A total of 12 scientific research projects focusing on rare earths were up for consideration during the finals of the Baotou Rare Earths Cup Science and Technology Innovation Competition, which began on Aug 31, reports Baotou Daily.

According to organizers, the competition will take advantage of the technological innovation resources of the Baotou Rare Earth Research and Development Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and 10 of its research institutes, as well as the resources of 15 top Chinese universities and leading domestic venture capital institutions.

The competition was meant to attract science and technology innovation projects to Baotou city to boost regional economic growth.

Project leaders explained the project’s background, future plans, technological innovation achievements, and market application prospects, and introduced the project team.

The Near-net-shape Hot-pressed Rare Earths Permanent Magnet Material Project led by Tang Xu, a senior engineer of the Ningbo Institute of Materials Science and Technology of CAS won first place. The project will receive 300,000 yuan ($41,800) in project support funds.

The NdFeB Surface Rare Earths Corrosion-Resistant Thermal Insulation Coating Preparation Project and the Rare Earths Eutectic Phosphor for High Power Solid State Lighting Project tied for second place and received 250,000 yuan each in project support funds.