#China #AI #NEVs #Chongqing #Smart Industry Expo

World Smart Industry Expo 2025: A Glimpse into the Future of AI and NEVs

The much-anticipated 2025 World Smart Industry Expo commenced on September 5, 2025, in Chongqing, China, featuring over 550 companies that collectively unveiled more than 3,000 innovations. This year's expo focuses on the collaboration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), as well as their impact on various sectors, from autonomous driving to robotics in daily life.

Below are some key highlights from the expo:

Focus Areas

Central to this year's event is the theme of “AI+”, emphasizing its integration into digital governance, robotics, smart living solutions, and the low-altitude economy. The expo proudly welcomed Singapore and Sichuan Province as Guest Country and Province of Honor, respectively, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in technological advancements.

During the opening ceremony, keynotes delivered by prominent figures laid out the foundational changes AI is fostering in society. Harry Shum Heung-Yeung, Chair of the Council at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, shared insights on the advancements in embodied intelligence and the emergence of robots capable of learning and adapting through real-world experiences. Moreover, Cedrik Neike, a member of the Executive Board at Siemens AG, elaborated on how AI is pushing industries toward software-defined automation, enhancing flexibility and sustainability, essential traits for the future.

Networking and Deals

The expo facilitated 11 matchmaking events, focusing on AI, digital transformation, and equity financing. Noteworthy brands such as Huawei and Baidu collaborated with over 40 investment institutions to crown the event with contracts worth over 200 billion yuan (roughly 27.5 billion USD), of which 120 billion yuan were closed on-site. This monumental gathering sets the stage for new synergies and important partnerships aimed at driving innovation.

Landmark Projects

A few spotlight projects were highlighted, particularly Geely's smart manufacturing initiatives that will augment the supply chain in Chongqing. This aligns with the “33618” strategy, which aims to amplify industrial capacity by enhancing NEV, electronics, material production, food processing, textiles, and biomedicine sectors to establish Chongqing as a nationally significant advanced manufacturing center.

NEV Pavilion

One significant feature was the NEV pavilion, showcasing 20 global automakers, including giants like Changan, Seres, and Tesla. They were accompanied by over 100 parts suppliers and ecosystem partners, all emphasizing advancements in areas like smart driving, software-defined vehicles, and intelligent manufacturing technologies.

Notably, the expo also acted as a launching platform for new technologies. Innovations featured include the “SDA Intelligence” brand from Changan, the Chongqing Low-Altitude Smart Management Service Platform, and several initiatives towards developing an AI Computing Open Architecture and the China NEV Challenge.

A Legacy of Innovation

Since its inception in 2018 as the Smart China Expo, the World Smart Industry Expo has grown into a relevance-filled platform that showcases groundbreaking digital innovations. Industry leaders, academics, and policymakers come together to facilitate discussions and collaborations that can shape future technologies,
setting a roadmap toward global cooperation.

The hype surrounding the expo signals a notable shift in industrial practices, where the confluence of AI and NEVs is expected to redefine how industries operate. Given the accelerating pace of technological advancement, events like these not only showcase current breakthroughs but also inspire future developments in both sectors and their integration into daily life.

This year's expo indeed marks a significant milestone in the realm of smart technologies and their capability to interlace our lifestyles seamlessly through innovative solutions.