing it forward at the time, and I planned to personally coordinate with him and try to win him over in person.

Silicon-based semiconductors.

This project is indeed very important, and it is the real core project of Transsion Labs, but 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 turned serious again. "Silicon-based semiconductors are also very important. We must get him into the Transmission Lab."

With these top technical experts, we can at least avoid three years of detours in this material development.

"You must get this matter settled, Li Qing. You can put aside all your other work for now."

"clear."

Li Qing nodded, and Huang Tianya beside him also nodded, promising to cooperate later.

…………

One week later, at 6:30 a.m., at Shenzhen Bay Park.

The morning sea breeze rustled the palm trees along the trail. For those working long hours (996), it was still early, but there were already many people jogging on the road.

David Brooks was one of them, jogging in the park with his headphones on.

Although he only landed last night and should have needed to rest, it would be really difficult for him to get up without doing 5km in the morning.

Li Qing also saw him and quickened her pace to catch up.