Monoidal categorification of cluster algebras

Abstract: We give a definition of monoidal categorifications of quantum cluster algebras and provide a criterion for a monoidal category of finite-dimensional graded $R$-modules to become a monoidal categorification of a quantum cluster algebra, where $R$ is a symmetric Khovanov-Lauda-Rouquier algebra. Roughly speaking, this criterion asserts that a quantum monoidal seed can be mutated successively in all the directions once the first-step mutations are possible. In the course of the study, we also give a proof of a conjecture of Leclerc on the product of upper global basis elements.