Shenzhen has released the Action Plan for Building a Leading AI City (2025–2026) to further enhance its policy framework for artificial intelligence (AI) development during the recently held municipal "two-sessions". This initiative builds upon Shenzhen's 2023 goal of becoming a pioneering AI city and aligns with the Key Measures for AI Development introduced in December 2024. The plan aims to accelerate AI adoption, foster industrial innovation, and enhance Shenzhen's position as a global AI hub.

By 2026, Shenzhen is projected to have over 3,000 AI enterprises, more than 10 unicorn companies, and an annual AI industry growth rate exceeding 20%. The city will promote AI-driven applications across industries, support the development of intelligent devices, and establish innovation incubators to cultivate a robust AI ecosystem.

Expanding AI applications across industries

Shenzhen is prioritizing AI integration in urban governance, industrial development, and smart product innovation. The government plans to open more than 100 AI application scenarios in areas such as government services, education, and healthcare while leveraging the "Shen I Qi " one-stop market entity cultivation and service platform to optimize resource allocation.

Additionally, Shenzhen will support businesses in developing next-generation AI-powered devices, including AI smartphones, tablets, computers, wearables, and humanoid robots, fostering a dynamic AI-driven market.

Strengthening AI infrastructure and computing power

To support AI innovation, Shenzhen is enhancing its computing power, algorithms, and data resources. The city will accelerate the development of Pengcheng Cloud Brain III and the National Supercomputing Center (Phase II), establishing a national AI computing hub.

A "Training Power Voucher" initiative will help reduce computing costs for enterprises, while the deployment of low-cost edge computing centers will create a high-efficiency, widely accessible computing power ecosystem. Additionally, Shenzhen will build high-quality embodied AI datasets and open-source training platforms, supporting advancements in robotics, autonomous driving, and large-scale AI models.

Driving breakthroughs in AI core technologies

Shenzhen is intensifying efforts in AI research and development, with a focus on visual-language-action (VLA) models, precision sensing, robotic arms, and dexterous hands. The city will establish an AI laboratory cluster, with Pengcheng Laboratory at the core, complemented by Guangming and Futian Laboratories and AI research institutions across the Greater Bay Area. By 2026, Shenzhen aims to achieve over 100 AI model and application breakthroughs, train more than 2,000 AI developers, and host more than 20 industry collaboration events to strengthen its AI ecosystem.

Fostering AI startups and talent development

To cultivate an AI-friendly environment, Shenzhen will offer comprehensive support for AI talent, including housing, startup mentorship, workspace, and financial assistance. AI training bases will be established to integrate education and industry, while universities will be encouraged to launch AI faculties and research institutes.

For startups, Shenzhen will build low-cost AI incubators exceeding 20,000 square meters in key districts such as Futian, Luohu, Nanshan, and Bao'an, providing rent-free spaces, computing resources, and financial support.

The city will also implement an "investment subsidy loan" (ISL) mechanism, integrating venture capital, government subsidies, and technology loans. Eligible AI enterprises will benefit from interest rate discounts, IP financing incentives, and policy-backed funding, ensuring continued innovation and industry growth.

Through these initiatives, Shenzhen is solidifying its role as a global leader in AI innovation, driving technological advancements and sustainable industrial development in the coming years.