In June 2025, the "Smart Canal·Intelligent Future" Global Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, organized by the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence (CAAI), will officially launch. The competition focuses on cutting-edge AI fields and seeks outstanding projects from around the world. Through a model of "attracting talent and fostering innovation through competition," it aims to bring top-tier technologies and industrial resources from both domestic and international sources to Gongshu District, Hangzhou, helping to establish an internationally influential demonstration zone for AI innovation and application, and providing a "Gongshu model" for national high-level technological self-reliance.

Global Collaboration to Shape a New AI Industry Landscape

Artificial intelligence is reshaping global industries. As a leading digital economy hub in China, Hangzhou has been at the forefront of AI development in recent years. Gongshu District, the birthplace of DeepSeek, is home to over 500 AI-related enterprises, supported by industrial platforms such as the Grand Canal Digital Future City and Smart Net Valley Town. It has established a collaborative innovation, technology transfer, and industrial incubation mechanism involving scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors, accelerating the deep integration of AI with the real economy. Against this backdrop, the - Smart Canal · Intelligent Future, Global AI Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition has been launched to further drive innovation. Based in Gongshu and reaching out to the world, the competition features four themed tracks: Smart Manufacturing and Smart Cities, Life and Health, Smart Logistics, and Global Collaborative Innovation. It offers a multi-dimensional competitive platform that brings together research teams from top global universities, startups, and industry leaders. Through online preliminary screening, offline pitch sessions, and expert discussions, the competition will comprehensively evaluate technical advancement, commercial potential, and social value. To amplify its impact, a distinguished jury composed of academicians in AI, renowned entrepreneurs, and representatives of investment institutions will provide professional guidance and resource connections, helping quality projects take root in Gongshu.

Tens of Millions in Support to Build a Magnet for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

To accelerate the landing and transformation of quality projects, the competition offers a robust reward system: first, second, and third prize winners will receive project support of 5 million, 3 million, and 1 million yuan respectively, along with up to 5 million yuan in financing assistance and 20 million yuan from a talent and technology innovation fund. After settling in Gongshu District, winning projects can also benefit from a package of policies including rent subsidies, financing guarantees, loan interest discounts, and talent housing.FINISHED

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