Shanghai's Changning district is evolving from a major digital economy hub into a more AI-driven economy, using artificial intelligence to upgrade traditional industries, create new business opportunities, and accelerate the growth of emerging industries.

AI moves deeper into real-world industries

Changning's AI push is increasingly taking shape through practical applications.

At Black Lake Technology in Shanghai Silicon Alley, the company's industrial collaboration platform provides digital solutions to companies across global supply chains. Westwell, meanwhile, combines physical AI with operational AI to deploy autonomous commercial vehicles in more than 30 countries and regions.

Behind these applications is Changning's broader effort to bring AI into a range of industries. AI is being used to support the full life cycle of e-commerce platforms, make industrial software smarter, help airlines and transport operators accelerate digital upgrades, and improve professional services through standardized products and digital knowledge management.

The district is also stepping up efforts in embodied AI, supporting technological development and commercialization through platforms such as IBP Hongqiao Zhiyu and the International Robot Industry Collaborative Innovation Center, while creating more opportunities to test and apply the technology.

Changning is now home to more than 7,000 digital economy companies. It has 34 e-commerce platforms with annual transaction volumes of at least 100 million yuan ($14.88 million) each, while the district ranks first in Shanghai in total e-commerce platform transactions and third in the scale of its software and information services sector.

Building the infrastructure for AI growth

A strong AI industry requires more than just technology. Changning is strengthening the infrastructure and support systems that companies need to turn ideas into products and products into real-world applications.

Autonomous driving company Inceptio Technology chose to establish its headquarters at East Hongqiao Center, attracted by Changning's industry ecosystem and the area's combination of real-world application scenarios and strong connectivity. With local industrial support and policy assistance, the company is moving ahead with a demonstration project for L4 autonomous light trucks.

"This has helped us take a key step toward commercializing advanced autonomous driving technology," said Ma Zheren, founder and CEO of Inceptio Technology.

Computing power is another area of focus. Changning is upgrading the services of Hongqiao Digital Valley and providing more affordable computing resources to small and medium-sized businesses and one-person companies (OPCs). The district is also bringing in computing service providers to build a regional computing operations center.

At the same time, Changning is expanding high-speed network infrastructure, 5G-Advanced applications, and edge computing, while strengthening data and algorithm security throughout the development and use of AI.

A range of incubators and innovation communities are helping turn these technologies into businesses. The East Hongqiao International Youth Innovation Center and MAKE021 focus on one-person startups, while the Digital Silicon Alley Incubator and Hongqiao Zhiyu support early-stage projects and industry development.

An ecosystem designed to help companies grow

Changning is also expanding services for entrepreneurs and tech companies, from talent support and startup platforms to professional services and industry events.

Measures include a package of 10 initiatives to support innovation and entrepreneurship among tech talent, the Hongqiao Haichuang Bay innovation and entrepreneurship platform, specialized training for cross-border e-commerce startups, and financial support for eligible companies.

A growing lineup of innovation events gives startups more opportunities to showcase their technologies, connect with investors and industry partners, and find suitable application scenarios.

The district is also bringing AI into professional services, with AI-powered legal tools being developed for contract review, intellectual property protection and cross-border compliance. In advertising, AI is being used across creative development, media buying, and compliance checks, while in finance, it is supporting new models in supply-chain, inclusive, and cross-border finance.

Source: WeChat account of Changning district information office "shchangning"