The inaugural Shanghai AI + Consumption Innovation Competition, a highlight of the West Bund International Tech Consumer Carnival, is now accepting innovative project submissions from around the world.

Four tracks for different types of innovation

The competition has four tracks, the first three under the "AI New Consumption" category and the fourth dedicated to young creators.

Track 1 | AI Consumption: New Products

This track focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into consumer products, including smart devices, wearable technology, intelligent robots, and connected vehicles.

Projects will be evaluated based on technological innovation, market application value, commercial potential, and their capacity to enhance user experience through intelligent interaction, adaptability to different scenarios, and personalized services.

Track 2 | AI Consumption: New Scenarios

This track focuses on leveraging AI to enhance everyday services and consumer experiences across areas such as home life, elder care and health, culture and tourism, accommodation and dining, and education.

Projects should demonstrate capabilities in intelligent sensing, service interaction, personalized recommendations, and scenario-based applications. They will also be evaluated on service effectiveness, user experience, and potential for broader adoption.

Track 3 | AI Consumption: New Business Models

This track explores how AI can enable innovative business operations and improve consumer service delivery. Key areas of focus include business operations, consumer spaces, supply chain coordination, brand marketing, emerging consumption models, and the global expansion of consumer businesses.

The competition will focus on projects that demonstrate intelligent decision-making, operational improvements, resource coordination, and the ability to deliver business value. It will also assess business model innovation and market adoption potential.

The first three tracks each include an "application group" for projects with existing products and commercial applications and a "creator group" for projects at the idea, prototype, or early validation stage.

Track 4 | AI New Force: Youth Creator Special Track

The fourth track is designed for young creators aged 6 to 18.

Entries can include AI-generated content, AI-assisted programming, AI for green consumption, and other AI-related projects or ideas. The organizers are seeking innovative projects or proposals that are well-developed and have practical value.

From competition to market

Winning projects will gain access to a dedicated exhibition space at the 2026 WTCC, allowing them to reach more than 100,000 consumers and connect with global brands and investment institutions.

Key projects will be considered for incubation, trial sales, real-world applications, and connections to investment and financing opportunities. Local resources, including the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, will provide support in areas such as workspace, computing resources, product testing, and retail strategy.

The organizers will also use consumer and sales data from the WTCC to evaluate the market potential of participating products and services, focusing on consumer demand, pricing, and sales performance.

Who can apply?

The competition is open to:

• Companies
• Universities and research institutions
• Startup teams
• Individual developers
• Young creators aged 6 to 18

All projects must be original, and participants must hold the relevant intellectual property rights.

Each project can be submitted to only one track, but participants may submit multiple projects across different tracks.

Key dates for the three professional tracks

Sept 1-30: Application period

Oct 1-20: Expert review and selection of first-, second-, and third-prize winners in each track and group

Oct 22-25: Results announcement, awards, project displays, and public voting at the WTCC

How to apply

Send your application materials to chris.guo@shiei.com.cn.

Contact: Guo, 159-0216-2546

Scan the QR code to download the application form and view detailed information on the competition tracks.

Note: The "AI New Force" youth track will be organized separately, with details on eligibility, registration, schedule, judging, and awards to be announced later.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce