Verified: updated on 2026-9-8

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Shanghai World Artificial Intelligence Conference

Name: Shanghai World Artificial Intelligence Conference
Start: 2026-07-17T09:00:00+08:00
End: 2026-07-20T18:00:00+08:00
Location: shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Center
Rating: 5

WAIC

Dates: 2026.07.17-07.20Show Hours: 08:30-17:00

Venue: shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Center

Highlights: The world’s most influential industry event in the field of artificial intelligence.

Standard booth|9 m² incl. basic setup

35000 元/9㎡

Blank booth|From 18 m², construction not included

2880 元/㎡36㎡起订

View Floor PriceBooth Consultation

Exhibition Data

1/1
Edition

100000㎡
Exhibition area

1100
Exhibitors

300000
Visitors

Shanghai AI Expo Details

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai serves as a pivotal platform for global exchange and collaboration in the AI sector, bringing together world‑leading scientists, entrepreneurs, government officials, and representatives of international organizations. Its key highlights span foundational technological pathways—such as chips, computing power, and models—as well as real‑world application scenarios in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more, alongside cutting‑edge end‑user innovations like smartphones and humanoid robots. What sets WAIC apart is its ability to simultaneously showcase technological breakthroughs, industrial transformations, and emerging issues in global governance, making it an authoritative window into the latest developments in China’s AI landscape.

Industry:: AI fair ShanghaiAI Expo

Organizer:: World Artificial Intelligence Conference

City:: Shanghai

Venue:: shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Center

Address:: No. 1099 Guo Zhan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Profile

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, together with the High-Level Conference on Global AI Governance, aims to become a key platform for international exchange and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. The Global Partnership on AI was initiated by the Chinese government in July 2025 as an important step to advance global AI governance, with its headquarters tentatively planned to be located in Shanghai.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai will feature six core components—conferences and forums, exhibitions, award ceremonies and competitions, application demonstrations, innovation incubation, and talent recruitment and attraction—bringing together world-class scientists, entrepreneurs, government officials, academic experts, international organizations, investors, and startup teams to establish a world-class platform for collaboration and exchange.

The event is co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China Association for Science and Technology, and the People’s Government of Shanghai. Since its inception in 2018, the conference has consistently pursued internationalization, high-end positioning, professionalization, and youth engagement, steadily evolving into one of the most influential industry events in the global artificial intelligence sector.

This year’s event will take place in Shanghai from July 17 to 20, spanning three major venues: the Expo Area (including the Expo Center and the Expo Exhibition Hall), Zhangjiang (Zhangjiang Science Hall), and the West Bund (West Bund International Convention & Exhibition Center). Under the theme “Intelligent Partners, Co-Creating the Future,” the program comprises six key components: forums and conferences, exhibitions, award ceremonies and competitions, application demonstrations, innovation incubation, and talent recruitment and knowledge sharing. Over 140 thematic forums are planned, bringing together more than 1,400 international speakers. The total exhibition space exceeds 100,000 square meters, with participation from over 1,100 global companies showcasing more than 3,000 exhibits. Additionally, an exclusive OPC showcase area has been established for the first time, hosting 180 enterprises presenting their latest innovations.

Over the years, the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) has served as a premier platform for observing the evolution of AI in China, while also providing a vital forum for global exchange on AI technologies, product innovation, ecosystem collaboration, and policy dialogue. For many years, WAIC has consistently highlighted world premieres, cutting-edge breakthroughs, and real-world applications, witnessing China’s AI industry undergo a remarkable transformation—from algorithmic advances and computational power milestones to the rise of large-scale models, the deployment of intelligent agents, and the integration of robotics into factories and urban environments. At the same time, it has enabled global enterprises to showcase their technologies, share solutions, and explore opportunities for collaboration—all on a single stage.

The exhibition framework of WAIC has become increasingly clear: one axis follows the technology roadmap, spanning from chips and computing power to models, frameworks, and AI infrastructure, addressing the question “Where does AI capability originate?”; another focuses on the application pathway, covering sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation, as well as office productivity, entertainment, and industrial intelligent agents, exploring “How can AI be integrated into real-world industries?”; and a third emphasizes the end-user perspective, ranging from smartphones, AI PCs, and wearable devices to humanoid robots and embodied intelligent systems, answering “How can AI transcend screens and enter the physical world?” These three pathways intertwine to form a comprehensive picture of China’s AI industry—moving from foundational research and development, through scenario-based implementation, to explosive growth at the consumer end.

