Ningbo is gearing up to host a grand event in the realm of the digital economy - the 14th China Smart City and Intelligent Economy Expo, scheduled to take place in the city from Sept 6 to 8.

A lineup of distinguished figures, including academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, alongside representatives from industry leaders in the digital economy sector such as Open Source China, CETC, and BOE, will delve into the latest trends and hot topics in the digital economy. Discussions will revolve around themes like new industrialization, data reality integration, and artificial intelligence.

Beyond conferences and forums, an expo spanning 30,000 square meters will be erected, featuring a comprehensive digital economy pavilion and four themed pavilions focusing on digital transformation, digital scenarios, future industries, and AI-enabled technologies. With nearly 300 exhibitors on board, including major players like Huawei, Alibaba, Inspur, and Hikvision, as well as innovation hubs like Yongjiang Laboratory and the School of Electronic Engineering at Tsinghua University, attendees can expect a glimpse of state-of-the-art technologies ranging from AI to humanoid robots and intelligent connected vehicles.

In a first for the expo, a pilot program for the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises will be introduced, along with a provincial intelligent Internet of Things industry cluster exhibition area.

Notably, the expo will host a series of innovation and entrepreneurship competitions, with challenges centered on hot topics such as AI, big data, and the industrial internet. This platform aims to identify and support high-quality projects and innovative teams with strong potential for industrialization and future growth.