The AI Expo Launches at Suzhou Industrial Park to Boost Tech Growth

On December 13, 2024, the Global AI Product and Application Expo officially commenced at the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) in eastern China. This two-day event is designed to exhibit the latest advancements and products in artificial intelligence, effectively promoting the growth of high-tech industries in the region.

Focus on AI Innovation

The expo places a significant emphasis on large models, AI-generated content, embedded intelligence, and industrial AI applications. As part of the program, various activities have been organized to underscore AI-centric innovation and unite high-tech growth drivers within SIP. The opening ceremony attracted a large audience, with events including an innovation competition, thematic forums, and product launch activities, all designed to foster collaboration and showcase advancements in AI technology.

During the opening ceremony, the first winners of the "Zu Chongzhi Award" application program were announced, recognizing outstanding work from prominent scientists and research teams in the AI sector. The award aims to catalyze global innovation in foundational research and AI technology applications.

Global Competition Promoting Excellence

In another highlight of the event, nearly 200 teams from around the world competed in the Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for AI Products and Applications, with 20 teams winning top prizes. These competitions sought to identify and reward ingenuity and innovation across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and finance.

The expo also marked the grand opening of the Joint Postdoctoral Center for the AI Industry Innovation Cluster within the Suzhou Free Trade Pilot Zone. This center aims to strengthen collaboration between the industrial community in Suzhou and educational institutions, working together to drive advancements in AI technology.

Enhancing the AI Ecology

Throughout the expo, 24 "AI+" projects concluded contract signings, indicating a promising enhancement to the AI industrial ecosystem within SIP. Importantly, a list detailing 20 specific "AI+" scenarios across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, transportation, government affairs, and finance was unveiled, aiming to foster further technological integration and development.

During the main forum, distinguished experts from the industry, including Gao Wen from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Mei Hong from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sun Ninghui, General Director of the China Computer Federation, and John Higgins, President of the Global Digital Foundation, shared their insights. Their discussions centered on strategies to facilitate ongoing development within the AI space, highlighting the need for collaboration, innovation, and adaptability in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

A Hub for High-Tech Industries

Currently, SIP is home to over 1,800 companies focused on a range of industries such as industrial software, integrated circuits, large-scale modeling, and the integration of IT with biotechnology. As a dedicated hub for AI and digital industries, Suzhou seeks to leverage emerging opportunities in the AI sector to achieve high-quality development driven by cutting-edge technologies.

This year's AI Expo is not just a showcase of the present; it’s a stepping stone towards a transformative future in various industries fueled by artificial intelligence. Through collaboration, innovation, and commitment, stakeholders within Suzhou are determined to make significant strides in the AI landscape, sparking growth and development that extends well beyond the confines of the expo.