If the AI industry is a towering edifice, then foundational technologies form its very foundation. Each advancement in computing chips, development frameworks, foundational models, data platforms, and cloud services determines how far AI can advance and how deeply it can penetrate various domains. Over the past years, the most striking transformation observed at the WAIC exhibition area has been China’s shift in underlying AI capabilities—from addressing critical shortcomings to building a comprehensive ecosystem.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai has long since evolved beyond a mere trade show; it has become a dynamic roadmap for observing the growth of China’s AI industry. It has witnessed China’s AI journey—from addressing foundational technological gaps, to achieving breakthroughs in large-scale models, and finally to deepening industrial applications and an explosion of intelligent end devices. It has also borne witness to global enterprises competing on open platforms, engaging in collaboration and exchange, and jointly shaping the future direction of artificial intelligence.

From the WAIC exhibition area, we gain insight into global AI—revealing not only technological advancements but also the emergence of a new industrial landscape. Looking ahead, as more technologies are deployed in real-world settings, as an increasing number of end devices integrate into the physical world, and as younger teams take center stage in the industry, this premier global AI event will continue to serve as a pivotal witness to innovation, collaboration, and transformative growth across the AI ecosystem.

Shanghai World Artificial Intelligence Conference tickets are e-tickets. Mainland China visitors must complete online pre-registration with real-name ID verification; overseas visitors must use passport verification; Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan visitors must use their travel permit. On site, verify entry with your ID card or by scanning the e-ticket QR code.

Partial exhibitor directory and exhibitor list for Shanghai World Artificial Intelligence Conference: 广域铭岛数字科技有限公司, 紫光闪芯科技（成都）有限公司, 深圳嘉华众力科技有限公司, 超微科技（北京）有限公司, 深圳市捷智算科技有限公司, 融科联创(天津)信息技术有限公司, and others. The 2026 edition is expected to feature 500+ exhibiting companies. To obtain the full exhibitor directory (including booth numbers and contact details), please visit the official exhibition website or contact Jufair.

Exhibition Value of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai

A National-Level Benchmark for the AI Industry: Co-hosted by ten government departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the conference has evolved over eight years into a premier global event in the AI sector. In 2025, the exhibition space surpassed 70,000 square meters for the first time, bringing together more than 800 exhibiting companies and showcasing over 3,000 cutting-edge technologies, including more than 100 products making their “global debut” or “China premiere,” comprehensively demonstrating AI’s transformative journey from parameter-driven innovation to industrial application.
A Global Hub for Top-Tier Intellectual Resources: The conference gathers over 1,500 leading experts from more than 70 countries and regions, including 12 recipients of prestigious international awards such as the Turing Award and the Nobel Prize, over 80 Chinese and foreign academicians, and representatives from numerous world-class research laboratories. This high-caliber lineup provides a rare platform for enterprises to connect with top-tier global resources and stay abreast of industry-leading trends.
A Comprehensive Showcase of the Entire AI Industry Ecosystem: The exhibition area fully covers core domains, including large-scale models, AI chips, intelligent terminals, embodied robotics, and computing infrastructure. From industry leaders such as Huawei’s Ascend AI ecosystem, Alibaba’s Qwen, and Tencent’s AI suite, to innovative startups like Unitree Robotics, Zhiyuan Robotics, and Fourier, as well as emerging computing power providers like Moxie and Suiyuan, the event presents a complete end-to-end AI ecosystem, spanning from underlying hardware to advanced applications.
An Engine for Transforming Industrial Applications: The conference highlights three key pillars—academic breakthroughs, the integration of software and hardware, and global governance. From last year’s “Eighteen Martial Arts Masters” demonstration to this year’s “Skill Stage,” featuring robots performing delicate tasks such as peeling quail eggs and preparing oden, the event vividly illustrates technology’s transition from laboratory settings to real-world scenarios. At the 2025 edition, more than 300 procurement needs were announced on-site, and 225 early-stage startup projects were invited to showcase and engage in discussions, with projected intent-to-purchase commitments exceeding RMB 16 billion.
Dual Empowerment through Policy and Capital: During the conference, the “Several Measures of Shanghai Municipality to Further Expand the Application of Artificial Intelligence” were unveiled, along with the issuance of RMB 600 million in computing power vouchers, RMB 300 million in model vouchers, and RMB 100 million in corpus vouchers. Additionally, the first phase of the Shanghai Municipal AI CVC Fund, totaling RMB 3 billion, was launched. A total of 32 projects were signed during the event, with combined investments reaching RMB 45 billion. Shanghai has established a capital framework centered around a national fund of RMB 60 billion and a municipal mother fund of RMB 22.5 billion, ensuring comprehensive financing support across all stages—from seed funding to maturity.
A Pinnacle for Governance and Standardization: The conference released the “Global Action Plan for AI Governance,” the “Practical Guide to AI-Enabled Industry Application Governance,” and the “Joint Initiative for Co‑Creation and Sharing of Intelligent Agent Protocols,” among other significant outcomes. It also deepened international exchanges and cooperation on AI standardization, promoted the global dissemination of standards, and initiated pilot verification and international translation efforts for national standards in ASEAN and BRICS countries.
Innovation Incubation and Youth Empowerment: The conference features a dedicated Future Tech Innovation Incubation Zone, collaborating with investment firms such as Qiming Venture Partners to spotlight over 200 early-stage startups—both domestic and international—each less than five years old. By fostering a vibrant environment that combines youthful energy with academic rigor, the event hosts elite forums and thought-provoking symposiums, providing young innovators with an expanded platform for creative dialogue.

