Exploring the Future of AI Competition at Summer Davos 2026 with Tuya's Alex Yang
Insights from Summer Davos 2026
The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as Summer Davos, took place from June 23-25, 2026, at the Dalian International Conference Center in China. This year's theme, "Innovating at Scale," attracted over 1,700 leaders and innovators from various fields, including government, business, and academia. Among the notable attendees was Alex Yang, Co-Founder, COO, and CFO of Tuya Smart, a prominent global AI cloud platform service provider.
Alex Yang's Contributions
Alex Yang participated in several engaging sessions during the forum, such as "China's Lobster Fever," "AI and Future Growth," and "Owning the Interface Strategy in the Age of AI Agents." His contributions centered around the global AI landscape and the imperative to apply AI technologies in real-world scenarios.
Yang pointed out that breakthroughs in foundational AI models and autonomous agents signal a new phase in global technological competition. He noted that China’s AI industry has garnered significant international attention due to its rapid commercialization and diverse application scenarios.
Driving Factors Behind AI Adoption in China
One of the highlighted sessions, "China's Lobster Fever," saw Yang, alongside other experts, discuss the astounding factors propelling AI adoption in China. Yang emphasized that the vast pool of developers innovating within the country is a key strength. Additionally, both individuals and firms exhibit openness to exploring and implementing new technologies. He stated that a societal aspiration for progress significantly fuels AI innovation.
At Tuya, Yang revealed their commitment to bridging AI technologies with practical industry use cases. For instance, in the smart home sector, Tuya simplifies the creation of AI-native products with standardized tools, offering a robust network for developers. Furthermore, their AI solutions enhance energy management throughout the entire lifecycle, promoting both efficiency and cost reductions for consumers.
Shifting Models in AI Commercialization
Yang articulated a crucial transition in AI commercialization—moving from traditional usage-based pricing to more outcome-driven value-based pricing models. He asserted that organizations that embrace AI technology early and invest in creating AI-native structures will emerge as industry leaders in this new landscape.
Emphasizing Open Innovation
At the conference, Yang engaged with global media outlets like CNBC and Bloomberg to discuss the importance of fostering a collaborative developer ecosystem for AI applications. He stressed that amid rapid technological shifts, maintaining a competitive edge hinges on adopting an open innovation approach that encourages widespread collaboration.
Looking ahead, Tuya Smart plans to deepen its focus on AI applications within various domains, including Home, Energy, and Robotics, collaborating with global developers and partners to facilitate AI's transition from innovation to widespread function.
About Tuya Smart
Founded as a leader in AI cloud platform services, Tuya Smart (NYSE: TUYA; HKEX: 2391) is dedicated to integrating AI into daily life. Their open-source development frameworks and versatile AI engines enable the smooth integration of multimodal AI capabilities, promoting the evolution of AI-driven lifestyles and its seamless incorporation into everyday physical interactions. As of March 2026, Tuya boasts an impressive community of over 1.97 million registered AI developers from more than 200 locations worldwide.
In summary, Alex Yang’s insights at Summer Davos 2026 reflect a pivotal moment in the advancement of AI technologies, illustrating not only the competitive nature of innovation on a global scale but also the commitment of companies like Tuya to lead that charge through real-world applications.