Wuxi makes big push for AI innovation

Eyeing the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, Wuxi Economic Development Zone (WEDZ) in Jiangsu province will build itself into a hub for AI technology innovation and applications, officials said during a high-tech conference in the city on Friday.

Measures tailored to the city's ambitious plan were also unveiled at the event, including special funding of up to 100 million yuan ($13.8 million) for top talent projects and monthly rental subsidies of up to 10,000 yuan per household. Companies will also be incentivized to hire more people, they added.

The event was hosted at the WEDZ under the banner — The 2025 Future Industry Ecological Conference and the Wenxin China Tour's Wuxi Station — and its theme was "AI-Driven, Shaping Tomorrow with Intelligence".

Its objective was to discuss the latest AI trends and opportunities in the sector, attracting over 250 attendees nationwide, including experts, industry leaders and representatives from investment institutions.

Many achievements in the AI field were also on display at the conference, such as large industrial models, the latest AI applications and robots.

Wu Hongjuan, director of the management committee of the WEDZ, attended the event using her "digital form" supported by AI to interact with participating guests.

Entrepreneurs in the zone will also benefit from the policies. Qualified ones can get free entrepreneurship services for three years, while startups can get up to 10 million yuan support, and growing businesses can receive equity investment support, Wu said.

"We are making the zone more livable and business-friendly, aiming to build it into a charming new place that talent aspires to, especially for the younger generation."

According to the local government, the zone will further enhance services and create a business environment where government responses are guaranteed for companies when needed and interruptions are minimized when unnecessary.

During the conference also attended by Du Xiaogang, Party secretary of Wuxi, and Zhou Wendong, the city's deputy mayor, 60 projects were signed, totaling an investment of 6.87 billion yuan and covering various sectors, such as intelligent robots, large language models, vehicles and big data.

cangwei@chinadaily.com.cn