"AI Shanghai" Matchmaking Event Debuts at WAIC 2026

       As a sub-forum of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), the "New Voices, Returning to the Tide: AI Shanghai" Innovation Resource Matchmaking Conference — also staged as the 2026 Young Overseas Chinese Tech Dialogue — was held on July 18 at the West Bund in Xuhui District, Shanghai.

　　The event brought together over 170 overseas Chinese professionals from 14 countries and regions including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The program featured four main segments: keynote speeches on "AI Shanghai", the "New Voices" tech dialogue, startup pitch and matchmaking sessions focused on "AI + Future Industries", and guided tours of the WAIC exhibition. Together, these sessions explored new pathways for the high-quality growth of Shanghai's AI sector. 

　　A dedicated "AI + Future Industries" startup pitch and networking session was also held, showcasing high-potential projects across five key tracks: life sciences and healthcare, enterprise services, computer vision, AI for science, and energy and power. Founders presented their core technologies, application scenarios, business progress, and partnership needs. Academicians, venture capital investors, and corporate executives provided on-site evaluations, creating direct, face-to-face connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry resources.

　　In the afternoon, participating overseas Chinese professionals visited the WAIC 2026 exhibition. They noted that the event effectively established a targeted platform for exchange and dialogue among AI professionals in the global Chinese community. It not only offered a comprehensive view of Shanghai's AI ecosystem to overseas practitioners, but also helped local companies connect with cutting-edge global technologies. Looking ahead, all parties will continue to leverage this platform to deepen collaboration, accelerate the commercialization of advanced AI innovations across Shanghai's real economy, and jointly support the city's ambition to become a globally competitive AI innovation hub.