Published by ChinaMNC ยท Dazi
2026 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference in Nanjing: What Foreign Founders Need to Know
The 2026 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference will be held in Nanjing from November 19 to 21, approved by the State Council and co-hosted by Jiangsu Provincial People's Government and the International Intelligent Manufacturing Alliance. The event offers foreign founders a platform to understand China's intelligent manufacturing landscape, connect with industrial ecosystems, and explore opportunities in Jiangsu's open industrial scenarios.
Event Overview
The 2026 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference (WIMC) will take place in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, from November 19 to 21. The event has been approved by China's State Council and is co-hosted by the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government and the International Intelligent Manufacturing Alliance. For foreign founders considering establishing or expanding operations in China, this conference represents a significant opportunity to engage with China's intelligent manufacturing sector.
What to Expect at the Conference
According to a press conference held on October 27, the conference will feature one main thematic session, more than 10 specialized activities, and nearly 30 industrial ecosystem conferences. These events are designed to create a multi-layered platform that combines high-level forums, achievement releases, frontier exhibitions, and industry matchmaking.
Key Highlights
- Release of leading-level smart factory construction results: The conference will showcase advancements in building intelligent factories.
- 2026 World and China Top 10 Intelligent Manufacturing Technology Progress: A presentation of the year's most significant technological developments.
- Research reports from the National Intelligent Manufacturing Expert Committee: A series of studies will be launched.
- Innovation exhibits: Leading and excellence-level smart factories, industrial datasets, large model algorithms, and industrial world model generators will be displayed, illustrating the transition of next-generation intelligent manufacturing from theoretical exploration to practical implementation.
Jiangsu's Industrial Ecosystem: A Foundation for Foreign Founders
Jiangsu Province offers a robust environment for intelligent manufacturing. The conference leverages the province's practical experience, which includes:
- 28,000 enterprises that have opened their industrial scenarios.
- 27 national artificial intelligence typical cases.
- Over 19,000 enterprises that have received transformation diagnosis services.
These figures underscore the depth of Jiangsu's industrial base and its readiness to support digital transformation. For foreign founders, this translates into a mature ecosystem with ample opportunities for collaboration and pilot projects.
Focus Areas for Discussion
The conference will bring together academicians, experts, and industry leaders to engage in in-depth exchanges on:
- Iterative upgrading of smart factories.
- Technical breakthroughs in key equipment.
- Implementation of domain-specific large models.
- Capacity building for service providers.
These discussions will directly address the pain points of enterprise digital transformation and distill replicable technical solutions and implementation models. The outcomes are expected to provide references for the nationwide 'AI + Manufacturing' initiative, which can be valuable for foreign founders seeking to align their strategies with China's industrial policies.
International Participation
A dedicated International Special Exhibition Area will be set up to attract overseas enterprises, including those from Germany and Switzerland, to exhibit. This physical platform aims to strengthen international exchange and cooperation. Foreign founders can use this opportunity to network with potential partners, understand competitive landscapes, and showcase their own technologies or solutions.
Practical Implications for Foreign Founders
If you are a foreign founder planning to register a company or operate in China, particularly in the intelligent manufacturing sector, the 2026 WIMC offers several benefits:
- Market Intelligence: Gain insights into China's latest achievements and trends in intelligent manufacturing, including policy directions and technological advancements.
- Networking: Connect with Chinese enterprises, government officials, and international peers. The industrial ecosystem conferences and matchmaking sessions are ideal for building relationships.
- Showcasing Technology: The international exhibition area provides a platform to present your innovations to a targeted audience.
- Understanding Local Ecosystems: Learn about Jiangsu's open industrial scenarios and transformation services, which can help you identify pilot opportunities and local partners.
- Policy Alignment: The conference's focus on 'AI + Manufacturing' reflects national priorities. Aligning your business with these themes can facilitate smoother market entry and potential support.
To maximize the benefits, consider attending the main thematic session and specialized activities, and actively participate in the industry matchmaking events. Prepare to engage with local stakeholders and explore collaboration possibilities.
Conclusion
The 2026 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference is more than a showcase; it is a gateway to China's intelligent manufacturing ecosystem. For foreign founders, it presents a chance to learn, connect, and position their ventures within one of the world's most dynamic industrial markets. Mark your calendar for November 19-21 in Nanjing and prepare to explore the opportunities that Jiangsu and China's intelligent manufacturing sector have to offer.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.