Range

Platforms and Tech Giants: Huawei, Alibaba, Baidu, Tencent, Lenovo, ZTE, H3C, Superfusion, China Telecom, China Mobile, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Google, Tesla, Microsoft
AI Chip and Computing Power Brands: Moore Threads, Moxie, Suiyuan Technology, Houmo Intelligence, Cixin Technology, Sanneng, CoreX Technology, Xindongli, Phytium, Aixin Yuanzhi, Hanbo Semiconductor, Tienshu Zhixin, Juchip Technology, Tiancheng Advanced, Zero Boundary, SiliconCore Technology, Dingtai Xinyuan
Large-Scale Models and Intelligent Application Brands: Step Star, Zhipu AI, SenseTime, Wuwen Xinqiong, Shengshu Technology, Mianbi Intelligence, MiniMax, Zhipu Huazhang, Lanzhou Technology, Jiuzhang Yunji, Tezan Technology, Jijiao Vision, Jinzhiwei, Runhe Software, Kingsoft Office, Yuanguang Software, Pano Technology
Embodied Intelligence and Robotics Brands: Xingdong Jiyuan, Lingbao CASBOT, Kuawei Intelligence, Daimeng Robotics, Zhujiji Dynamics, Zhiyuan Robotics, UTree Technology, Yinhe General, Yunshenchu Technology, Magic Atom, Feixi Technology, Stander Robotics, XianGong Intelligence, Botao Technology, Mecaman, Yiyou Technology, Lingxin Qiaoshou, Tiemuniu, Kusa Technology, Tang’en Technology
AR/VR and Smart Terminal Brands: XREAL, Rokid, Shadowstone Innovation, Halliday, Li Weike, Dongfang Kemai, Yuren UAV
Data and Service Brands: Aopeng Data, Haina AI, Qingting Acoustics, Turing Quantum, ShenDu Principles, Molecular Heart, OpenCSG, Qingcheng Jizhi, Pushi Medical, Fengfei Aviation, Tonghai Technology, Weisi Xin’an

Review

The 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) was successfully held from July 26 to 29 at the Shanghai Expo Center and the Shanghai Expo Exhibition Hall. With the theme “Intelligent Era, Shared Prosperity,” this year’s event saw its exhibition space surpass 70,000 square meters for the first time, a 40% year-on-year increase. The conference attracted more than 1,500 leading experts from over 70 countries and regions, drawing 350,000 on-site visitors—the highest attendance in its history.

The event brought together over 800 exhibiting companies, showcasing more than 3,000 cutting-edge technological innovations, including over 100 products making their global or Chinese debuts. Both the total number of exhibits and the count of first-time launches doubled compared with previous editions. In the large‑model domain, Step‑3, a natively multimodal inference model, was unveiled by Jueyue Xingchen; Tencent introduced Hunyuan 3D World Model 1.0; and Alibaba’s Qwen released three major models while continuing to open-source them, with cumulative downloads exceeding 400 million worldwide. Embodied intelligence emerged as the standout highlight of this year’s show, with more than 80 robotics firms presenting over 150 products. Unitree Robotics’ humanoid robot staged an impressive “human‑robot duel,” Zhiyuan Robotics showcased its Far Expedition, Elf, and Lingxi series, Cloudthink’s robotic dogs drew extensive audience interaction, and Fourier Rehabilitation Robots became a focal point at their booth.

Significant progress was made in industrial implementation: during the event, over 300 procurement requests were announced, with projected committed purchase commitments exceeding RMB 16 billion. Thirty-one major industry projects were signed, totaling over RMB 15 billion in investment, spanning areas such as intelligent driving, embodied intelligence, and robotics. Ant Group launched its AI health application AQ; Tencent rolled out a travel‑planning Agent; Midu Technology exhibited an all‑in‑one government service terminal; and Heilu Technology’s flexible manufacturing solution reduced new‑product launch cycles from 2–3 months to just three weeks—vividly illustrating Shanghai’s pioneering approach to leveraging AI across diverse sectors. At the conclusion of the conference, the “Several Measures of Shanghai Municipality to Further Expand the Application of Artificial Intelligence” were officially released, providing RMB 600 million in computing power vouchers, RMB 300 million in model vouchers, and RMB 100 million in corpus vouchers, along with the establishment of an inaugural AI CVC fund totaling RMB 3 billion, injecting strong momentum into the industry.

WAIC Exhibitior List