(Yicai Global) Sept. 20 -- Fifty scientists and technicians under the age of 45 have won the Xplorer Prize sponsored by Tencent founder Pony Ma and will pick up CNY3 million (USD423,000) each in prize money over the next five years.

The Xplorer Prize, founded last year by Ma and 14 scientists, aims to support young scientists working full time in China in the fundamental science of frontier technology fields.

The Tencent Foundation, set up by Ma, intends to hand out the award to 50 winners every year.